The Bible is a strange book. It is loved by some as something very precious and the most valuable treasure that they own; but it is hated by others. They would like to see it destroyed. Again many simply ignore it. They may have a copy of it in their homes, but they do not read it. Yet to look into it can change everything—our life, our destiny, our peace and happiness.
How many times do we look into the mirror to see how our appearance is? We want to be neat and tidy. But what is often behind the beautiful appearance? There can be an ugly, vain and selfish character. Is there a mirror that shows us our soul, our character, our spiritual condition? Yes, there is. The word of God reveals to us our inner condition. It reveals to us if we are saved or not. Are we ready for Jesus to come to take us to heaven, or is there still some impurity that must be cleansed away?
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
The word of God is quick—it means living. It reveals to us the condition of our soul and which spirit we have. It discerns our thoughts and the condition of our hearts, to find out if there is any selfishness in them.
The word of God is powerful, it created all the worlds, suns and planets, and the creative power is still in it; yes, by the word of God we are recreated. We are born again into a different person.
The word of God is our spiritual food that we need to maintain our spiritual strength, to be living Christians.
The word of God is the Two Witnesses that God has given us.
“And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them into blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.” Revelation 11:3–6
The Bible is the greatest power in our world. It can change bad to good, evil to righteousness, a sinner to a saint. The Bible also does the judging of us. It will decide whether we are worthy of eternal life or of eternal death. By the word of God we can have fullness of joy. Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11
Paul writes to us, “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:18. Nothing gives us so much comfort as the word of God. It is also a lamp that shines light on our pathway throughout our lives, and leads us to the perfect destination, the New Jerusalem.
A rich young man came to Jesus asking what he must do to have eternal life. He said he that had kept the Ten Commandments, but in the light of God’s word he was still lacking; that is the reason why Bible study is important, it reveals to us our mistakes and our neglected duties, things that can keep us out of heaven.
Paul thought of himself that he was a good religious person, very jealous for the cause, until he met Jesus on the way to Damascus. Now his opinion of himself changed and he said, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:24
The disciples thought of themselves as good religious persons until Jesus started to wash their feet. Now they realized their selfishness and pride. How wrong can we be and not realize it?
Sister White also writes, “Others think that they, also, can be Christians and yet consult their own tastes and make provision for the flesh, if these false-hearted professors can do so. On many a professed Christian’s banner the motto is written, ‘You can serve God and please self,—you can serve God and mammon.’ They profess to be wise virgins, but not having the oil of grace in their vessels with their lamps, they shed forth no light to the glory of God and for the salvation of men. They seek to do what the world’s Redeemer said was impossible to do; He has declared, ‘Ye cannot serve God and mammon.’ Those who profess to be Christians, but do not follow in the footsteps of Christ make of none effect His words, and obscure the plan of salvation.” –The Review and Herald, August 19, 1890
The Bible makes it clear that we must die to ourselves. We must deny ourselves, that means we must not please ourselves, nor consult our own tastes. This means a full surrender, complete resignation to the will of God. We need to pray, “Thy will be done in my life.”
There may be something hidden in our hearts. David prayed to God, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23–24
It may hurt us, and be painful to see our mistakes and faults. But yet we must reach perfection in order to be saved.
“Those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected in the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fully.” –Early Writings, p. 71
We must gain victory over every sin, our every wrong word and action. Our thoughts must be pure, as God is pure. Our patience must be unlimited. Our love must reach the lowest depths of human woe and misery. The standard set before us in the word of God is as high as the heaven is above the earth. And if we see defects in our character as we look into the mirror of the word of God, then be not discouraged; the same Bible that reveals to us our defects, also reveals to us a remedy. We can be cleansed from all unrighteousness. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18
When you read the Bible every day, miracles start to happen. William Miller spent much time in Bible reading and the end result of it was the Advent Movement.
“When God’s word is made the man of our counsel, when we search the Scriptures for light, heavenly angels come near to impress the mind and to enlighten the understanding so that it can be truly said, ‘The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple.’ Psalm 119:130.” –Counsels to Parents, Teachers and Students, p. 442
“In the reverent contemplation of the truths presented in His word the mind of the student is brought into communion with the infinite mind. Such a study will not only refine and ennoble the character, but it cannot fail to expand and invigorate the mental powers.” –Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 596
“The daily study of the Scriptures will have a sanctifying influence upon the mind. You will breathe a heavenly atmosphere.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol.1, p. 242
Make the Bible your friend. Read it through and through. Memorize the wonderful promises; study the prophecies of the last days. Compare your life to the life of Christ, our Lord. Look to this heavenly mirror all the day long. And finally your soul will be presentable before the judgment seat of God. Your lovely character will be as a precious jewel which God will soon take to His heavenly home. Amen.
Timo Martin