The Utility of the
Scripture |
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Elder
Hulan Bass |
From:
“The Banner of Love” December, 1988
The utility of the Bible, the Scriptures, the
Gospel-Doctrine...
John 5:39 Search the Scriptures; for in them Ye think ye
have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me...
Jesus is teaching and setting forth a most important point
to ponder. He is saying: “Study very carefully, all
the way through the Scriptures, all of the, and upon doing,
you will establish a negative, then a positive.”
The Negative – The scriptures will not teach nor give you
the formula; what steps are necessary “for you to take” in
order to acquire eternal life, even though you may think
such. The Bible is not, I repeat, not a road map to heaven.
The Bible does not set forth any stipulated conditions,
steps, acts, works, etc, to eternal life.
The Positive – The scriptures will teach, upon carefully
study of same, that Eternal life is only in Christ Jesus.
The Scriptures testify of Jesus Christ. The scriptures
testify of: The Doctrines of – The Eternal Covenant; The
Sovereignty of God, in Trinity; The Fall of Man; The
Depravity of Man; The Love and Election of God; The Adoption
of the Elect; God's Divine Will and Purpose; The Lambs Book
of Life, Fore-knowledge of God; Predestination; Effectual
Calling By the Holy Spirit; The Legal Redemption-Atonement
of Christ on the Cross-Justification; glorification and
final preservation of the Elect Saints.
The preaching of the true gospel-doctrine magnifies,
illuminates, declares, and brings to light, such glorious
doctrines of the scriptures. 2nd Tim. 1:10 But is now
made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and
immortality to light through the gospel. and 2nd Tim.
3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness...
This clearly states and sets forth just precisely what the
Scriptures are for...Notice: It does not list, nor even
suggest nor intimate, that the scriptures are for acquiring
eternal life.... However the scriptures do certainly tell
about, and set forth just exactly how eternal life was
acquired.
Consider these Points to Ponder.
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