Basic HTML Version
326
From Here to Forever
Many claim that it matters not what one believes, if his life is
only right. But the life is molded by the faith. If truth is within reach
and we neglect it, we virtually reject it, choosing darkness rather
than light.
Ignorance is no excuse for error or sin, when there is every
opportunity to know the will of God. A man traveling comes to a
place where there are several roads and a signpost indicating where
each one leads. If he disregards the sign and takes whichever road
seems to be right, he may be sincere, but will in all probability find
himself on the wrong road.
The First and Highest Duty
It is not enough to have good intentions, to do what a man thinks
is right or what the minister tells him is right. He should search the
Scriptures for himself. He has a chart pointing out every waymark
on the heavenward journey, and he ought not to guess at anything.
It is the first and highest duty of every rational being to learn
from the Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk in the light and
encourage others to follow his example. We are to form our opinions
for ourselves as we are to answer for ourselves before God.
Learned men, with a pretence of great wisdom, teach that the
[365]
Scriptures have a secret, spiritual meaning not apparent in the lan-
guage employed. These men are false teachers. The language of the
Bible should be explained according to its obvious meaning, unless
a symbol or figure is employed. If men would but take the Bible as
it reads, a work would be accomplished that would bring into the
fold of Christ thousands now wandering in error.
Many a Scripture which learned men pass over as unimportant is
full of comfort to him who has been taught in the school of Christ.
An understanding of Bible truth depends not so much on the power
of intellect brought to the search as on the singleness of purpose, the
earnest longing after righteousness.
Results of Neglect of Prayer and Bible Study
The Bible should never be studied without prayer. The Holy
Spirit alone can cause us to feel the importance of things easy to be