1913

January 1, 1913

The Wonderful Gift of His Word

EGW 

God designs that the plan of redemption shall come to His people as the latter rain; for they are fast losing their connection with God. They are trusting in man, and glorifying man, and their strength is proportionate to the strength of their dependence. Some matters have been opened before me which will be fulfilled ere long. We are to know more than we do at the present time. We are to comprehend the deep things of God. There are themes to be dwelt upon which are worthy of more than passing notice. Angels have desired to look into the truths which are revealed to the people who are searching God's word and with contrite hearts praying for wisdom, for greater lengths and breadths and heights of that knowledge which God alone can give. BTS January 1, 1913, par. 1

Hundreds of commentaries have been written upon the gospel by men who are called great, and as we near the closing scenes of this earth's history still more wonderful representations will be made. We need to study the scriptures with humble, contrite hearts. Those who will devote their powers to the study of God's word, and especially the prophecies referring to these last days, will be rewarded by the discovery of important truths. The last book of the New Testament scriptures is full of truths that need to be understood. Satan has blinded the eyes of men, and they have been glad of any excuse for not making a study of this book. Here Christ has declared through His servant John what shall be in the last days. BTS January 1, 1913, par. 2

Every Bible student should study these prophecies with diligence. As we search the scriptures, the character of Christ will appear in its infinite perfection. He is the one in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. He is eternal life to all who will eat His flesh and drink His blood. Those who will look to Him may be healed of the serpent's sting; for He is the sin-bearer, the only remedy for sin. By beholding Him, we may become changed into the same image. Nothing must interpose between the soul and God. Faith, love, adoration, are to grow in the soul of the student. We are in possession of the richest treasures of truth, and if we follow on to know the Lord, we shall have a large field in which to work. The word records the deeds of mercy and the wonderful restoring power of Jesus. With aching hearts we read of His sorrow because of the sins we have committed. We may learn, too, how through His suffering and sacrifice in our behalf, we may be complete in Him. Inspiration tells the story which is of more importance to us than all human learning, however broad and deep. BTS January 1, 1913, par. 3

“This is life eternal,” Christ said, “That they might know Thee, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent. Why do we not realize the value of this knowledge. Why are not these glorious truths glowing in our hearts, trembling upon our lips, and pervading our whole being. BTS January 1, 1913, par. 4

In giving us His word, God has put us in possession of every truth essential to our salvation. The storehouse of the unsearchable riches of Christ is open to heart and mind. Thousands of men and women have drawn from the wells of salvation yet there is no diminishing of the supply. Thousands have set the Lord before them and by beholding have been changed into the same image. Their spirit burns within them as they speak of His character, telling what Jesus is to them, and what they are to Jesus. But these men have not exhausted the grand and holy themes. Thousands more may engage in the work of searching out the mysteries of salvation. The life of Christ and the character of His mission may be dwelt upon, and rays of light will shine forth more distinctly at every attempt to discover truth. Each fresh search will reveal something more deeply interesting than has yet been unfolded. The subject is inexhaustible. The study of the incarnation of Christ, His atoning sacrifice and mediatorial work, will employ the mind of the diligent student as long as time shall last, and looking to heaven with its unnumbered years, he will exclaim, “Great is the mystery of godliness.” BTS January 1, 1913, par. 5