Living In The Light

June 27, The Most Compelling Education, Pt. 1

“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.”
—John 5:39, 40 LL 189.1

The Word of God presents the most potent means of education, as well as the most valuable source of knowledge, within the reach of human beings. The understanding adapts itself to the dimensions of the subjects with which it is required to deal. If occupied with trivial, common-place matters only, never summoned to earnest effort to comprehend great and eternal truths, it becomes dwarfed and enfeebled. Hence the value of the Scriptures as a means of intellectual culture. Their perusal, in a reverent and teachable spirit, will expand and strengthen the mind as no other study can. They lead directly to the contemplation of the most exalted, the most ennobling, and the most stupendous truths that are presented to the minds of men and women. They direct our thoughts to the infinite Author of all things. We see revealed the character of the Eternal, and listen to His voice as He communes with patriarchs and prophets. We see explained the mysteries of His providence, the great problems which have engaged the attention of every thoughtful mind, but which, without the aid of revelation, human intellect seeks in vain to solve. They open to our understanding a simple yet sublime system of theology, presenting truths which a child may grasp, but which are yet so far-reaching as to baffle the powers of the strongest mind. . . . LL 189.2

In the Scriptures are presented truths that relate especially to our own time. To the period just prior to the appearing of the Son of Man, the prophecies of Scripture point, and here their warnings and threatenings pre-eminently apply. The prophetic periods of Daniel, extending to the very eve of the great consummation, throw a flood of light upon events then to transpire. The book of Revelation is also replete with warning and instruction for the last generation. . . . None need remain in ignorance, none need be unprepared for the coming of the day of God. LL 189.3

It is not enough to have an intellectual knowledge of the truth. This alone cannot give the light and understanding essential to salvation. There must be an entrance of the Word into the heart. It must be set home by the power of the Holy Spirit. — Review and Herald, September 25, 1883. LL 189.4

Further Reflection: : Why is intellectual knowledge alone inadequate to save us? LL 189.5