Table of Contents
Help in the study of God’s works
Everyone who has gained knowledge of God and of His word through personal experience is prepared to study natural science. Of Christ, it is written:
“In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4.
Man cannot read correctly the voice of nature. If he is not guided by the wisdom of God, he would glorify nature and the laws of nature more than the God of nature. This is the reason why human ideas regarding science are in direct contrast with the teaching of the Word of God. Yet for those who receive light from Christ’s life, nature is lighted again. In the light that shines from the cross, we can easily interpret natural knowledge.
He who knows the Word of God through personal experience will have strong faith in the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures. He has tasted that the Word of God is truth and he knows that truth never contradicts itself. He does not test the Bible by human ideas and sciences; he tries these ideas through the true, unerring science. He knows that in true science there is nothing that contradicts the teaching of the Word because both of them have the same Author.
A true understanding of both will prove that they are in harmony. Everything in the so-called scientific teachings that contradicts the Word of God is just a human fancy.
For such a student, the study of science may open up vast fields of thought and information. When he deals with the things of nature, he would receive a new understanding of the truth. The book of nature and the written Word shed light upon each other. Both of them are purposed to better acquaint man with God as they teach him about his character and inform him of the laws through which he works.
The Experiences of the Psalmist
The experience of the Psalmist is one that all can receive as they accept the Word of God through nature and revelation. He says:
“For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.” Psalm 92:4.
“Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains.” Psalm 36:5-6.
“How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings… and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.” Psalm 36:7-8.
“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.” “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” “I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.” “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” “And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.” Psalm 119:1, 2, 9, 30, 11, 45.
“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” “Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.” “The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.” “ Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” Psalm 119:18, 24, 72, 160.
“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” “Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.” “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalm 119:165, 111, 130.
The clear revelations of God
Our privilege is to rise higher and higher in knowledge and to receive clearer and clearer revelations of God’s character. When Moses prayed: “I beseech thee, show me thy glory” (Ex. 33:18), God did not rebuke him but he answered his petition:
“I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.” Exodus 33:19.
It is sin which darkens our thoughts and mars our understanding. When sin is cleansed from our hearts, the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ which lightens his Word and reflects upon the surface of nature, will more and more fully show that he is “merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth” (Ex. 34:6).
In his light, we will see light, until our hearts and minds are transformed into the image of his holiness.
For all those who thus accept the provisions of the Word of God, there are wonderful opportunities. Privileges and duties which they don’t even suspect to be found in the Bible, will be revealed. All who walk in the path of humble obedience and fulfill his purpose, will know more and more of the secrets of God.
Let the student take the Bible as his guide and take a firm stand for its principles. Then he will aspire to any height of education. All human philosophies have led only to delusion and shame when God has not been recognized as supreme. When man dwells on his mercy, goodness, and love, his knowledge of truth will get clearer and clearer, and his desire for purity of the heart and thoughts will be more and more elevated and holy.
The mind that dwells in the pure atmosphere of holy thoughts is transformed by the help of God through the study of his Word. The truth is great, so wide, so deep, so high, that egotism and self fade before it. The heart is softened and surrenders to benevolence, kindness, and love.
The natural capabilities are enlarged due to holy submission. Because of the study of the Word, the students go out into the world with vast understanding, and elevated and ennobled energies. If they are like Daniel, hearers and doers of the Word of God, they will advance like him in all branches of science. If they are pure in their thoughts, they will become strong in their heart.
Every faculty of the mind will be quickened. They will be so able to educate and discipline themselves, that all people who come under their influence will see what man can do if he has a connection with the God of wisdom and power.
Education for the eternal life
Our earthly life is a preparation for the heavenly life. The education that has begun here will not be finished in this life; it will continue throughout eternity – it will advance more and more and shall never end. More and more fully will they discover the wisdom and love of God in the plan of salvation. Our Savior will give his disciples – leading them to the springs of the living water – great treasures of knowledge.
And from day to day the wonderful works of God – the evidence of his creative power – will open up before the understanding in new glory. In the light, emanating from the throne, the heart will rejoice because of the plainness of things that have not been understood before. Now we are looking dimly, as if through a brazen mirror, but then we will see face to face; now we know in part, but then we will know as we are known.