Thursday, July 2, 2009

Knowledge That Matters

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. John 5:29-40

I don't know who authored the following quote, but I think it is a helpful insight.

"John 5:39 can be be read as Christ’s rebuke of the "Jews": "You search the Scriptures, because you THINK you will find eternal life there. But you refuse to see that those same Scriptures testify of me! And you do not come to me, that you might truly have life."

It is never enough to be knowledgeable in the Scriptures in just a theoretical sense. The study of God's Word must lead us to embrace Christ, with our whole heart and mind. Knowledge by itself is sterile. But intimate, personal experience of Christ brings about deep and lasting changes in our lives, and leads on to the eternal life that may be possessed only through him."

2 comments:

  1. I think this scripture has consistently been misunderstood over the years, and you've hit on its true meaning. This is a rebuke to those who think that KNOWING not BEING is sufficient.

    JR Dummelow's Bible Commentary p784 provides helpful analysis of this as well, supporting everything you have said.

    Also, Bruce McConkie's DNTC 1:200 relates to this same topic.

    Thank you, Donna, for keeping us focused on the real meanings of scripture and helping us become closer to Him.

    ReplyDelete