The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church

Encountering Difficulties

Many are surprised when they experience difficulties in their study of the Bible. Some have complained about this, and felt that the Lord should have made everything so plain that anyone could understand His word without any question whatsoever. In reasoning thus, however, such people overlook one important consideration, and that is, that if everyone could understand everything in the Sacred Scriptures, it would indicate that a mind no higher than theirs was the author of the Sacred Oracles. The fact that there are what appear to be difficulties to us, is rather one evidence of the divine authorship of the Holy Writings. The word itself bears every evidence that a divine mind was the author of the Divine Word. God’s thoughts as well as His ways are far above ours. Through the prophet of old He declared: BSPC 56.1

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9. BSPC 56.2

We read: BSPC 56.3

“There are many things apparently difficult or obscure which God will make plain and simple to those who thus seek an understanding of them.”—Testimonies for the Church 5:704. BSPC 56.4

“The word of God, like the character of its Author, presents mysteries that can never be fully comprehended by finite beings. But God has given in the Scriptures sufficient evidence of their divine authority.... True, He has not removed the possibility of doubt; faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstration; those who wish to doubt have opportunity; but those who desire to know the truth will find ample ground for faith.”—Education, 169. BSPC 56.5

We can rest assured that God has revealed in His word everything essential to our salvation, and we may know also that He has permitted certain mysteries in the Holy Scriptures to test our faith and our confidence in Him. BSPC 56.6