Day 10

Of The Holy Scriptures

Chapter 1, Paragraph 5.

“Nevertheless we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God, to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word,…”

Scripture Lookup

John 6:45. By whom are we taught?

1 Corinthians 2:9-12. What does the Holy Spirit do?

Reflection

Why isn’t everyone a Christian? If Scripture is such a treasure, and contains all things necessary for God’s glory, our salvation, faith and life, then this Book should be read and everyone should follow God and be saved, right? All that would need to happen is to show the appropriate passage, win them over through reason, and all would be well. If salvation were by intellect alone, that would be the case.

Yet salvation is not by intellect alone. Due to sin, all people need the Holy Spirit to reveal the things of God and the ways of salvation. Scriptures speak of those without saving faith as dead (Romans 6:13) and in darkness (1 Peter 2:9). The Holy Spirit works inwardly to bring life and light to His people through the truths of Scripture. Apart from this work, Scripture cannot be understood.

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. – 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NASB)

There is a certain pride that can accompany intelligence. Quickness of comprehension and cleverness is favored by our society.  You may be able to quote Scripture from cover to cover. Unless the Holy Spirit illumines your understanding, though, you will never come to understand the saving knowledge Scripture provides.

Questions to Consider

• Are you trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth?
• How have you seen the Spirit’s work in illuminating your own life?