Chuck Northrop

God has blessed man with one of the greatest blessings that man could ever receive. Without this blessing, there would be no salvation. Separate of this blessing, there would be no knowledge of Jehovah God, Jesus Christ, or the Holy Spirit. Within this blessing, we learn of the real essentials of life. We learn about the existence of God (Psalm 19:1); where man comes from (Genesis 1-3); and where man is going (Ecclesiastes 12:7). This blessing was written to light our paths (Psalm 119:105); to exclaim to us truth (John 8:32); and to award us with hope (Romans 15:13). This blessing is God’s Word, the BIBLE. It was written over a period of about sixteen hundred years by about forty men. It contains sixty-six books — twenty-seven in the New Testament and thirty-nine in the Old Testament. It is “inspired of God” (2 Timothy 3:16,17) and is “living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). And it is “the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16). Therefore, let us feed upon it (I Peter 2:2) that it might enlighten our lives (Psalm 119:30).

As the priest in the Old Testament entered the Holy Place of the tabernacle, to the left there would be the candlestick or lampstand. The lampstand had seven branches holding seven golden lamps. It illuminated the Holy Place and the other objects within it. Just as the lampstand enlightened the Holy Place, the word of God can enlighten our lives. Basically, there are five ways in which the Word of God enlightens a person.

First, the Bible Authenticates Christ as the Son of God. Within the pages of the Gospel accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), we read of many miracles, wonders, and signs which were performed by Jesus in the midst of many witnesses. These were written for us so that we could know Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (John 20:30-31).

Second, the Bible Cautions Man from Following in Humanities’ Footsteps. Before Stephen was put to death, he gave a wonderful defense of Christianity to the Jewish Council. In essence his defense was that humanity generally turns from serving the true and living God (Acts 7:2-53). The incidents that Stephen talked about happened for an example for us that we might not fall into the same condemnation (1 Corinthians 10:11). Please notice also Proverbs 14:12; 16:25.

Third, The Bible Gives Man Hope. Throughout the Scriptures, there are many wonderful things that God and His servants have done which fill our hearts overflowing with hope. Paul even told us the Old Testament was written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4).

Fourth, the Bible Answers the Question, “What must I Do to Be Saved?” There are five Bible commands which a person must obey in order to be saved. They are as simple as the A-B-C’s.

(A) HEAR – Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

(B) BELIEVE – Mark 16:16 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

(C) REPENT – Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

(D) CONFESS – Romans 10:10 “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

(E) BE BAPTIZED – Acts 22:16 “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

Fifth, the Bible Encourages Us to Live Faithfully as We Have Confidence in Him Who Has Saved Us. The New Testament was given to Christians to teach them how to live the life of a Christian. All of the examples of Christ, of Paul, of Barnabas, and of others (to many to mention) has been given to us to know the proper way of life. There are many commands and inferences that helps us to understand what is pleasing to God. If we are found faithful even unto death, Christ will give us a crown of life (Revelation 2:10).

Recently I read of one physician who said it took a fracture seven to fourteen days longer to heal in darkness than it would normally take in a lighted hospital room. It is amazing to me to watch a garden grow after a day of rain and then a day of sunshine. When the sun comes up, one can almost see the plants coming alive. As Jesus walked upon the earth He said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). Jesus through His words gives life to those that will trust and obey Him. He is the great physician (Matthew 7:12-13) who can heal all our souls diseases.

Do you remember the last time you were awakened from your sleep by a strange noise. Wasn’t it reassuring when you were able to turn on the light to see what was happening. Law agencies today say the best protection is none other than good ole light! Light is comforting and reassuring, and in this way, it warms the heart. Solomon wrote, in Ecclesiastes 11:7, “Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun.” We are encouraged by the light of God’s Word when it says “He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7) or what about “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). Think of the victory those in Christ will have (Galatians 3:27; Romans 8:27-30; I Corinthians 15:50-58). And don’t forget the shortest verse in the Bible “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Doesn’t that warm your heart to know that Jesus cares about His friends to weep for them. Jesus said, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:14).

It is my desire that you understand a little more about one of the greatest blessings God has blessed mankind with. Throughout the longest chapter in the Scriptures — Psalm 119, God continually speaks of His Word. Take time to be with God by reading the Bible. Study and meditate upon these great precepts and promises, and you will be greatly rewarded. May God bless you as you search the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things are so (Acts 17:11).