The Scriptures A Safeguard - The Great Controversy, Chapter 37

Welcome to The Scriptures A Safeguard chapter of The Great Controversy eBook

In Short:

• Every statement and every miracle must be tested by the Holy Scriptures.

To the law and to the testimony. If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:20.

• Events connected with the close of probation and the work of preparation for the time of trouble are clearly presented.

When God sends warnings to people so important that they are represented as proclaimed by Holy angels flying in the midst of heaven, He requires every person endowed with reasoning powers to heed the message.

Nevertheless, the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:3.

Since Christ's time

The leading men of priesthood and nation were determined to condemn His teachings. 

Though they could not but feel the influence of the Divine power and wisdom attending His words, yet they encased themselves in prejudice.

Moreover, they rejected the clearest evidence of his Messiahship, lest they should be forced to become His disciples.

Christ had a prophetic view of the work of exalting human authority to rule the conscience, which has been so terrible a curse to the church in all ages.

His fearful denunciations of the scribes and Pharisees, and His warnings to the people not to follow these blind leaders, were placed on record as an admonition to future generations.

The Romish Church reserves to the clergy the right to interpret the Scriptures. On the ground that ecclesiastics alone are competent to explain God's Word, it is withheld from the common people.

Though the Reformation gave the Scriptures to all, yet the same principle which was maintained by Rome prevents multitudes in Protestant churches from searching the Bible for themselves.

They are taught to accept its teachings as interpreted by the church. There are thousands who dare receive nothing, however plainly revealed in Scripture, that is contrary to their creed, or the established teaching of their church.

The spirit which actuated those priests and rulers is still manifested by many who make a high profession of piety.

They refuse to examine the testimony of the Scriptures concerning the special truths for this time.

They point to their own numbers, wealth, and popularity, and look with contempt upon the advocates of truth as few, poor, and unpopular having a faith that separates them from the world.

Not honoring God

It is impossible for us, with the Bible within our reach, to honor God by erroneous opinions.

The life is moulded by the faith. If light and truth are within our reach, and we neglect to improve the privilege of hearing and seeing it, we virtually reject it. Thus we are choosing darkness rather than light.

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs 16:25.

Ignorance is no excuse for error or sin, when there is every opportunity to know the will of God.

God has given us His Word that we may become acquainted with its teachings, and know for ourselves what He requires of us.

When the lawyer came to Jesus with the inquiry : What shall I do to inherit eternal life?

The Savior referred him to Scriptures: What is written in the law? How readest thou?

One's salvation is at stake and she/he should search the Scriptures for themselves. 

Moreover, it is their highest duty as rational beings to learn from the Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk in the light.

The language of the Bible should be explained according to its obvious meaning, unless a symbol or figure is employed. 

Christ has given the promise: 

If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine. John 7:17.

Truth Teachers

The Comforter, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26.

But the teachings of Christ must previously have been stored in the mind, in order for the Spirit of God to bring them to our remembrance in the time of peril.

Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11.

Therefore, we need to be guided by the Spirit of truth. Moreover, to humble ourselves before the Lord with fasting and prayer, and to meditate much upon His Word.

We should now seek a deep and living experience in the things of God.