What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "How can I read the Bible so that I understand it"
Answer
To truly understand the Bible, in-depth study is more important than a quick reading of many chapters. The Holy Spirit is the decisive teacher, therefore every study should begin with sincere prayer for insight and a reverent attitude. A proven method is to compare difficult passages with other related Bible verses until the meaning unfolds harmoniously. Moreover, one should keep what is read in the heart, reflect on it, and be ready to apply the recognized truths in daily life. A childlike trust in the Word of God helps to grasp the clear and simple messages of Scripture.
Depth rather than superficial reading
“A hurried reading of the Holy Scriptures brings little benefit. One can read through the entire Bible and still fail to perceive its beauty or grasp its deep and hidden meaning. A single passage that is studied until its significance is clear to the mind and its relation to the plan of redemption becomes evident is of greater value than reading many chapters without a specific purpose and without lasting instruction.”
The necessity of the Holy Spirit and prayer
“The Bible should never be studied without prayer. Only the Holy Spirit can make us sense the meaning of the easily understandable things or protect us from distorting difficult truths. It is the task of heavenly angels to prepare the heart so that we understand God’s Word, that we may be enchanted by its beauty, admonished by its warnings, or revived and strengthened by its promises.”
The Bible as its own interpreter
“Whenever I found something unclear, my practice was to compare it with all parallel passages... By assigning each word its proper weight in relation to the theme of the text, it ceased to be a difficulty when my view harmonized with every other passage in the Bible. In this way I continued the Bible study... and was fully convinced that the Bible is its own interpreter.”
Focusing on individual verses
“Simply reading the Word will not achieve the result intended from heaven; it must be studied and kept in the heart. We should take a verse and focus the spirit on the task of discerning the thought that God has placed in that verse for us. We should dwell on that thought until it becomes our own and we know, ‘what the Lord says.’”
Prerequisites for understanding
“Whenever you take your Bible, pray for light – faith – patience – perseverance. Pray while you read – pray whenever you think about what you have read. ‘Pray without ceasing.’ Finally: Live what you know. ‘Walk as Christ walked.’”
- Bible study method
- Role of the Holy Spirit in reading
- Bible verse comparison method
Original Sources (English)
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