Luke 21:8

Christian, Be Not Deceived!

CHAPTER I.

HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE.

"Multum in parvo," or much in little, may be discerned, written with the divine imprint across each verse of Scripture, for nothing is unimportant in all of God's works and words. The Bible is not a heterogeneous assemblage of verses on history and isolated doctrines, it is a book of principles dealing with eternal realities so necessary for the child of God to understand in these last days.

We learn the arts or the sciences by commencing with the rudimentary things, going on from the simple to the profound, from the known to the unknown. After much patient study one gradually learns to absorb facts as the mind adjusts itself to them. Should it be thought that the Bible which teaches the grandest of all sciences–the science of salvation–may be more easily understood, and does not require the same faithful study and meditation necessary to master other subjects?

To know the Bible we should read it often until we become familiar with its contents. Some read the Bible without thoroughly grasping the import of what they read. In 2 Pet. 3:16 we are told that in some portions of the Scriptures there 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." However, the way of salvation is made simple and plain. The Bible makes it clear that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, and that salvation may be obtained only through the substitutionary death of Christ. These essential facts are clearly stated again and again in different ways, and most understand these teachings of Scripture better than the prophecies. It is in the prophetic portions of Holy Writ that difficulties are encountered. These should be read in the fear of God—for by wrong interpretations some have been blinded to the Third Angel's Message. The prophecies of the Bible contain marvelous light for the lover of God who delves deeply into the Scriptures, but they are not to be understood by casual readers. The importance of prophecy is stressed in 2 Pet. 1:19, "We have a more sure word of prophecy whereunto ye do well that ye take heed."

Upon the rudiments of salvation many people agree; it is in the interpretation of the prophecies that disagreements are prolific. This should not discourage the study of the predictions of Scripture, but stir us to seek God's guidance to ascertain their true meanings. "For prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Pet. 1:21. As the writers of the prophecies were "moved by the Holy Ghost" in making their predictions, it is very evident that in order to understand them we, too, must be "moved by the Holy Ghost."

When Jesus promised the Holy Spirit He called that Spirit "the Spirit of truth." John 14:17; 15:26. "Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come." John 16:13. Jesus informs us that the work of the Spirit in guiding us into "all truth" is to show us "things to come." The prophetic element enters into the wonderful ministry of the Spirit of God. And if we would be guided into "all truth" we need to follow the leadings of the Spirit, for only as we follow His guidance are we assured of being shown the things which are "to come."

In order to receive the Holy Spirit's guidance in our study of the prophetic portions of the Scriptures we must first be obedient to God. Notice Acts 5:32: "The Holy Ghost, Whom God hath given to them that obey Him." Many err by seeking to know the prophecies without first yielding to the call of God. Observe the following verses:

"The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him." Ps. 25:14. "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye." Ps. 32:8. "Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." Ps. 73:24. "And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord." Isa. 54:13. "For his God doth instruct him to discretion and doth teach him." Isa. 28:26. These, and many other Scriptures, state that God will teach those who seek to know His will and who endeavor to obey His voice. If we desire to obtain light on the prophecies in order to know and to do God's will better, then we shall be taught of God. But if we study these holy utterances only to satisfy our curiosity regarding the future so that events are like passing mileposts of material interest along the highway of life, and if we do not live a life of obedience to God, we will never grasp the deeper, spiritual depths which are reserved for those who fear the Lord. Jesus declared: "If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine." John 7:17. Thus the Master gives the essential for the acquisition of the knowledge of true doctrine—namely, the consummate passion to know God's will at whatever the cost, and to do whatever is revealed.

It should be regarded as certain that interpretations of prophecies which do not set forth in clearer light the gospel of Christ are not God-inspired. Interpretations of prophecies which do not find their centre in Jesus as the Saviour, or as the Destroyer of evil, are wrong applications of Scripture.

The Jewish religionists were masters in the outside knowledge of the Bible, yet, with all their reading of the Old Testament, they did not understand the prophecies. In Acts 13:27 Paul declared,

"For all they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew Him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning Him." Because they knew not Jesus they misread the prophecies of the Old Testament.

"The Jewish leaders had studied the teachings of the prophets concerning the kingdom of the Messiah; but they had done this, not with a sincere desire to know the truth, but with the purpose of finding evidence to sustain their ambitious hopes." D.A. 212.

In the old sanctuary, and later in the temple of the Jews, only those dedicated to the holy office of the priesthood were permitted to view the wonderful glories to be seen within the sacred edifice. And only those whose lives are dedicated to God are permitted to see the inner beauties of the temple of Scripture. Said Jesus to the Jewish leaders: "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me." John 5:39, 46.

The New Testament shows how Jesus brought fulfillment to the Old Testament predictions. The first words we read in Matthew's Gospel direct our minds back to the prophecies which were given to David and Abraham. While Solomon was the son who sat upon David's throne in the days immediately following the prediction, the longer and the real fulfillment is to be fulfilled by "a greater than Solomon." Matt. 12:42. The peacefulness and the wisdom of the earlier part of Solomon's reign when people came from afar to learn of him, find their larger application in Christ. David was to have a son who would sit upon his throne. 2 Sam. 7:12, 13, 16; Luke 1:32, 33. Abraham was promised a son who would be the channel of blessing. Isaac was the immediate fulfillment; but Isaac prefigured the greater fulfillment in Jesus Who, through His church, blesses the world. Gal. 3:16, 29; 4:28. The Old Testament prophecies which set forth the coming of the sons of Abraham and David are concentrated in the first verse of Matthew. Thus, from its commencement, the New Testament takes the things of the Old Testament and applies them in connection with Christ and His work of redemption. Christ and His salvation is the central theme of the Bible, and to make plain the way of salvation was the sole purpose for which the Scriptures were written. As the sun is reflected in each of the millions of dew-drops so Jesus, the Light of the world, shines forth in every verse of the Bible.

"In every page, whether history, or precept. or prophecy, the Old Testament Scriptures are irradiated with the glory of the Son of God. So far as it was of divine institution, the entire system of Judaism was a compacted prophecy of the gospel. To Christ give all the prophets witness.' " (Acts 10:43.) D.A. 211.

Failing to read the prophecies in the light of Christ's work of salvation caused the Jews to misunderstand the prophecies they knew so well. Unless our interpretations of the prophecies reveal Christ we, too, will fail to grasp their true meaning.

"SPIRITUAL THINGS ARE SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED."

By inspiration Paul wrote that men unenlightened by God can never understand the Scriptures. He said: "But the natural man receiveth not the things of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor. 2:14.

One may be able to read the words of the Bible in the original languages, but this is not sufficient to enable the most educated mind not yielded to Christ to understand the full illumination of Scripture, which comes through the gracious ministry of the Holy Spirit. Before Paul accepted Christ, with all his knowledge of the Bible, he really did not understand it. He persecuted the followers of Jesus in ignorance. See 1 Tim. 1:13.

God has declared: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence." 1 Cor. 1:19-29. A brain which has been dedicated to the acquisition of knowledge pertaining to this present life can never understand that which belongs to another realm. Paul stresses the fact that without the continued operation of the Holy Spirit upon the human mind the things of the kingdom of God will never be understood. "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." I Cor. 2:9. Then Paul proceeds to show that these "things which God hath prepared for them that love Him" are revealed to the believer: "But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." The illuminations of the Spirit are granted to those who are obedient to God, thus enabling them to see "the deep things of God." The keenest unspiritual mind touches the surface, but cannot penetrate into "the deep things of God."

"The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. ... Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teacheth,: but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." 1 Cor. 2:11-13. As it is necessary to be born again in order to enter the kingdom of God, so the deeper knowledge of the things of His kingdom comes only to those whose lives are wholly dedicated to Him. God's servant has well said: "The soul that turns to God for its help, its support, its power, by daily, earnest prayer, will have noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth and duty." Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings, p. 127.

This fact is expressed in the wonderful promise which Jesus gave on the eve of His departure from this world back to His Father's throne in glory. He said: "He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he shall be . loved of My Father, and I will love him and will manifest Myself to him," John 14:21. “Blessed, indeed, is the communion of the obedient soul with Christ. He has promised: "I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." Rev. 3:20.

Only those who are careful to obey all the commandments of God are assured of knowing the inner secrets of the kingdom of God. As the hymn writer states it: "None but Zion's children know." God and His Son will manifest themselves by the revelations of the Holy Spirit to those who love God enough to obey His voice.

It is by prayer and the study of the Bible that we obtain power to resist evil; to go contrary to our natural inclinations. As we bend our energies to submit our wills to God's commands our characters grow in strength, and spiritual discernment increases as character develops. Those who refuse to feed the carnal desires and who lay hold on to the power of Christ to transform the life, will know more of the things of the spiritual realm explained in the Bible than those who endeavor to serve both God and the world. Jesus declared:, "If thine eye be single thy whole body shall be full of light."Matt 6:22. As we cultivate the natural desires, the things of Satan's kingdom–pride, selfishness and worldliness–we learn to understand more about the things of time and sense; but as we cultivate resistance to the things of the world which rejected God as its Lord and crucified Christ, the mind grows more and more spiritually inclined, and understands more and more the meaning of the divine things contained in the Scriptures.

It is not a mere coincidence that the two men who had the deepest and clearest light of all the New Testament writers were those who had personal, intimate communion with Christ. To Paul, who had "the abundance of the revelations" (2 Cor. 12:7) Christ appeared personally on the road to Damascus. Acts 9:4-6. Paul spent three years (Gal. 1:15-18) in communion with Christ studying the meaning of the Old Testament predictions, the words of which he knew so well, but the real meaning of which he did not grasp until he saw their fulfillment in Jesus.

At the Lord's Supper, held in the upper room the evening before Christ's crucifixion, we have a picture of the close association of John and Jesus. John is not only described as the disciple "whom Jesus loved" (John 13: 23, 27) but also as the one "leaning on Jesus' bosom." Peter knew that a close bond–a spiritual tie–linked Jesus and John. "Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom He spake. He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto Him, "Lord, who is it?" John 13:25. When John asked Jesus the question the answer was given. Jesus selected John to reveal the most wonderful, the most spiritual book of the New Testament—the Book of Revelation. "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him." Those who love the Lord the most and who are ever seeking to grow more like Him, even if they lack academic degrees, will have a clearer knowledge of the prophecies than the better educated who do not love and fear the Lord. This does not mean that God will not reveal clear light to those with scholastic attainments. Ignorance is never to be coveted; nor is it to be a cloak for superstition or laziness; neither is learning to be substituted for the unction of the Holy Spirit, through Whom, alone, can be understood the spiritual things of God.

To appreciate the arts and the sciences one must be trained. And to understand spiritual things one must be trained spiritually. As Christ declared to Nicodemus: "Except a man be born of the water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said, Ye must be born again." John 3:5-7. It is a true saying that "the humble saint can see further upon his knees than the philosopher can see upon his tip-toes." Of course, if the saint is also a philosopher he will see further than the saint who is not a philosopher. Our constant effort must be to combine education with prayer and a life of obedience to God's will.

Daniel's Stirling spiritual qualities made him a man greatly beloved of God. The angel who gave him the visions addressed him as, "Daniel, a man greatly beloved." Dan. 10:11, 19; 9:23. This thrice-repeated designation shows the reason why he was selected by God to reveal the wonderful prophecies found in his book. John the beloved, and Daniel the beloved, were the ones selected by Heaven as mediums through whom were given the amazing predictions which are found in their books.

One commentator (Benson) has well observed concerning the Book of Revelation: "The Revelation was not written without tears, neither without tears will it be understood." This spirit of humility and devotion to God is necessary in our experience if we would understand the inner, spiritual truths of all the Bible.

Jesus promised: "When He, the Spirit of truth, is come,, He will guide you into all truth." We cannot approach unto the holy ground, of Biblical knowledge without first removing the shoes of our sins and worldliness. We must be in the right spiritual condition to understand spiritual things. "The Bible should never be studied without prayer. The Holy Spirit alone can cause us to feel the importance of those things easily understood, or prevent us from wresting truths difficult of comprehension." G.C. 599.

The Lord's servant has written: "The perception and appreciation of truth, He [Jesus] said, depends less upon the mind than upon the heart. Truth must be received into the soul; it claims the homage of the will. If truth could be submitted to the reason alone, pride would be no hindrance in the way of its reception. But it is to be received through the work of grace in the heart; and its reception depends upon the renunciation of every sin that the Spirit of God reveals. Man's advantages for obtaining a knowledge of the truth, however great these may be, will prove of no benefit to him unless the heart is open to receive the truth, and there is a conscientious surrender of every habit and practice that is opposed to its principles. To those who thus yield themselves to God, having an honest desire to know and to do His will, the truth is revealed as the power of God for their salvation." Desire of Ages, p. 455.

“Only those who love and fear God can understand the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven." P.K. 516.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom:, a good understanding have all they that do his Commandments." Ps. 111:10.

Concerning the understanding of last-day prophecies, the prophecy and the promise is given: "None of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." Dan. 12:10.