Key insights:
The Bible unfolds truth with a simplicity and a perfect adaptation to the needs and longings of the human heart, that has astonished and charmed the most highly cultivated minds, while it enables the humblest and uncultured to discern the way of salvation… yet beneath these truths, so easily understood, lie mysteries that are the hiding of His glory—mysteries that overpower the mind in its research, yet inspire the sincere seeker for truth with reverence and faith. The more he searches the Bible, the deeper is his conviction that it is the word of the living God, and human reason bows before the majesty of divine revelation. SC 107.2
Promise to hold onto:
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John 16:13 KJV)
What we learn about God:
Every Christian will, at times, experience doubt in their walk with Christ—this is a natural part of the journey in a fallen world. What truly matters is how one responds when such doubts arise. God’s servant, Ellen G. White, offers the following insight:
God desires man to exercise his reasoning powers; and the study of the Bible will strengthen and elevate the mind as no other study can. SC 109.3
When doubt arises, God wishes for us to “reason together” (Isaiah 1:18) with Him. He encourages us to use His divine gift, that is our brain, to think in everything that we do. But we should not rely on self; instead pray for the help from the Holy Ghost, as “He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).
God intends that even in this life the truths of His word shall be ever unfolding to His people. There is only one way in which this knowledge can be obtained. We can attain to an understanding of God’s word only through the illumination of that Spirit by which the word was given. “The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God;” “for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:11, 10. And the Saviour’s promise to His followers was, “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth…. For He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you.” John 16:13, 14. SC 109.2
There are many things apparently difficult or obscure, which God will make plain and simple to those who thus seek an understanding of them. But without the guidance of the Holy Spirit we shall be continually liable to wrest the Scriptures or to misinterpret them… SC 110.1
Disguise it as they may, the real cause of doubt and skepticism, in most cases, is the love of sin. The teachings and restrictions of God’s word are not welcome to the proud, sin-loving heart, and those who are unwilling to obey its requirements are ready to doubt its authority. In order to arrive at truth, we must have a sincere desire to know the truth and a willingness of heart to obey it. And all who come in this spirit to the study of the Bible will find abundant evidence that it is God’s word, and they may gain an understanding of its truths that will make them wise unto salvation. SC 111.1
Action Step:
Christ has said, “If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching.” John 7:17, R.V. Instead of questioning and caviling concerning that which you do not understand, give heed to the light that already shines upon you, and you will receive greater light. SC 111.2
My brothers and sisters, I call on you to pray for the guidance from the Holy Spirit, read Thus said the Lord every day, and obey His laws; any cloud of doubt within will be cleared with the light that shines from our Father. Amen!
