Basic HTML Version
Do Not Merely Read the Scriptures, but Search, April 16
You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and
these are they which testify of Me.
John 5:39
, NKJV.
We are thankful that we have a sure word of prophecy, so that none of us need
be deceived. We know that there are heresies and fables in our world at the present
time, and we want to know what is truth. It becomes us to search carefully for
ourselves that we may gain this knowledge. We cannot do this with a mere reading
of the Scriptures, but we must compare scripture with scripture.
We must search the Scriptures for ourselves, so that we shall not be led astray;
and while many may be led astray because there are all kinds of doctrines in our
world, there is one truth. Many may come to you and tell you that they have the
truth, but it is your privilege to search the Scriptures for yourself. “To the law and
to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no
light in them.” We must be acquainted with the Scriptures ourselves, that we may
understand the true reason of the hope that is within us.
The apostle tells us that we are to give to everyone that asks us a reason of the
hope that is within us, with meekness and fear. “The entrance of thy words giveth
light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” It is not enough to merely read,
but the Word of God must enter into our hearts and our understanding, in order
that we may be established in the blessed truth. If we should neglect to search the
Scriptures for ourselves, that we may know what is truth, then if we are led astray
we are accountable for it. We must search the Scriptures carefully, so that we will
know every condition that the Lord has given us; and if we have minds of limited
capacity, by diligently searching the Word of God we may become mighty in the
Scriptures, and may explain them to others.
Every church that shall be raised up ... should be educated in regard to this
truth. “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few.” The teachers that shall
present the truth cannot stand by you to see that you do not embrace the errors that
are flooding our land; but if you are established in the Scriptures, you will feel the
responsibility and will search the Scriptures for yourselves, so that you may be a
help to others.—
The Review and Herald, April 3, 1888
.
[117]
117