I've kept this email in my inbox for almost a year now, and I read it from time to time because it is so very inspiring. I hope you enjoy it! :)
Profiting
from the Scriptures
by J.C. Ryle
(1) For one
thing, begin reading your Bible this very day.
The way to do a thing--is to do it; and
the way to read the Bible--is actually to read it! It is not
merely meaning, or wishing, or resolving,
or intending, or thinking about it--which
will advance you one step. You must positively read. There
is no royal road
in this matter, any more than in the matter of prayer.
If you cannot read yourself, you must persuade somebody else
to read it to you. But one way or another, through eyes
or ears--the words of Scripture must actually
pass before your mind.
(2) For another
thing, read the Bible with an earnest desire to understand
it. Do not think for a
moment, that the great object is to turn over a certain
quantity of printed paper, and that it matters nothing
whether you understand it or not. Some ignorant people seem
to imagine, that all is done if they advance so many
chapters every day, though they may not have a notion
what they are all about, and only know that they have pushed
on their bookmark ahead so many pages. This is turning Bible
reading into a mere ritual form. It is almost as bad
as the Popish habit of 'buying indulgences'--by saying an astounding
number of 'Ave-Marias' and 'Pater-nosters' (Hail-Mary's and
Our-Father's--on their 'rosary beads'.) It reminds
one of the poor Hottentot who ate up a Dutch hymn-book
because he saw it comforted his neighbors' hearts! Settle it
down in your mind as a general principle, that a Bible not
understood--is a Bible that does no good! Say to yourself
often as you read, "What is this all about?" Dig for the
meaning like a man digging for gold.
(3) For another
thing, read the Bible with child-like faith and humility. Open your
heart--as you open God's book, and say, "Speak,
Lord, for your servant is listening!" Resolve to believe implicitly whatever you find there,
however much it may run counter to your own desires and
prejudices. Resolve to receive heartily every statement of
truth--whether you like it or not. Beware of that miserable
habit into which some readers of the Bible fall--they receive
some doctrines because they like them; and they reject
others because they are condemning to themselves, or
to some relation, or friend. At this rate, the Bible is
useless! Are we to be judges of what ought to be in
God's Word? Do we know better than God? Settle it down in
your mind--that you will receive all and believe all, and that what
you cannot understand--you will take on trust. Remember,
when you pray--that you are speaking to God, and God hears
you. But, remember, when you read Scripture--that God is
speaking to you, and you are not to "dictate," but to listen!
(4) For another
thing, read the Bible in a spirit of obedience and
self-application.
Sit down to the study of it with a daily determination that
you will . . .
live by its rules,
rest on its statements,
and act on its commands.
Consider, as you travel through
every chapter, "How does this affect my thinking and daily conduct?
What does this teach
me?" It is poor work to read the Bible from mere curiosity,
and for speculative purposes--in order to fill your head and
store your mind with mere opinions;
while you do not allow the book to influence your heart
and life. That Bible is read best--which
is practiced most!
(5) For another
thing, read the Bible daily. Make it a part of every day's business to read
and meditate on some portion of God's Word.
Private means of grace are just as needful every day for our
souls--as food and clothing are for our bodies. Yesterday's
food will not feed the laborer today; and today's food will
not feed the laborer tomorrow. Do as the Israelites did in
the wilderness. Gather your manna fresh every
morning. Choose your own seasons and hours. Do not scramble
over and hurry your reading. Give your Bible the best,
and not the worst part of your time! But whatever plan you
pursue, let it be a rule of your life to visit the throne of grace
and God's Word every day.
(6) For another
thing, read all of the Bible--and read it in an orderly
way. I fear
there are many parts of the Word which some people never
read at all. This is to say at the least, a very
presumptuous habit. "All Scripture is profitable."
(2 Timothy 3:16.) To this habit may be traced that lack of well-proportioned
views of truth, which is so common in this day. Some
people's Bible-reading is a system of perpetual 'dipping and
picking'. They do not seem to have an idea of regularly
going through the whole book.
This also is a great mistake. No
doubt in times of sickness and affliction, it is allowable
to search out seasonable portions. But with this exception,
I believe it is by far the best plan to begin the Old and
New Testaments at the same time--to read each straight
through to the end, and then begin again. This is a matter
in which every one must be persuaded in his own mind. I can
only say it has been my own plan for nearly forty years, and
I have never seen cause to alter it.
(7) For another
thing, read the Bible fairly and honestly. Determine to take everything in its plain,
obvious meaning--and regard all forced interpretations with great suspicion. As a
general rule, whatever a verse of the Bible seems to
mean--it does mean! Cecil's rule is a very valuable
one, "The right way of interpreting Scripture is to take it
as we find it, without any attempt to force it into any
particular theological system."
(8) In the last
place, read the Bible with Christ continually in
view. The grand primary
object of all Scripture, is to testify of Jesus! Old
Testament
ceremonies are shadows of Christ. Old Testament deliverers
are types of Christ. Old Testament prophecies are
full of Christ's sufferings, and of Christ's glory yet to
come.
The first coming and the second;
the Lord's humiliation and His glorious kingdom;
His
cross and the crown--
shine forth everywhere in the Bible. Keep fast hold on this
clue, if you would read the Bible aright!
I might easily add to these hints,
if space permitted. Few and short as they are--you will find
them most profitable when implemented.
*Yes, my blogging break is over. I've been praying about what to post and I hope to, Lord willing, begin writing soon. I missed you all!*
