Gary W. Summers
Newspapers seldom print all of it; the entertainment media usually hides it; philosophers ignore it because of its simplicity. There is only one place that one can find the Truth—all of the Truth that will enable a person to live righteously here before God and prepare one for Heaven—in the Word of God. Some Truths are discovered through research and exploration—but none of a spiritual nature is, because they ave been available for hundreds of years. In one sense, they are discovered afresh by every generation, but it is not as though they have never before been known.
A person must go to the Source to get the full benefits because Satan has distorted many of its teachings; he is skillful at misrepresentation and deception. Just as the news media withholds pertinent data about the source of a problem, he will emphasize grace and faith, keeping people’s attention away from repentance and baptism.
For that reason, people must not be satisfied with anything less than learning “all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). “Thy word is true from the beginning: And every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever” (Psa. 119:160). Too many people have camped on a particular verse or passage, thereby excluding others that modify or explain it. Sometimes useless divisions have occurred by a failure to approach the sacred Word properly.
Buy the truth and sell it not (Pro. 23:23) means that, once we understand its teachings, we must hold on to them. First, however, we must be certain that our understanding is correct. Many are easily susceptible to error because they have not hungered or thirsted after righteousness (Mat. 5:6), nor have they been diligently seeking Him (Heb. 11:6). No one is a success in business because of a casual interest in the marketplace. No one sets eight world records in swimming because he had a mild interest in the sport. No one becomes a champion runner because he or she possesses a nominal interest in jogging.
Truth is only located in one place—the Bible. Therefore, we must have the Book open frequently; we must study at home consistently; we must be present for Bible study always when the saints meet. There is no danger of an overdose; overexposure might be a problem with the sun—but not from the Son. Searching the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11) not only serves as a good precedent, it is the pathway to eternal life.
