Questions And Answers


                                             

           


           How To Understand

 

                        

                    The Bible

 

What did Christ say concerning the study of the scriptures?

 

     “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” 

John 5:39

 

Comment-The scriptures are the Old and New Testament of the Bible.

 

For what were the Bereans commended?

 

     “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” 

Acts 17:11

 

Comment- “If God's word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose that is rarely seen in these times.      

     But there is but little benefit derived from a hasty reading of the Scriptures. One may read the whole Bible through, and yet fail to see its beauty or comprehend its deep and hidden meaning. One passage studied until its significance is clear to the mind, and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive instruction gained. Keep your Bible with you. As you have opportunity, read it; fix the texts in your memory. Even while you are walking the streets, you may read a passage, and meditate upon it, thus fixing it in the mind.”

 

By What Comparison is it indicated that some portions of God’s Word are more difficult to understand than others?

 

     “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” 

Hebrews 5:12

 

In what way is this comparison further explained?

 

     For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 

     ‘But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.’ 

Hebrews 5:13-14

 

What writings are specifically mentioned as containing some things difficult to understand?

 

      “And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 

     As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 

2 Peter 3:15-16

 

Comment-While some passages are too plain to be misunderstood, others demand careful and patient study. Like the precious metal concealed in the hills and mountains, its gems of truth are to be searched out, and stored in the mind for future use. 

     The Bible is its own expositor. Scripture is to be compared with scripture. The student should learn to view the word as a whole and to see the relation of its parts. He should gain a knowledge of its grand central theme-- of God's original purpose for the world, of the rise of the great controversy, and of the work of redemption.

     There must be careful research and prayerful reflection. And such study will be richly repaid.

 

What did Christ say concerning the book of Daniel?

 

     “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) “

Matthew 24:15

 

What other book of the Bible is especially commended for our study?

 

      “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”

Revelation 1:3

 

What is one purpose for which the Holy spirit was sent?

 

              “But the Comforter, which is 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

 

For what spiritual enlightenment should everyone pray?

 

              “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”  Psalms 119:18

 

Upon what condition is an understanding of divine things promised?

 

               “Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 

       If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 

         Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. 

         For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 

         He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.” 

Proverbs 2:3-7

 

What is promised to him who wills to do God’s will?

 

       “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” 

John 7:17

 

Comment- It is proper to repeat again and again the eternal truth that if any man will search the word of God for light, with a heart fully submitted to do the will of God as it is revealed to him, that man will receive light.

 

When asked by the rich young man the conditions of eternal life to what did Jesus direct his attention?

 

                 “He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?” 

Luke 10:26

 

Comment- The Jews of Christ’s day called the first five books of the Bible, which were written by Moses, “the Law.”

 

What are the Scriptures able to do for one who believes them?

 

       “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

2 Timothy 3:15

 

What great blessing did Jesus confer upon His disciples after His resurrection?

 

       “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures .” 

Luke 24:45

 

How did Christ reprove those who, though familiar with the letter of the Scriptures, failed to understand them?

 

        “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” 

Matthew 22:29

 

Whom did Jesus pronounce blessed?

 

       “But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.”  Luke 11:28