Science of Salvation the First of Sciences
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Bible clear, in bringing out the force of Christ’s lessons; but it is not
positively necessary to know these things. The way-faring man may
find the pathway cast up for the ransomed to walk in, and there will be
no excuse found for any one who perishes through misapprehension
of the Scriptures.
In the Bible every vital principle is declared, every duty made plain,
every obligation made evident. The whole duty of man is summed up
by the Saviour. He says, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.... Thou shalt love
thy neighbor as thyself.” [
Matthew 13:37, 39
.] In the word the plan
of salvation is plainly delineated. The gift of eternal life is promised
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on condition of saving faith in Christ. The drawing power of the Holy
Spirit is pointed out as an agent in the work of man’s salvation. The
rewards of the faithful, the punishment of the guilty, are all laid out in
clear lines. The Bible contains the science of salvation for all those
who will hear and do the words of Christ.
The apostle says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and
is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly
furnished unto all good works.” [
2 Timothy 3:16, 17
.] The Bible is its
own expositor. One passage will prove to be a key that will unlock
other passages, and in this way light will be shed upon the hidden
meaning of the word. By comparing different texts treating on the
same subject, viewing their bearing on every side, the true meaning of
the Scriptures will be made evident.
Many think that they must consult commentaries on the Scriptures
in order to understand the meaning of the word of God, and we would
not take the position that commentaries should not be studied; but it
will take much discernment to discover the truth of God under the
mass of the words of men. How little has been done by the church
as a body professing to believe the Bible, to gather up the scattered
jewels of God’s word into one perfect chain of truth? The jewels of
truth do not lie upon the surface, as many suppose. The master mind
in the confederacy of evil is ever at work to keep the truth out of sight,
and to bring into full view the opinions of great men. The enemy is
doing all in his power to obscure heaven’s light through educational
processes; for he does not mean that men shall hear the voice of the
Lord, saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” [
Isaiah 30:21
.]
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