It
certainly makes sense for one to suggest that man should study the
Bible. The Bible is a revelation of the will of God. This revelation
includes His authoritative commandments which man must obey if he would
please his Creator, and it includes the exceeding great and precious
promises concerning the good things laid up in heaven for the faithful.
(2 Peter 1:3-4.)
We may
observe that every transgression and disobedience receives a just
recompense of reward.
(Heb. 2:2-3.)
He chastens every son whom He receives that strength of character may be
developed.
(Heb. 12:6.)
How could
one carefully examine the profitable word and not be impressed by the
goodness of God? God is love
(1 John 4:8),
and those who would know of His mercy and of His plan for man may learn
from His revealed will.
A FIRM BASIS
Man is
capable of having many similarities to a vicious wild animal, but he is
also capable of being a lively stone in the temple in which God dwells
among men.
(1 Peter 2:5.)
Man can so
follow the example of Christ that purity, unselfishness, and strength of
character can remind us that he was created in the image of God. There
is an indescribable difference in the man most like the wild beast and
the man who best exemplifies the image of his Maker. What is the
difference? One is taught of God. The other follows the leadings of his
carnal animal nature.
The sacred
writings are able to make one wise unto salvation.
(2 Tim. 3:15.)
They
completely furnish man the instruction he so sorely needs, since the way
of man is not in himself.
(Jer. 10:23.)
The way
that seems right unto man may lead to destruction and ruin.
(Prov. 14:12.)
The same
holy scriptures are able to furnish the motivation for the good life.
The goodness of God leads to repentance. We love Him because He first
loved us. The example of the Christ in His life on earth and the love
revealed in His death on the cross draw men to Him. Many have died for
their faith. Many have given all that they might gain Christ and lay
hold on the hope set before them. It follows, as night the day, that
those who have hope, as sons of God, of obtaining the prize of the high
calling of God purify themselves. There is no stronger pull toward
righteousness than that exerted by the gospel of Christ. It is able to
save.
(Rom. 1:16.)
It attracts
one into the way that leads unto life.
Is there
sufficient evidence that the Book is of God? Did the holy men speak as
they were moved by the Spirit of God?
(2 Peter 1:21.)
These men
gave the world the perfect standard of righteousness. They were holy
men, and they said they obtained it by revelation. Would liars write
such a book? Surely they were not pathetically deceived. Would ignorant
men have given such a wonderful standard of behavior? The influence of
the Bible in this scientific age in America is still as wholesome in the
hearts of those who are led by it as it was nineteen hundred years ago
in Palestine. The test of the pudding lies in the tasting. Those who
know most about the Bible appreciate it most. It will bear acquaintance.
When we see the lives most influenced by it, we are led to glorify God.
The well
proven fact of the resurrection, other miracles, fulfilled prophecies,
along with the unity and perfection of the message give us a firm basis
of hope. What more could He do than He has done to give us a written
revelation? No men on their own in any generation could have approached
its perfection.
PLANTING IS NECESSARY
The word is
the seed of the kingdom.
(Luke 8:11.)
America
could have the word, but few there be that find the way that leads to
life.
(Matt. 7:14.)
Many who
have eyes have never read from its pages. Many who could have heard many
sermons were not listening. Their hard hearts were engrossed in arrogant
fulfillment of the lust of the flesh and in the search for money by any
means. Animals they are, and without the wholesome influence of the
powerful word.
Preaching
to some is like casting pearls before swine, while some hunger and
thirst after righteousness so they receive the word with all readiness
of mind. If men have no love for truth, but have their pleasure in
unrighteousness, God will send a strong delusion that they may believe a
lie and be damned.
(2 Thess. 2:10-12.)
The lake of
fire is for the unbelievers as well as for the liars.
(Rev. 21:8.)
The flaming
fire of vengeance is for those who know not God as well as for those who
obey not the gospel.
(2 Thess. 1:8-9.)
Many men
say they appreciate the Bible and believe it to be the word of God, but
they remain babes in knowledge. They evidently do not desire the milk or
the meat of the word. They are without excuse for their lack of skill in
the use of this great discerner of the thoughts and intents of the
heart. Ignorance is alarming even among those who should be teachers.
(Heb. 5:12-13.)
They are
not rooted and grounded, but they are as unstable and as easily tossed
about by the winds of doctrine as the wave of the sea by the winds of
the storm cloud.
(Eph. 4:14.)
The wave is
fastened by nothing. The willingly ignorant are in no position to give
an answer to those who may ask a reason for their hope.
(1 Peter 3:15.)
AWAKE FROM SLEEP
The night
is far spent.
(Rom. 13: 11-12.)
It is high
time for America to awake to righteousness. The atomic bomb is not the
only thing that can destroy America. The increasing number of burning,
looting, angry anarchists can do it. It may now be too late to preserve
this land as a land of opportunity for the free. It is not too late to
try to save it.
The gospel
was not given to make America or any other country great. Christ came to
seek and save the lost.
(Luke 19:10.)
The gospel
is God's power to salvation, but, as a by-product, Christians receive a
hundred fold in this life. Their righteous lives are as the saving and
lighting influence in a crooked and perverse nation.
(Phil. 2:15.)
This nation
needs salt.
Let more
people meditate on the law day and night.
(Psa. 1:2.)
This is our way up from the gutter in which we now find ourselves. The
church is in distress, the nation is in confusion, and the world is in
turmoil. What can help? The profitable word always leads to the abundant
life here and here after. It is the word of God. "O the depth of the
riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his
judgments, and hiss ways past finding out!"
(Rom. 11:33.)
We need to open our eyes that we may behold wondrous things in His law.
Is there anything more important for us?
Other Articles
by Irven Lee
Ruling With Love
Attitudes Leading to Apostasy
Discipline in the Home
Terms of Membership