SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES by F. D. Starr

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Apr 10, 1907

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 33, No. 15.

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES.

By F. D. Starr

First Peter.

THE writer of this book was, in some respects, one of the most peculiar characters of Bible history, as well as one of the most efficient Gospel workers. But that he made any claim to being the visible head of the church, as is claimed for him by so many millions to-day, is plainly disproved by the manner in which he introduces this epistle. Instead of giving himself the title of Vicar of Jesus Christ, Supreme Pontiff, or some such appellation that is now claimed by the pope of Rome, who arrogates to himself the title of Successor of Saint Peter, this humble follower of the meek and lowly Jesus introduces his epistle in this simple manner: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,” placing himself in no way above his fellow laborers, but merely on a level with them. Peter wrote this letter about thirty years after the ascension of his Master, and if he had been all this time occupying the position of head of the church, this order of things would have become so well established that it would have been acknowledged by the church and by Peter also. See also the first three verses of chapter 5.

The reason for diligent study of this book, as of all the books of the Bible, and the central thought designed to be inculcated in this series of articles, is found in chapter 3, verse 15: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” How can one be thus prepared for every emergency without becoming well acquainted with the teachings of God’s holy word? We are not to be compelled to refer the inquirer to some preacher or to some one better informed than ourselves, or to have to ask for more time to consider the question, but be ready always to give a plain and consistent reply to the inquirer concerning our hope.

Dear friends, and especially young friends, if we secure this preparation, and are instant, ready, in season and out of season, for this good work of explaining the hope of the Gospel, how much time will we have for novel-reading and other trifling ways of spending our time? Indeed we will have no time whatever to spend in any vain or foolish manner; for to be ready to give the proper answer, as the Lord instructs us to be, will demand of us all the time and attention we can possibly bestow upon it.

Thus did the prophets themselves; they inquired and searched diligently to know more about Jesus in His word, “searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify.” So it was the Spirit of Christ that spoke thru those holy men when they wrote the books of the Old Testament, the same as it was when the contents of the New Testament were given. “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 1 Peter 1:10, 11; 2 Peter 1:21. How can we discount the word of Christ, whether spoken by Moses or Daniel, John or Paul? It all has the same origin; Christ is the speaker.

Glancing at a few more of the wonderful statements of this interesting book, we notice that Peter ventures to mention the fact that his readers could not safely follow the example of their ancestors. He refers to their vain conversation received by tradition from their fathers. 1 Peter 1:18. No doubt their fathers were held in as high esteem by these people as ours are by us to-day; but he plainly states to them that their fathers were following practises that were unscriptural and vain. The usual reply made by people to-day when some new duty is shown them from the word of God, is, “Well, my father did not believe or practise that way, and what was good enough for him is good enough for me. I could not think of giving up the religion of my fathers.” Just so might these citizens of Pontus, Galatia, etc., have replied to Peter’s exhortation. They might have told him: “We feel insulted to have you intimate that our fathers were not all right. We will not dishonor them by taking up with any new belief that they did not have.”

Ancestor worship is a very natural form

of religion; it is practised by the heathen nations to-day. But let none who name the name of Christ, in any case put human tradition, ancient or modern, before the word of the living God. The mistaken practises of our fathers, honest and uninformed as they may have been, can not justify us for rejecting the commandments of God, as their claims are clearly demonstrated before our eyes. "Be courteous." Is it news to learn that this is a Gospel command? If so, please notice its occurrence in 1 Peter 3:8. Possibly the conduct of some professors of religion is not always such as to leave the impression that politeness, courtesy, is a Christian duty. But it is, and one of the most important features of true Christianity. Love "doth not behave itself unseemly." 1 Cor. 13:5. True etiquette, politeness, will not be lacking in the conduct of the true follower of Jesus. This fact would be a good thing to remember by those who are inclined to indulge in religious controversy.

In closing, let us take with us this precious admonition: "Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7. Unnecessary care, anxiety, wears upon the physical as well as mental powers, and hinders spiritual progress. Why insist on carrying this load when another has arranged to carry it for us? "Trust in the Lord, and do good, . . . and verily thou shalt be fed." F. D. STARR.