December 6, 1883
“Importance of Bible Study” The Signs of the Times, 9, 46.
E. J. Waggoner
No one will question the statement that those who presume to teach the Scripture should have a good knowledge of them. “For the priest lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth.” This fact is so well establish that dishonest men often take advantage to lead people astray; professing to be Bible teachers, they gain the confidence of those not familiar with the Bible, and palm off upon them the theories of man’s devising, in the place of sacred truth. There are, however, but few, even of those who profess to love the Bible and to be guided by its teachings, who recognize the necessity of a thorough study of the Bible for themselves. It is for this reason that they are so easily deceived by ignorant and unscrupulous men.SITI December 6, 1883, page 547.1
If there were nothing in the Bible itself on this point, our own reason ought to teach us that if the Bible is to be our rule of life, we ought to know for selves. If it is a guide-book to tell us whereabouts we are in the journey toward the celestial city, and to warn us of the dangers and difficulties of the way, certainly everyone who is making the journey needs to be thoroughly acquainted with its contents. It was for this purpose that the Bible was written; the inspired penmen did not write for the benefit of a few, but for all. The way in which it was designed that the Bible should be studied, is thus given by Moses:-SITI December 6, 1883, page 547.2
“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.” Deuteronomy 6:6-8.SITI December 6, 1883, page 547.3
The last part was not to be taken literally, as the Jews afterward supposed: it is a figure to give expression to the note that the sacred truths were to be studied until they would be constantly in the mind, before the eyes, and influence both the thoughts of the head and the actions of the hand. David had the correct the idea of this injunction, for he said: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11. There two points to be noted in this text: 1. “Thy word have by hid in mine heart.” How did he do this? The following verses tell: “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.” Verse 15. Also verses 23, 48, 78. “Mine eyes prevent the night-watches, that I might meditate in thy word.” Verse 148. It was by constant study that David was unable to hide the word in his heart. Any one who reads these verses thoughtfully, will be convinced that David was not content with having a copy of the law in his possession, but that he studied it until he had, as we say, “learned by heart.” How else could he meditate upon it in the night? 2. “That I might not sin against thee.” This is why he studied the word so carefully. A blessing is pronounced on the man who meditates day and night in the law of the Lord (Psalm 1:1, 2); and this blessing consists primarily in the fact that by so doing he is kept from sin. “The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.” Psalm 37:30, 31.SITI December 6, 1883, page 547.4
There is no other way than this brought to view in the Bible, whereby we may be kept from sin. We are to be sanctified through the truth, and it is by obeying it that our lives are purified. Now since none can enter heaven except those who are free from sin, it follows that it is as necessary for lay members to have the word of God in their hearts (not on their tables, or simply in their hands), as it is for preachers of the gospel. Of course the latter will be, from constant exercise, more ready in handling the word than others, but this should be the only difference. We, as a general thing, have not realized the necessity of close, personal study of the Bible. It is our standard; we draw our faith, pure and simple, from its pages; it is that which is to be our “shield and buckler,“ i.e., our defense, in the time of trouble. How important, then, that we make it our constant study.SITI December 6, 1883, page 547.5
The Bible is able not only to make us “wise unto salvation,” but it furnishes the best possible discipline for the mental faculties. The psalmist says: “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding and to the simple.” Psalm 119:130. When Moses was giving his final charge to the children of Israel, he said, “Behold, I have taught you statutes, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that he should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all the statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’” Deuteronomy 4:5, 6. The book of the law was the only book that the Israelites had, yet there were no more shrewd and acute people among the ancients. Even to-day, the Jews, although they have said they have sadly wandered from the ancient landmarks, are the leaders in literature and the arts; and we think that we are safe in saying that their aptness is due to the fact that their ancestors were men who made the law of God there constant study. E. J. W.SITI December 6, 1883, page 547.6
“Bible Study at Healdsburg College” The Signs of the Times, 9, 46.
E. J. Waggoner
The managers of this institution, recognizing the facts briefly mentioned above, determined that this should be a place where education of the true kind might be obtained. To this end there are several classes in the Bible, adapted to the capacity of the various students who attend. At a certain hour in the day, nearly the entire school is engaged in these Bible-classes. Those students who are not of our faith are not required to pursue the study unless they wish to, but most of them do so from choice. There are certain classes engaged in studying Old Testament history, in which those of any denomination can join without scruple.SITI December 6, 1883, page 548.1
Soon after the camp-meeting this fall, an advanced class was started. This class is engaged in purely denominational work. The design is to fit men and women for active duty in the field, especially in the work of holding Bible-readings. At present it consists of thirty-seven members, whose ages range from sixteen to sixty years. The average membership thus far is thirty-four. Of this number, four-fifths will doubtless engage in active missionary work during the coming year. Several of them have already done a good service.SITI December 6, 1883, page 548.2
In this class the different points of our faith are taken up in a systematic manner, from a Bible stand-point, “What does the Bible say?” is the one question constantly before the class. Each student is expected to turn to every passage in which reference is made, and follow the reader. This tends to produce readiness in finding Scripture texts. Questions are asked freely by both teacher and students, until everything is made clear to the minds of all. When a subject has been canvassed in this way, each member of the class is required to give a series of questions such as he would use in presenting the matter to one not of the faith. Quite often students have the privilege of showing the connection between certain texts before the class, or else of presenting it in writing. We hold that when a person knows a thing he can tell it: consequently the ability to state the different points clearly is made the test of knowledge.SITI December 6, 1883, page 548.3
This class, we said, is designed to fit men and women for work in the field; but we believe that it should not be limited to those who expect to leave their homes. As already shown, it is the duty of every one to know the Bible for himself, that he may be protected against the deceptions of Satan. There should be scores engaged in such study where there is one now. Do you say that the process just described is a slow one, and takes too much time? There is no royal road to a knowledge of the Bible any more than to a knowledge of geometry. It is true that the Lord could give us at once a perfect knowledge of the Bible if he wished, but we do not read that he ever did so. He has given us minds, and expects us to use them. He is not in so great need of workmen, that he will employ those who do not use all the means placed in their power. Those who have attained in the eminence as Bible students, and have been leaders in the cause, have become so by hard, unremitting labor. The way is open for others to follow their example.SITI December 6, 1883, page 548.4
But we do not expect any to accomplish this work without the help of the Lord. There is nothing which a person can undertake with so much assurance of divine aid as a study of God’s word. Great results may be accomplished in a short time, if we earnestly and prayerfully apply ourselves to the task. Do not say that you cannot afford the time; our time is given us for no other purpose than to work in the service of God, and to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord. But little of it yet remains, and Satan is mustering his force for a desperate final conflict. It is not enough that we have a sword; we must have it drawn from the scabbard, and sharpened for use. Let us awake, and put on the whole armor of God. E. J. W.SITI December 6, 1883, page 548.5