Spalding and Magan Collection

Bible Teaching in our Schools

A revival in Bible study is needed throughout the world. Attention is to be called, not to the assertions of men, but to the Word of God. As this is done, a mighty work will be wrought. When God declared that his word should not return unto him, void, he meant all that he said. The gospel is to be preached to all nations. The Bible is to be opened to the people. A knowledge of God is the highest education, and it will cover the earth with its wonderful truth as the waters cover the sea. SpM 141.3

The Bible is to be the great text-book of education; for it carries in every page the evidence of the truth. The study of God's Word is to take the place of the study of books that have led minds away from the truth. SpM 141.4

In every school that God has established there will be, as never before, a demand for Bible instruction. Our students are to be educated to become Bible workers, and Bible teachers can do a most wonderful work if they will themselves learn from the great Teacher. SpM 142.1

God's Word is true philosophy, true science. Human opinions and sensational preaching amount to very little. These who are imbued with the Word of God can teach it in the same simple way in which Christ taught it. Too much depends upon the opening of the Scriptures to those in darkness, for us to use one word that can not be readily understood. With all their learning many of those who claim to teach the higher education do not know what they are talking about. The highest education is that which he made so plain as to be understood by the common people. The greatest Teacher the world ever knew used the simplest language and the plainest symbols. SpM 142.2

The Lord calls upon his shepherds to feed the flock of God with pure provender. He would have us present the truth in the simplicity line upon line, precept upon precept, here is a little and there a little. When this work is done faithfully many will be convicted and converted by the Holy Spirit. There is need of workers who will come close to unbelievers, not waiting for unbelievers to come close to them, workers who will search for the lost sheep, who will do personal labor, and who will give clear, definite instruction. SpM 142.3

It should be the aim of our schools to provide the best instruction and training for the Bible workers. Our Conference should see that the schools are provided with teachers who are thorough Bible teachers and who have a deep Christian experience. The best ministerial talent should be brought into our schools, and the salaries of these teachers should be paid from the tithe. SpM 142.4

At the same time the churches have a part to act. They should see that those who ought to receive the benefits, should attend the school. They should assist worthy persons who have not the means to obtain an education. SpM 142.5

If our church members were awake, they would multiply their resources; they would send men and women to our schools, not to go through a long course of study, but to learn quickly, and go out into the field. Through a vital connection with God, men and women may quickly gain a knowledge of that great text-book, the Word of God, and go forth to impart what they have received. SpM 142.6

Let workers enter the field without going through many preliminaries. Teach them that they are to walk humbly with God, and to begin labor just where they see it is needed. Thus our working force may be greatly increased. SpM 142.7

A great work is being done in medical missionary lines, and its necessities are constantly making themselves felt; but this work need not absorb the funds required in other lines. The medical missionary work, if rightly managed, may be made largely self-sustaining. Let our conferences and our churches see that our youth are educated in the Scriptures: for the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. SpM 142.8

E. G. White