The Word of God by A. S. Hutchins

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Apr 26, 1877

The Word of God.

By A. S. Hutchins

In a meeting conducted by the gospel workers not long since, I heard some very good things said about the plan of salvation. The reading also of the Word of God was strongly urged. This injunction, with other things said, led me to the following reflections:—

1. It is of the utmost importance that we study the Scriptures. Christ enjoins this. “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39. The daily searching of the Scriptures in pursuit of the truth by the noble Bereans is highly commended by the inspired penman. Acts 17:11, 12. This resulted in their seeing beauty and loveliness in the teachings of the apostles, and in receiving proffered salvation.

2. The Scriptures should be studied with a desire paramount to all other considerations to learn the truths therein contained. Selfish interest, nor early education, nor preconceived opinion, should not be allowed to intervene and prevent understanding the mind of the Author of this Sacred Volume as therein revealed. “Open thou mine eyes,” says David, “that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”

3. It is necessary that we should believe the teachings of the Word of God. In proportion as we believe in their divine origin, and receive them as “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” in that proportion shall we receive them as the man of our counsel, and the rule of our faith. Through the Scriptures God reveals to man his will. Here he teaches the nature and consequences of sin; and makes known our only means of escape through the redeeming blood of his dear Son. From the pages of this Sacred Book we learn that we must confess and forsake sin in order to obtain pardon. And we learn if we would enter into life we must keep his commandments.

As we doubt the requirements and claims of the law of God upon us, we go into darkness and fail to develop a Christian character. As we exercise faith in the word and promises of the Lord we become settled and develop the graces of the Spirit. “Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” 2 Chron. 20:20.

4. The laws, statutes, and judgments of God, revealed in his word must be respected and obeyed. Here faith and obedience are joined together. Our love to our Heavenly Master, and our desire for salvation are evinced by obedience. “To obey is better than sacrifice.” The convincing evidence of our love to God is such that the beloved disciple says, “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous.”

Dear reader, let us measure our faith in divine revelation, our love of the service of Him who suffered for us, and our desire for salvation, by obedience to the revealed will of God. Let us try our willingness to suffer with Christ by following him through evil, as well as good report. He suffered and died for us; and he declares, “the disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.”

And further he says, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Self-denial, cross-bearing, and fidelity to our Redeemer, are everywhere required of the Christian. A. S. HUTCHINS.