The Scriptures And Sin # 1

 The Scriptures And Sin # 1

There is grave reason to believe that much Bible reading and Bible study of the last few years has been of no spiritual profit to those who engaged in it. Yes, we go further; we greatly fear that in many instances it has proved a curse rather than a blessing. This is strong language , we are well aware, yet no stronger than the case calls for. Divine gifts may be misused, and Divine mercies abused. That this has been so in the present instance, is evident by the fruits produced. Even the natural man may (and often does) take up the study of the sciences. Where this is the case, his store of knowledge is increased, and so also is his pride. Like a scientist engaged in making interesting experiments, the intellectual searcher of the Word is quite elated when he makes some discovery in it; but the joy of the latter is no more spiritual than would be that of the former. Again, just as the successes of the scientist generally increase his sense of self-importance and cause him to look with disdain upon others less knowledgeable than himself- so alas, is it often the case with those who have investigated Bible numerics, typology, prophecy, and other such subjects.

The Word of God may be taken up from various motives. Some read it to satisfy their literary pride. In certain circles it has become both the respectable and popular thing to obtain a general acquaintance with the contents of the Bible, simply because it is regarded as an educational defect to be ignorant of them. Some read it to satisfy their sense of curiosity, as they might any other book of note. Others read it to satisfy their sectarian pride. They consider it a duty to be well versed in the particular tenets of their own denomination and so search eagerly for proof-texts of their own denomination and so read it for the purpose of being able to argue successfully with those who differ from them. But in all this, there is no thought of God, no yearning for spiritual edification - and therefore no real benefit to the soul.

Of what, then, does a true profiting from the Word consist? Does not 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 furnish a clear answer to our question? There we read, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Observe what is here omitted: the Holy Scriptures are given us not for intellectual gratification or carnal speculation, but to furnish unto "every good work," and that by teaching, reproving and correcting us. Let us endeavor to amplify this by the help of other passages.

1. An individual is spiritually profited when the Word convicts him of sin. This is the first office to reveal our depravity, to expose our vileness, to make known our wickedness. A man's moral life may be irreproachable, and his dealings with his fellows may be faultless; but when the Holy Spirit applies the Word to his heart and conscience, opening his sin-blinded eyes to see his relation and attitude to God, he cires, "Woe is me, for I am undone!" It is in this way that each truly saved soul is brought to realize his deed of Christ" (Luke 5:31). Yet it is not until the Spirit applies the Word in divine power, that any individual is made to feel that he is sin-sick, sick unto death.

Such conviction that brings home to the heart that the awful ravages which sin has wrought in each person, is not to be restricted to the initial experience which immediately precedes conversion. Each time that God blesses His Word in my heart, I am made to feel how far, far short I come from the standard which He has set before me, namely, "But just as He who called you is holy - so be holy in all you do" (1 Peter 1:15).

Here, then is the first test to apply: As I read the woeful failures of different ones in Scripture, does it make me realize how sadly like unto them I am? As I read of lthe blessed and perfect life of Christ, does it make me recognize how terribly unlike Him I am?

~A. W. Pink~

(continued with # 2)