Scripture as God's Gift of Light for Our Learning

The Scriptures were given to us for our learning—God's gift of light to a dark world when it had lost its way and was groping for the wall like the blind. Consider three dimensions of this learning. First, as an intellectual gift, the Scriptures answer mankind's deepest inquiries about the origin and history of the world in ways that satisfy the reasoning mind. Second, for our moral education, they illuminate the strange contrarieties of good and evil found within human nature, and how we remain conscious of unextinguishable aspirations after a higher, unseen life even while bound by present influences. Third, the Scriptures teach us concerning God Himself. As Paul wrote, "The world by wisdom knew not God." Our minds pant for knowledge of Him in His relations as parent, benefactor, and judge—yet this knowledge must come from God alone. Neither nature, reason, observation, nor conscience could have revealed it.

Beyond learning, the Scriptures afford patience and comfort to the troubled soul, giving us hope. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God—that mighty revelation of the unseen world yet to be revealed. David knew this warrant when he backed his petitions with the refrain, "according to Thy Word." The Scriptures were given for precisely this end. We must approach them with deep reverence, receiving them not as the word of man but as the Word of God Himself. With diligence and earnest effort, treasuring them as great spoil, we shall find what we earnestly seek.