"As what I shall say hereafter concerns God, His essence, perfections, works, worship, and everything else related to Him. It all can be taken out of the sacred scriptures and proved by them. They establish the divine authority, they show a perfect, planned, and sure rule to go by, and are the standard of faith and practice, and should be read constantly, studied diligently, and consulted with on all occasions." John Gill 1767. I pray we continue in the scriptures and feast in all that it pleases Him to offer.
Jhn 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
- Who is the "ye" in this verse?
- Why would ye only think and may not have?
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Tim 3:16). Our verse in John is one of the last witnesses which our Lord cities, and for us it is one of the most important. Here is a direct command from our Lord with all authority of His Godhead behind it. Search does not merely mean to read but minutely examine each phrase and pierce every word. I have said and believe there is not an (and, or, begot) that was not placed for a reason. Search (ercunao) in the Greek is in the imperative mood. It is used in connection with hunting and carries a since of urgency. You can find the word only used one other time in the Gospel of John (John 7:52) were the word is translated in the authorized or KJV as "search and look". And in them ye think. Think is not to imply it is doubtful but rather to affirm an assurance. Search to make your calling true, search towards the only one whom can give hope and which all faith comes from and is based on. Search the scriptures for you will find they testify of Him. What better way to look to Christ and affirm your faith? We are given this precious gift of His word. Allow us to read them, study them, and press them upon our hearts. As our text says we should urgently search the scriptures to not only think but have comfort that we have eternal life.
