Romans 10:17 So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.

In 1978 I finally chose to attend college. I was then 22 years old. I was a bit anxious, knowing that I had not been in an academic program in four years! But I had spent the last two of those four years studying the Bible for myself. For 2-3 hours a day I had used an exhaustive concordance, my Bible, and any other religious books I had, cross-referencing as much stuff as I could. I also made notes on 4×6 cards. First quarter in college, I was delighted to pull a 3.97 GPA.

But I dropped out of college after only 2 years and became a locksmith instead, another interest of mine. I also volunteered in my local church, doing whatever they asked, from janitorial and maintenance to head elder duties, over a few decades I did it all!

20 years later, I went back to college, this time to Walla Walla University, again with some angst! But that first quarter back in the academic saddle led to another 3.97 GPA.

I credit studying the Bible for my skills in the academic world. I believe God Himself was my teacher for those 22 years! God not only taught me stuff; He also taught me how to learn! One of my favorite Ellen White quotes reads as follows:

The character of [John] Wycliffe is a testimony to the educating, transforming power of the Holy Scriptures. It was the Bible that made him what he was. The effort to grasp the great truths of revelation imparts freshness and vigor to all the faculties. It expands the mind, sharpens the perceptions, and ripens the judgment. The study of the Bible will ennoble every thought, feeling, and aspiration as no other study can. It gives stability of purpose, patience, courage, and fortitude; it refines the character and sanctifies the soul. An earnest, reverent study of the Scriptures, bringing the mind of the student in direct contact with infinite mind, would give to the world people of stronger and more active intellect, as well as of nobler principle, than has ever resulted from the ablest training that human philosophy affords. “The entrance of Your words,” says the psalmist, “gives light; it gives understanding.” The Great Controversy 94:2

This is a favorite quote of mine because it describes what has happened to me as I have studied the Bible. Since I began studying the Bible for myself, my devotional life has always been quite robust! And very diverse! I can honestly say that studying any book of the Bible is a pleasure for me!

Perhaps more globally speaking, we could ask what is the role of the Bible? Well, love requires freedom, and freedom is supported through influence. God uses His word to influence us, to persuade us, to teach us who He is, what He is like, and how He governs the universe, so that we might become His friends! Once persuaded to become God’s friend, the Bible is one of the primary means God uses to help us become like Him.

Proverbs 1:23 I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make my words known to you.

These are not the words of some human praying to God; these are the words of God speaking to humans! Because friendship requires open and frequent communication, God has seen to it that the Bible was created and that it is still available to us today!

Question

Like Wycliffe, does your life daily show that you treasure God’s word? How?

I was once asked if I would like to contribute a new truth to God’s global church, and to Adventism in particular. My answer was a decided YES! Why wouldn’t I want to do that? In fact, in my above comments regarding the origin and development of evil I went so far as to ask if the insanity of sin (supported also by the existence of divine innocence) should be added to our doctrines. I believe this is a doctrine-worthy-topic! And one that has been sorely underdeveloped by us as Adventists, especially given our teachings regarding the cosmic conflict between good and evil. Are my ideas of this topic entirely new? No! But every time I have shared my insights regarding it people tell me it’s the first time they have ever heard anyone preach on the subject! Imagine that!

Jesus made it clear that discipleship involves new gems of truth!

Matthew 13:52 NLT Then he [Jesus] added, “Every…disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old.”

Ellen White wrote:

“Whenever the people of God are growing in grace, they will be constantly obtaining a clearer understanding of His word. They will discern new light and beauty in its sacred truths. This has been true in the history of the church in all ages, and thus it will continue to the end. Testimonies, Vol. 5, 706

Yes, new truths take time to finally “stick.” They are vetted in various ways as well. But one of the roles of the Bible is to offer up new truths, as well as confirm old truths.

Questions

What would it take for you to embrace a new biblical truth?

Or do you find yourself embracing so many new ideas that others question the validity of your so-called new truths?

Do you still have (and still cultivate) an appetite for old, established truths?

Do you understand how older and newer truths support each other? How might you improve your grasp of the overall teachings of Scripture and how they are linked?

What should it take for the church to embrace a new biblical truth?