Preview
8. What are the conditions to be met? (2)
There are three other great essential conditions to be met.
The first is a deep and persevering desire to know the truth for ourselves.
‘Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for
understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as
for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the
Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives
wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.’
Proverbs 2:3-6
New King James Version
Next, we must believe that God will reward us in our search.
‘If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives
generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to
you. But when you ask, he must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.’
James 1:5-7
New International Version
Last, but by no means least, we must be willing to bring our lives into harmony with what God reveals to us. The words of Jesus come down to us through the centuries:
‘My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.’
John 7:16, 17
New King James Version
The Bible is a book of spiritual truth and must be spiritually discerned. When Jesus was nearing the end of His earthly ministry, He promised His disciples:
‘However when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.’
John 16:13
New King James Version