第12章 怎样对付疑惑
§1
第12章 怎样对付疑惑
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Chapter 12—What to Do with Doubt
§3
有许多人，特别是那些信主不久的人，有时会被怀疑的心理所困。圣经中有许多事情是他们所不能解释，甚至是无法理解的。撒但就利用这些事，来动摇他们对圣经是出于上帝默示的信心。他们问道：“我怎样才能知道正路呢？圣经如果真是上帝的道，我怎样才能消除这些怀疑困惑呢？”{SC 105.1}[1]
§4
Many, especially those who are young in the Christian life, are at times troubled with the suggestions of skepticism. There are in the Bible many things which they cannot explain, or even understand, and Satan employs these to shake their faith in the Scriptures as a revelation from God. They ask, “How shall I know the right way? If the Bible is indeed the word of God, how can I be freed from these doubts and perplexities?”?{SC 105.1}[1]
§5
上帝从来没有要我们相信无凭无据的事。祂的存在，祂的品格，祂话语的真实性，都有合理而充分的证据。但上帝也从未排除疑惑的可能性。我们的信心必须依靠证据，而不是根据推论。要疑惑的人总是有机会的。但是真心希望明白真理的人，一定会找到充足的凭据，来确立他们的信心。{SC 105.2}[2]
§6
God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence upon which to base our faith. His existence, His character, the truthfulness of His word, are all established by testimony that appeals to our reason; and this testimony is abundant. Yet God has never removed the possibility of doubt. Our faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstration. Those who wish to doubt will have opportunity; while those who really desire to know the truth will find plenty of evidence on which to rest their faith.?{SC 105.2}[2]
§7
人类有限的智力，无法测透无穷上帝的品格和作为。即使是对于最聪明，受过最高教育的人，上帝仍裹罩着一层神秘的外衣。“你考察就能测透上帝吗？你岂能尽情测透全能者吗？祂的智慧高于天，你还能做什么？深于阴间，你还能知道什么”（伯11:7,8）？{SC 105.3}[3]
§8
It is impossible for finite minds fully to comprehend the character or the works of the Infinite One. To the keenest intellect, the most highly educated mind, that holy Being must ever remain clothed in mystery. “Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?”?Job 11:7, 8.?{SC 105.3}[3]
§9
使徒保罗感叹说：“深哉，上帝丰富的智慧和知识！祂的判断何其难测，祂的踪迹何其难寻！”虽然“密云和幽暗在祂的四围，”但“公义和公平是祂宝座的根基”（罗11:33；诗97:2）。我们从上帝待我们的恩典，和祂行事的宗旨中，可以看到祂无限的权能，是与无穷的仁爱慈悲深相结合的。关于上帝的旨意，凡与我们有益的，我们都能明白；超过了这个范围，我们就应交托上帝全能的圣手和祂充满慈爱的心。{SC 106.1}[4]
§10
The apostle Paul exclaims, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!”?Romans 11:33. But though “clouds and darkness are round about Him,” “righteousness and judgment are the foundation of His throne.”?Psalm 97:2, R.V. We can so far comprehend His dealings with us, and the motives by which He is actuated, that we may discern boundless love and mercy united to infinite power. We can understand as much of His purposes as it is for our good to know; and beyond this we must still trust the hand that is omnipotent, the heart that is full of love.?{SC 106.1}[4]
§11
上帝的道像祂的品性一样，包含着有限的心智所永远无法充分明白的奥秘。圣经所论罪恶进入世界，基督道成肉身，重生，复活和其他许多问题，是人所无法解释或测透的奥秘。但是我们没有理由因不能明白上帝旨意的奥秘，而怀疑上帝的道。在自然界中，我们一直被无法理解的奥秘所包围，连最小的生物也能给最聪明的哲学家提出他们所无法解释的问题。到处都有所测不透的奇迹。既然如此，我们在灵界发现了无法测透的奥秘，又有什么奇怪呢？问题出在人心的软弱和狭隘上。上帝已经在圣经中赐给我们有关祂神圣品格的充足凭据。我们不要因无法明白祂旨意的一切奥秘，就怀疑祂的道。{SC 106.2}[5]
§12
The word of God, like the character of its divine Author, presents mysteries that can never be fully comprehended by finite beings. The entrance of sin into the world, the incarnation of Christ, regeneration, the resurrection, and many other subjects presented in the Bible, are mysteries too deep for the human mind to explain, or even fully to comprehend. But we have no reason to doubt God’s word because we cannot understand the mysteries of His providence. In the natural world we are constantly surrounded with mysteries that we cannot fathom. The very humblest forms of life present a problem that the wisest of philosophers is powerless to explain. Everywhere are wonders beyond our ken. Should we then be surprised to find that in the spiritual world also there are mysteries that we cannot fathom? The difficulty lies solely in the weakness and narrowness of the human mind. God has given us in the Scriptures sufficient evidence of their divine character, and we are not to?doubt His word because we cannot understand all the mysteries of His providence.?{SC 106.2}[5]
§13
使徒彼得说，圣经里“有些难明白的，那些无学问不坚固的人强解……就自取沉沦”（彼后3:16）。圣经中的难题曾被怀疑派作为反对圣经的根据。但这些难题正是圣经为上帝所默示的有力证据。如果圣经中关于上帝的论述，能被我们轻易理解，如果上帝的伟大和威严，能被我们有限的心智所测透，圣经就不再具有其神圣权威的确凿证据了。圣经中伟大深奥的话题，应当使我们确信它是上帝的道。{SC 107.1}[6]
§14
The apostle Peter says that there are in Scripture “things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest ... unto their own destruction.”?2 Peter 3:16. The difficulties of Scripture have been urged by skeptics as an argument against the Bible; but so far from this, they constitute a strong evidence of its divine inspiration. If it contained no account of God but that which we could easily comprehend; if His greatness and majesty could be grasped by finite minds, then the Bible would not bear the unmistakable credentials of divine authority. The very grandeur and mystery of the themes presented should inspire faith in it as the word of God.?{SC 107.1}[6]
§15
圣经以简明的话语阐述了真理，完全适应人心的需求。它使最有学问的人惊叹感佩，也能使卑微无学问的人认识得救之道。然而这些语言简明的真理，却包含着非常高深，非常难测，无比深奥，人类所无法理解的题目。我们之所以能接受它，是因为它出于上帝。救赎的计划已向我们启明。人人都可以明白悔改归向上帝和信靠主耶稣基督所当采取的步骤，按上帝所指定的方法得救。然而在这些明显易懂的真理之下，仍隐藏着上帝荣光的奥秘。这些奥秘虽然越过心智的限度，仍然能激发起诚心寻求真理之人的崇敬和信心。他越查考圣经，就越深信它是永生上帝的道。于是人的理性就折服在上帝启示的尊严之前。{SC 107.2}[7]
§16
The Bible unfolds truth with a simplicity and a perfect adaptation to the needs and longings of the human heart, that has astonished and charmed the most highly cultivated minds, while it enables the humblest and uncultured to discern the way of salvation. And yet these simply stated truths lay hold upon subjects so elevated, so far-reaching, so infinitely beyond the power of human comprehension, that we can accept them only because God has declared them. Thus the plan of redemption is laid open to us, so that every soul may see the steps he is to take in repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, in order to be saved in God’s appointed way; yet beneath these truths, so easily understood, lie mysteries that are the hiding of His glory—mysteries that overpower the mind in its research, yet inspire the sincere seeker for truth with reverence and faith. The more?he searches the Bible, the deeper is his conviction that it is the word of the living God, and human reason bows before the majesty of divine revelation.?{SC 107.2}[7]
§17
承认我们不能充分理解圣经的伟大真理，就是承认人有限的心智不足以领会无限的智慧，承认人有限的知识无法测透全能上帝的旨意。{SC 108.1}[8]
§18
To acknowledge that we cannot fully comprehend the great truths of the Bible is only to admit that the finite mind is inadequate to grasp the infinite; that man, with his limited, human knowledge, cannot understand the purposes of Omniscience.?{SC 108.1}[8]
§19
怀疑派和无神论者反对上帝的道，是因为他们不明白其中的全部奥秘。但并不是一切自称相信圣经的人都能排除这方面的危险。使徒说：“弟兄们，你们要谨慎，免得你们中间或有人存着不信的恶心，把永生上帝离弃了”（来3:12）。我们应该深入研究圣经的教训，探索圣经所显示的“上帝深奥的事”（林前2:10）。“隐秘的事是属于耶和华我们上帝的；唯有明显的事是永远属于我们……的”（申29:29）。撒但的工作就是扰乱人的思维能力。如果人抱着骄傲的心去研究圣经的真理，一旦他们不能满意地解释圣经中的每一部分，就失去耐心而气馁。要他们承认自己不明白上帝所启示的话，这未免太丢脸了。他们不愿耐心等候上帝在适当的时候，把真理向他们显明。他们认为凭自己出众的智慧足以明白圣经。他们既做不到，最后就会否认圣经的权威。有许多普遍被认为来自圣经的学说和道理，实际上并不是依据圣经的教训，与所默示的真道也是背道而驰的。这些道理造成许多人的怀疑和困惑。但责任不在圣经．而在人们的曲解。{SC 108.2}[9]
§20
Because they cannot fathom all its mysteries, the skeptic and the infidel reject God’s word; and not all who profess to believe the Bible are free from danger on this point. The apostle says, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”?Hebrews 3:12. It is right to study closely the teachings of the Bible and to search into “the deep things of God” so far as they are revealed in Scripture.?1 Corinthians 2:10. While “the secret things belong unto the Lord our God,” “those things which are revealed belong unto us.”?Deuteronomy 29:29. But it is Satan’s work to pervert the investigative powers of the mind. A certain pride is mingled with the consideration of Bible truth, so that men feel impatient and defeated if they cannot explain every portion of Scripture to their satisfaction. It is too humiliating to them to acknowledge that they do not understand the inspired words. They are unwilling to wait patiently until God shall see fit to reveal the truth to them. They feel that their unaided human wisdom is sufficient to enable them to comprehend the Scripture, and failing to do this, they virtually deny its authority. It is true that many theories and doctrines popularly supposed to be derived from the Bible have no foundation in its teaching, and indeed are?contrary to the whole tenor of inspiration. These things have been a cause of doubt and perplexity to many minds. They are not, however, chargeable to God’s word, but to man’s perversion of it.?{SC 108.2}[9]
§21
如果受造的人类真能达到完全明白上帝和祂作为的地步，他们就不需要进一步探索真理，增加知识，发展智力了。上帝也就不再为至尊了。人类既已达到知识和教育的颠峰，就停止前进了。应当感谢上帝，事实并不是这样。上帝是无穷的，在祂里面藏着“所积蓄的一切智慧和知识”（西2:3）。人类将一直探索，一直研究，直到永远，然而仍探不尽祂的智慧、恩慈和能力。{SC 109.1}[10]
§22
If it were possible for created beings to attain to a full understanding of God and His works, then, having reached this point, there would be for them no further discovery of truth, no growth in knowledge, no further development of mind or heart. God would no longer be supreme; and man, having reached the limit of knowledge and attainment, would cease to advance. Let us thank God that it is not so. God is infinite; in Him are “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”?Colossians 2:3. And to all eternity men may be ever searching, ever learning, and yet never exhaust the treasures of His wisdom, His goodness, and His power.?{SC 109.1}[10]
§23
上帝的旨意是在今生就向祂的子民显明圣经的真理。要得到这种知识，只有一个办法。我们惟有藉着那赐圣经之圣灵的启示，才能明白上帝的道。“除了上帝的灵，也没有人知道上帝的事”。“因为圣灵参透万事，就是上帝深奥的事”（林前2:10,11）。救主对门徒应许说：“只等真理的圣灵来了，祂要引导你们进入一切的真理，……因为祂要将受于我的告诉你们”（约16:13,14）。{SC 109.2}[11]
§24
God intends that even in this life the truths of His word shall be ever unfolding to His people. There is only one way in which this knowledge can be obtained. We can attain to an understanding of God’s word only through the illumination of that Spirit by which the word was given. “The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God;” “for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”?1 Corinthians 2:11, 10. And the Saviour’s promise to His followers was, “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.... For He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you.”?John 16:13, 14.?{SC 109.2}[11]
§25
上帝希望人运用自己的推理能力。研究圣经最能增强和提高人的智力。但我们不要崇拜理智，因为理智仍不能摆脱人性的软弱和缺欠。我们要明白圣经，领会其中最明显的真理，就必须有小孩子般的单纯和信心，恳求圣灵的帮助。我们认识到上帝的能力和智慧，以及自己无法理解祂的伟大，就会产生谦卑的心。一打开圣经，我们就满怀圣洁的敬畏，像是来到上帝的面前。读经的时候，我们必须承认在理智之上有一位更高的权威。我们的心灵和理智必须俯伏在伟大的“自有永有”者面前。{SC 109.3}[12]
§26
God desires man to exercise his reasoning powers; and the study of the Bible will strengthen and elevate the mind as no other study can. Yet we are to beware?of deifying reason, which is subject to the weakness and infirmity of humanity. If we would not have the Scriptures clouded to our understanding, so that the plainest truths shall not be comprehended, we must have the simplicity and faith of a little child, ready to learn, and beseeching the aid of the Holy Spirit. A sense of the power and wisdom of God, and of our inability to comprehend His greatness, should inspire us with humility, and we should open His word, as we would enter His presence, with holy awe. When we come to the Bible, reason must acknowledge an authority superior to itself, and heart and intellect must bow to the great I AM.?{SC 109.3}[12]
§27
许多表面上难解的事，上帝会向虚心寻求的人解明。但如果没有圣灵的引导，我们就很容易曲解和误解圣经。有时大量的读经反而有害无益。如果我们不以祈祷和崇敬之心打开圣经，思想和感情如果不集中在上帝身上，与祂的旨意和谐，我们的心就会充满疑虑。这样的研究，只能使疑惑增强。仇敌控制了人的思维，暗示了种种错误的解释。无论何时，人如果不在言行上与上帝和谐，那么不论他们有多大的学问，也会误解圣经。他们的解释是靠不住的。那些专找圣经矛盾的人是没有属灵见识的。他们既带着偏见，就从原本简明的事中找出许多怀疑和不信的理由来。{SC 110.1}[13]
§28
There are many things apparently difficult or obscure, which God will make plain and simple to those who thus seek an understanding of them. But without the guidance of the Holy Spirit we shall be continually liable to wrest the Scriptures or to misinterpret them. There is much reading of the Bible that is without profit and in many cases a positive injury. When the word of God is opened without reverence and without prayer; when the thoughts and affections are not fixed upon God, or in harmony with His will, the mind is clouded with doubts; and in the very study of the Bible, skepticism strengthens. The enemy takes control of the thoughts, and he suggests interpretations that are not correct. Whenever men are not in word and deed seeking to be in harmony with God, then, however learned they may be, they are liable to err in their understanding of Scripture, and it is not safe to trust to their explanations. Those who look to the Scriptures to find discrepancies, have not spiritual?insight. With distorted vision they will see many causes for doubt and unbelief in things that are really plain and simple.?{SC 110.1}[13]
§29
怀疑的真正原因，虽然十分隐蔽，但大都不外乎爱恋罪恶。骄傲而依恋罪恶的心是不欢迎圣经的教训和约束的。那些不愿意顺从圣经要求的人，必怀疑它的权威。为了认识真理，我们必须有真正明白真理的愿望和乐意顺从的心。凡带着这种精神研究圣经的人，就会发现大量的凭据，证明圣经就是上帝的道。他们必明白圣经的真理，接受得救的智慧。{SC 111.1}[14]
§30
Disguise it as they may, the real cause of doubt and skepticism, in most cases, is the love of sin. The teachings and restrictions of God’s word are not welcome to the proud, sin-loving heart, and those who are unwilling to obey its requirements are ready to doubt its authority. In order to arrive at truth, we must have a sincere desire to know the truth and a willingness of heart to obey it. And all who come in this spirit to the study of the Bible will find abundant evidence that it is God’s word, and they may gain an understanding of its truths that will make them wise unto salvation.?{SC 111.1}[14]
§31
基督说：“人若立志遵着祂的旨意行，就必晓得这教训”（约7:17）。对于你还不明白的地方，不要责难强解，而要留意已经照耀在你身上的光。这样，你就能得到更大的亮光。靠着基督的恩典，实行你已经明白的每一项本分，你就会能够懂得并实行那些你现在还怀疑的事了。{SC 111.2}[15]
§32
Christ has said, “If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching.”?John 7:17, R.V. Instead of questioning and caviling concerning that which you do not understand, give heed to the light that already shines upon you, and you will receive greater light. By the grace of Christ, perform every duty that has been made plain to your understanding, and you will be enabled to understand and perform those of which you are now in doubt.?{SC 111.2}[15]
§33
有一个凭据是每一个人都可以获得的，不论他有很高的学问，还是没有受过什么教育。这就是经验的证据。上帝愿意我们亲自去试验祂话语的真实性和祂应许的准确性。祂吩咐我们“尝尝主恩的滋味，便知道祂是美善”（诗34:8）。我们不要依赖别人的话，而要自己去品尝。祂说“你们祈求，就必得着”（约16:24）。祂的应许必定实现。这些应许从未落空，也决不会落空。当我们就近耶稣，并在祂丰盛的爱中得到喜乐的时候，我们的疑云和幽暗就会在祂临格的荣光中消散净尽。{SC 111.3}[16]
§34
There is an evidence that is open to all,—the most highly educated, and the most illiterate,—the evidence of experience. God invites us to prove for ourselves the reality of His word, the truth of His promises. He bids us “taste and see that the Lord is good.”?Psalm 34:8. Instead of depending upon the word of another, we are to taste for ourselves. He declares, “Ask, and ye shall receive.”?John 16:24. His promises will be?fulfilled. They have never failed; they never can fail. And as we draw near to Jesus, and rejoice in the fullness of His love, our doubt and darkness will disappear in the light of His presence.?{SC 111.3}[16]
§35
使徒保罗说，上帝“救了我们脱离黑暗的权势，把我们迁到祂爱子的国里”（西1:13）。每一个已经出死入生的人，都能够“印上印，证明上帝是真的”（约3:33）。他们就能够见证说：“我所需要的帮助，已经在耶稣身上找到了。我所有的缺乏都已得到补充。我心灵的饥渴已得到满足。我确知圣经是基督的启示。如果你问我为什么信耶稣？因为祂是我神圣的救主。我为什么要信圣经？因为我已经发现它是上帝对我心灵说话的声音。”我们可以亲自见证圣经是真实的，基督是上帝的儿子。我们知道自己所随从的并不是那乖巧捏造的虚言。{SC 112.1}[17]
§36
The apostle Paul says that God “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.”?Colossians 1:13. And everyone who has passed from death unto life is able to “set to his seal that God is true.”?John 3:33. He can testify, “I needed help, and I found it in Jesus. Every want was supplied, the hunger of my soul was satisfied; and now the Bible is to me the revelation of Jesus Christ. Do you ask why I believe in Jesus? Because He is to me a divine Saviour. Why do I believe the Bible? Because I have found it to be the voice of God to my soul.” We may have the witness in ourselves that the Bible is true, that Christ is the Son of God. We know that we are not following cunningly devised fables.?{SC 112.1}[17]
§37
彼得劝勉他的弟兄们：“在我们主救主耶稣的恩典和知识上有长进”（彼前3:8）。当上帝的子民在恩典中长进时，他们对祂的话就会有越来越清楚的认识。他们必从圣经神圣的真理中发现新的光辉和荣美。历代教会的历史证实了这一点。而且这种情况一直要持续到末时。“义人的路，好像黎明的光，越照越明，直到日午”（箴4:18）。{SC 112.2}[18]
§38
Peter exhorts his brethren to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”?2 Peter 3:18. When the people of God are growing in grace, they will be constantly obtaining a clearer understanding of His word. They will discern new light and beauty in its sacred truths. This has been true in the history of the church in all ages, and thus it will continue to the end. “The path of the righteous is as the light of dawn, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”?Proverbs 4:18, R.V., margin.?{SC 112.2}[18]
§39
我们凭着信心，可以看到今后的事，并握住上帝的应许，好在知识上长进，使人的能力联合于上帝的能力，身心的每一机能都与真光的源头直接相通。我们将得到喜乐，因为一切曾使我们怀疑上帝旨意的事物都明确了。一切难以理解的事都得到了解释。过去凭我们有限的心智所看到混乱和支离破碎的地方，我们将看到最完美的和谐。“我们如今仿佛对着镜子观看，模糊不清，到那时，就要面对面了。我如今所知道的有限，到那时就全知道，如同主知道我一样”（林前13:12）。{SC 112.3}[19]
§40
By faith we may look to the hereafter and grasp the pledge of God for a growth of intellect, the?human faculties uniting with the divine, and every power of the soul being brought into direct contact with the Source of light. We may rejoice that all which has perplexed us in the providences of God will then be made plain, things hard to be understood will then find an explanation; and where our finite minds discovered only confusion and broken purposes, we shall see the most perfect and beautiful harmony. “Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”?1 Corinthians 13:12.?{SC 112.3}[19]