Table of Contents
Different people – different answers
The answer to this question depends exclusively on what the individual desires – whether it is enough for him that because of his tedious labor, he has enough on the table to eat and drink and engage in some hobby, whether it is enough for him to receive a superficial help from so-called friends when he is sick or needy which is often comfortless, to lie down in his death bed, not knowing what comes after. No need of the Word is also felt by those who engage in political affairs or earn themselves a name in sports, or through success in business affairs.
Desire to gain knowledge
But we have an internal life, a reason that inquires, and a heart that seeks. Through the years, our minds are made to deal with different issues the solution to which is not easily found, not lying by the road, so to speak.
For example, he who is interested in the most recent findings in the study of natural sciences, cannot so easily find an answer to the questions of the reason for the existence of things and their purpose. And he who cannot reconcile to the speedy progress of history and cannot find sense in the terrible meaninglessness and hopelessness of the present situation, his heart is made to long for the only One who could fill all the heart’s desires and bring peace in the place of this miserable restlessness.
And with this, we are now facing questions on doctrine. But the consideration of his own state brings him who is serious to the question of the meaning and purpose of his life. His thoughts of death and separation lead to the last questions to which anyone can find a sure answer by himself.
The need of the heart
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matt. 4:4.
No book speaks of God as the Bible, though the new books that are published these days are countless. And we are convinced that if someone seriously begins to read this book with prayer, calmly considering it with a clear mind, he will soon make discoveries that he would never want to deny, at any cost.
See Psalm 119:114-16.
A fanciful method of the modern enemies of the Bible to keep it away from the public is that they start attacking it from the very start with their condemnations and ridicules, to prevent the people from reading it for themselves. Instead, people should form their own individual opinion of it through personal study.
A practical advice
For this reason, we would like to give you the following advice: Just look inside it – not superficially, not just at a few places that are pointed to you by the adversaries of this book, but let the whole of it influence you and keep in your mind those places which while reading it move your heart. You will find enough of these places. This will first strike your conscience and the holy greatness of God will make your heart tremble with awe, and after that, you will get to know his boundless goodness and love, and your heart will be filled with awe and joy.
As you continue studying the Holy Word, your thoughts will be elevated to the glorious revelations of heavenly things – a reality that far exceeds anything that is in this world. See if the Psalms would give you this heavenly illumination or if the Gospel of John would impress you with the sublime greatness and divine glory of Jesus.
And when you have once tasted of this book, what treasures are unearthed, and what streams of life flow out from it, you will certainly desire to receive more of these. And the more you discover, the more needed will this book become for you. Then others may tell you what they want, but you will know what you have in your Bible and you will be thankful from your heart for it.
And when the important and difficult cares of life stand before you – sickness, sorrow, and heartache, when darkness enshrouds you and there is no one among men who can lighten your path and help your heart, then the Bible is your great friend who is there for you to give you help. The Holy Scriptures show you how men before you, through external and internal hardships, have found the way to God and have been comforted in him, and it invites you: Come and I will show you the way! And if you allow the way to be shown to you, you will find your God.
The Word of God – a faithful guide
In a special sense when your conscience begins to condemn you and death comes near you, and you feel that you are faced with eternal results, who will then deliver you from your heart fear? There is only One who is able to save – the great Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and it is him that the Bible points to. It leads you to him, it directs your trust to him so that he can take you by the hand, take away your guilt, and lead you to the Father in heaven, and to your eternal homeland.
But even on good days when life brings you joy, when you have success in your job and your family life is flourishing when the beautiful world of God amazes your eyes and loved ones make your life joyful, it is still the Bible that gives you true joy in your heart, because it teaches you to give thanks and shows you the One who has prepared all this for you through his great love. And first of all, this Holy Word makes your heart glad when through all the events of life you feel the Love that has inspired it.
And when your heart desires to sing and give praise to the Father and the Son for their great sacrifice that purchased eternal life for you, it is still the Bible that gives you the words and the melody for this, and the true heart gladness to praise the Creator and the Giver of all those gifts.
The most important thing is to read the Bible well, to accept its truths and wisdom in our hearts, and to learn to think Biblically. Then the Word will become understandable to us. It will become more and more needful to us, and everyday our hearts will give thanks for this precious gift, as we obtain life from the book that God himself has gifted us.
Therefore, dear reader, take your Bible and get deep into the study of it, and you will never regret it.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105.