Untitled article by Elder M. Larsen

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 23, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 12.

STUDY OF THE BIBLE—ITS IMPORTANCE AND BENEFITS. NO. 4.

By Elder M. Larsen

(Concluded.)

THE Bible is its own best interpreter. Men's opinions may be right, and they are just as liable to be wrong; but when the Lord has spoken, we know it is true. Not only does the Bible deal in literal statements of truth, but not infrequently do we find some of its grandest teachings, its most profound truths, revealed in symbols and parables. Thus the two witnesses, called the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks (Rev. 11:3, 4),

what do they represent? Let the Bible speak. Some men might claim that they refer to Moses, and Christ.

A second comes along and argues that they are John the Baptist and Christ; and a third, that they represent Moses and John the Baptist, each giving good reasons why his is the correct interpretation, and each making it look equally plausible. And as each would have his friends, each would have his following, and hence three different parties and opinions.

Now, how shall we decide the matter. I confess, if the Bible does not give us any light on the subject it will be a little difficult. We therefore appeal to it. We find the symbol of the olive tree used but in one other place in the Bible, and that in the Old Testament. If we can find how or what it is used to symbolize there, it will furnish us a good clue to an understanding of its meaning here. So we read:—

“And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick and two olive trees by it. . . . So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my Lord? . . . Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord.” Zech. 4:2-6.

Then this symbol is not used to represent Moses, John the Baptist, or any other individual, but to represent the “word of the Lord.” Hence we may justly conclude that in Revelation they represent the two grand divisions of the Scriptures—the Old and the New Testaments. Speaking of the Old Testament Scriptures Christ says, “They are they which testify [i. e., witness] of me.” John 5:39. The New likewise witnesses of Christ, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations.” Matt. 24:14. How fitting that these should be represented as “two witnesses”!

But here we must consider another important thought, namely, the relation and importance of the Old Testament to the New and the New to the Old. It seems that some have conceived of the idea that the Old Testament had served its purpose and became obsolete when Christ came; that it is of no more service to us, as I once heard it expressed, than an old last year’s almanac. But if it were not for the Old Testament, we would be left in the dark as to the significance of this symbol. And so we might remark in regard to a multitude of others. The fact is, symbols explained in the Old Testament are used in the New without being explained, and symbols explained in the New are used in the Old without explanation. Thus the one serves to explain the other—the Old the New, and the New the Old. Hence, both are indispensable. One is the key to the other. Says the apostle:—

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.

“Now all these things happened unto them for examples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1 Cor. 10:11.

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Rom. 15:4.

In conclusion we must notice briefly the benefits of the Bible. Says the Scriptures of man, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Prov. 23:7. A truer statement perhaps was never penned. The mind is the mainspring of our actions. If the mind is pure, our actions will also be pure. If our mind is foul, our actions will be the same. “Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.” James 3:11, 12. “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Matt. 12:34. “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.” Matt. 15:19. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.” Isa. 26:3.

It is as natural for a man to act as he thinks as for the water to flow down the hill. If a man’s thoughts are pure, his life will be the same; if impure, his life will also be impure. So we may also remark that whatever a man studies will be assimilated by the mind, as the food by the system, and will mould his thought. Hence if a person spends much of his time in reading novels or light, chaffy stories, his thoughts will dwell upon such things until at last his life becomes but a light, chaffy novel, or story, incased in about so much flesh and avoirdupois, conversely. If he is always thinking upon that which is noble, pure, and holy, those noble thoughts and holy aspirations will spring forth into activity, and materialize into a life of purity and righteousness. The noblest of all things to behold is Christ. Says Paul: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Cor. 3:18. We behold him in his works (Ps. 19:1-8), and in his word (John 6:63). And “the words which I speak unto you,” says he, “they are spirit, and they are life.” “It is the Spirit that quickeneth.” This spiritual food is a daily necessity. “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” 2 Cor. 4:16. For “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matt. 4:4. “I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job. 23:12.

Ruthven, Iowa.