第84章 圣经的奥秘证明它乃是灵感之..
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第84章 圣经的奥秘证明它乃是灵感之..
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Chap. 84—The Mysteries of the Bible a Proof of its Inspiration
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“你考察，就能测透上帝么？你岂能尽情测透全能者么？祂的智慧高于天，你还能作什么？深于阴间，你还能知道什么”（伯11:7,8）？“耶和华说：我的意念非同你们的意念，我的道路非同你们的道路。天怎样高过地，照样，我的道路高过你们的道路，我的意念高过你们的意念”（赛55:8,9）。“我是上帝，再没有能比我的。我从起初指明末后的事，从古时言明未成的事”（赛46:9,10）。人类有涯的脑力，不可能完全了解无穷之主的品性及作为。对于最聪明睿智的人士，与受过最高深教育而最有强大智力的人，这位圣者必然仍旧永为奥秘所蔽。{5T698.2}[1]
§4
“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?” “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” “I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done.” It is impossible for the finite minds of men to fully comprehend the character or the works of the Infinite One. To the keenest intellect, to the most powerful and highly educated mind, that holy Being must ever remain clothed in mystery.?{5T 698.2}[1]
§5
使徒保罗宣称：“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”（罗11:32）！虽然“密云和黑暗，在祂的四围；公义和公平是祂宝座的根基”（诗97:2）。但关于祂怎样对待我们以及祂作为的动机如何，我们所能了解的地步，使我们能看明在无穷之能力中搀有无涯的慈爱。关于祂的旨意，我们所能明白的，只是那些使我们知道了与我们有益的部分；除此之外，我们必须仍旧信赖全能者的权力，统管万有之父的慈爱与智慧。{5T699.1}[2]
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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!” But though “clouds and darkness are round about Him: righteousness and judgment are the foundation of His throne.” [Revised Version.] We can so far comprehend His dealing 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 might of the Omnipotent, the love and wisdom of the Father and Sovereign of all.?{5T 699.1}[2]
§7
圣经，正如它神圣作者的品性一样，表现出有涯人类所不能完全了解的奥秘。它指引我们的心志朝向创造之主，就是那“住在人不能靠近的光里”的上帝（提前6:16）。圣经向我们显明祂的旨意，这包括了人类世世代代的历史，以及只有在无穷尽的永恒岁月轮转里才能成就的旨意。它使我们注意到那些与上帝政府及人类命运有关的，无穷深奥的重大题旨。{5T699.2}[3]
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The word of God, like the character of its divine Author, presents mysteries which can never be fully comprehended by finite beings. It directs our minds to the Creator, who dwelleth “in the light which no man can approach unto.” It presents to us His purposes, which embrace all the ages of human history, and which will reach their fulfillment only in the endless cycles of eternity. It calls our attention to subjects of infinite depth and importance relating to the government of God and the destiny of man.?{5T 699.2}[3]
§9
罪恶的进入世界，基督的化身为人，重生，复活，以及圣经中所论述的其他种种题目，都是极其深奥，过于人类智力所能解释，而甚至是无法完全领悟的。但上帝已在圣经中给我们充足的凭据，可以证明各卷圣经的神圣性，使我们不必因为不能明白上帝美意的全部奥秘，便怀疑祂的圣言。{5T699.3}[4]
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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 to fully comprehend. But 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.?{5T 699.3}[4]
§11
圣经的各部分都是表明这些重大的题旨，我们不可视之为与人无益，遂予轻忽。凡上帝本其美意所启示的，我们就当凭着祂圣言的权威而领受。有些部分平铺直叙事实，没有解释为何及如何这样，我们虽然不能领悟其含意，却仍当笃信不疑，承认它是真确的，因为它是上帝所说的。一切的困难，只能归咎于人类脑力的薄弱与褊狭。{5T699.4}[5]
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The portions of Holy Writ presenting these great themes are not to be passed by as of no use to man. All that God has seen fit to make known we are to accept upon the authority of His word. Only a bare statement of facts may be given, with no explanation as to why or how; but though we cannot?comprehend it we should rest content that it is true, because God has said it. All the difficulty lies in the weakness and narrowness of the human mind.{5T 699.4}[5]
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使徒彼得说，在圣经中“有些难明白的，那无学问、不坚固的人强解，……就自取沉沦”（彼后3:16）。怀疑者坚执圣经的难题为论据来攻击圣经；可是适得其反，因而奠下坚强的凭据，证明圣经是上帝所默示的。如果它所论述有关上帝的事都是我们所易领悟的；如果祂的伟大与威严是有涯人类的脑力所能理解的，那么圣经就没有神圣权威的无误证据了。所提出的这些题旨，其伟大与深奥之处，正应激发人的信心，信它是上帝的圣言。{5T700.1}[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.” 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.?{5T 700.1}[6]
§15
圣经显明真理，简纯而切合人心的需要与渴望，使受过最高教化的心智感到惊奇向往，但同时它又使那卑微而无教化的人能领会得救之道。这些简单叙述的真理，其所根据的题旨是这样的高尚，这样的深邃，这样的无穷无尽，远超乎人类理解力之外，以致我们只有因为它是上帝所颁赐的，才能予以接受。救赎的计划，就是这样向我们显明，使每个人可以看出自己当采的步骤，向上帝悔改，信靠我们的主耶稣基督，以便按上帝钦定的方法得救；虽然这样，但在这些如此容易明白的真理之下，却藏有掩蔽祂荣耀的种种奥秘，是人的脑筋所探究不了的，而对于诚心寻求真理的人，却又能激发其敬畏与信心。他越发查考圣经，便越深切信服这是永生上帝的圣言，在神圣启示的庄严之前，人类的理性俯首了。{5T700.2}[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 humble 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 which are the hiding of His glory—mysteries which 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.?{5T 700.2}[7]
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凡愿意如此承认活泼的圣言为上帝的威权的人，就必蒙福而被赐以最清明的亮光。若要他们解释某些段落，他们只能回答说：“圣经上就是这样说的。”他们不得不承认，自己不能解释上帝能力的运行或神圣智慧的表现。这正如主所预定的，使我们发现某些事项自己不得不只能凭着信心来接受。要认清这一步，只有承认有限的智力不足以理解无穷的神意；人以其有限的人类知识，是不能明白全知之神的旨意的。{5T700.3}[8]
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Those are blessed with clearest light who are willing thus to accept the living oracles upon the authority of God. If?asked to explain certain statements, they can only answer: “It is so presented in the Scriptures.” They are obliged to acknowledge that they cannot explain the operation of divine power or the manifestation of divine wisdom. It is as the Lord intended it should be, that we find ourselves compelled to accept some things solely by faith. To acknowledge this, 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.?{5T 700.3}[8]
§19
怀疑者及无神派人士，因为不能探测圣经的一切奥秘，便予以拒绝；自称信仰圣经的人，在这方面，也不是全都能免受试探的危险。使徒说道：“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）。因为不能测透上帝旨意的人，受教要怀疑，不信，与责难，便“学那不信从的样子跌倒了”（来4:11）。细心查考圣经的教训，及照圣经上所阐明的去参透“上帝深奥的事”（林前2:10），这原是对的。可是“隐秘的事是属耶和华我们上帝的；惟有明显的事，是永远属我们和我们子孙的”（申29:29）。撒但的工作就是要败坏人脑筋的查考能力。人对于圣经真理的研求，搀着一种骄傲的心理，若对于每一段圣经不能圆满解说，便觉得失败和焦躁。在他们看来，若承认自己不明白这灵感的圣言，乃是奇耻大辱。他们不肯耐心等候到上帝看为合适他们显明真理之时。他们觉得单凭自己人类的智慧，足使他们了解圣经；若不能如此，他们便在实际上否认圣经的权威。现今确实有许多的理论及教条，被人公认为圣经的教训，可是在圣经上却没有根据，实际上与全部灵感的要旨相反。这些事已引起许多人的怀疑与困惑。然而这不能归咎于圣经，而应归咎于人的曲解。圣经中的疑难，并不谴责上帝的智慧；也不致叫任何若无这些疑难就不会遭遇沉沦的人灭亡。纵使圣经中没有他们可怀疑的奥秘，这等人的脑筋因为缺乏属灵的辨识力，仍是不免要在上帝最简明的话语上跌倒。{5T701.1}[9]
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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 secure from temptation on this point. Says the apostle: “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” Minds that have been educated to criticize, to doubt and cavil because they cannot search into the purposes of God, will “fall after the same example of unbelief.” It is right to study closely the teaching of the Bible, and to search into “the deep things of God,” so far as they are revealed in Scripture. While “the secret things belong unto the Lord our God,” “those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children.” 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 defeated and impatient 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 the teaching of the Bible have no foundation in Scripture 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. But the difficulties in the Bible do not reflect upon the wisdom of God; they will not cause the ruin of any who would not have been destroyed if no such difficulties had existed. Had there been no mysteries in the Bible for them to question, the same minds would, through their own lack of spiritual discernment, have found cause of stumbling in the plainest utterances of God.?{5T 701.1}[9]
§21
有些人幻想自己的天赋才智绝高，甚至能解释上帝的一切方策及作为，他们妄图高抬人类的智慧去与神圣的智慧相等，并将人当作上帝一样地荣耀。他们不过是重述撒但在伊甸园向夏娃所说的话罢了：“你们便如上帝”（创3:5）。撒但因为有野心要与上帝平等而堕落。他想要参加神圣的御前会议和意旨，他是一个受造之物，自己的才能不足以理解无穷之主的智慧，所以不得参加。因为有这种野心的骄傲，以致引起反叛，后来他又用此同样的手段来使人类灭亡。{5T702.1}[10]
§22
Men who imagine themselves endowed with mental powers of so high an order that they can find an explanation of all the ways and works of God, are seeking to exalt human wisdom to an equality with the divine and to glorify man as God. They are only repeating that which Satan declared to Eve in Eden: “Ye shall be as gods.” Satan fell because of his ambition to be equal with God. He desired to enter into the divine counsels and purposes, from which he was excluded by his own inability, as a created being, to comprehend the wisdom of the Infinite One. It was this ambitious pride that led to his rebellion, and by the same means he seeks to cause the ruin of man.?{5T 702.1}[10]
§23
在救赎大计之中，含有无穷的奥秘──上帝之子所受的羞辱，祂竟采取人的形式，天父在牺牲祂的儿子上所表现的奇妙之爱与谦逊──这些都是天使不住惊奇的事实。使徒彼得论及众先知所得的启示，关于“基督受苦难，后来得荣耀”等事说，“天使也愿意详细察看这些事”（彼前1:11,12）。这些也是得救子民在永恒岁月中所要研究的题旨。当他们思想上帝创造及救赎的大工之时，新的真理就要不断地向他们惊奇而愉悦的心中显明。他们越多明白上帝的智慧，仁爱，及权能，他们的心智就不断地扩大，他们的快乐也不住地增加。{5T702.2}[11]
§24
There are mysteries in the plan of redemption—the humiliation of the Son of God, that He might be found in fashion as a man, the wonderful love and condescension of the Father in yielding up His Son—that are to the heavenly angels subjects of continual amazement. The apostle Peter, speaking of the revelations given to the prophets of “the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow,” says that these are things which “the angels desire to look into.” And these will be the study of the redeemed through eternal ages. As they contemplate the work of God in creation and redemption, new truth will continually unfold to the wondering and delighted mind. As they learn more and more of the wisdom, the love, and the power of God, their minds will be?constantly expanding, and their joy will continually increase.?{5T 702.2}[11]
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如果被造之物能达到完全明白上帝及其作为的地步，那么，在达到了这种地步之后，他们就不会再进一步发现真理，不会在知识上增长，在心志上也不会再有所发展；上帝不再是至高者；人们既在知识及造诣上达到极峰，也就停止进益了。我们应当感谢上帝，因为事实上没有这样的情形。上帝是无穷的；“一切智慧知识，都在祂里面藏着”（西2:3）。在永恒的岁月中，人们可以永远查考，永远学习，而又永远不能穷尽祂所宝藏的，祂的智慧，祂的良善，及祂的权能。{5T703.1}[12]
§26
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 men, 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.” And to all eternity men may be ever searching, ever learning, and yet they can never exhaust the treasures of His wisdom, His goodness, and His power.?{5T 703.1}[12]
§27
上帝有意，即使在今生，也要向祂的子民不住地揭示真理。只有一种方法可以得到这知识。只有藉着赐下圣经之圣灵的启示，我们才能明白上帝的道。“除了上帝的灵，也没有人知道上帝的事；”“因为圣灵参透万事，就是上帝深奥的事也参透了”（林前2:11,10）。救主向祂门徒所赐的应许是：“只等真理的圣灵来了，祂要引导你们明白一切的真理。……因为祂要将受于我的，告诉你们”（约16:13,14）。{5T703.2}[13]
§28
God intends that, even in this life, truth 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.” 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.”?{5T 703.2}[13]
§29
上帝愿人发挥自己的推理能力；研究圣经可加强及提高人的心智，这是其他的研究所不及的。这是人类心智及灵性最好的操练。但我们也当谨防，不可把理性当作神明看待，因为它常服从人性的软弱及缺点。我们若不愿自己对于圣经的悟性含糊不清，以致连那最明显的真理也不能了解，我们就当存小孩子的天真及信心，敏于学习，并恳求圣灵的帮助。我们若感觉到上帝的能力与智慧，以及自己的软弱，不能明白祂的伟大，就必激发谦卑的心，并当存神圣敬畏之念去打开圣经，好像是晋到祂面前一样。当我们论及圣经的时候，理性就必须承认那比它更高的权威，我们的心及智力也当向那伟大的自有永有者俯伏。{5T703.3}[14]
§30
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 do. It is the best mental as well as spiritual exercise for the human mind. 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.?{5T 703.3}[14]
§31
我们惟有在认清自己的渺小及要完全倚靠上帝之时，才可在真实的属灵知识上有长进；凡存领教的心及敬虔的精神以圣经为上帝圣言来研究的人，就必得到神圣的亮光。有许多事物看来是很艰深而晦涩的，对于这等寻求明了真理的人，上帝却要使它变得简明而平易。{5T704.1}[15]
§32
We shall advance in true spiritual knowledge only as we realize our own littleness and our entire dependence upon God; but all who come to the Bible with a teachable and prayerful spirit, to study its utterances as the word of God, will receive divine enlightenment. There are many things apparently difficult or obscure which God will make plain and simple to those who thus seek an understanding of them.?{5T 704.1}[15]
§33
或有智力才情很高，再经教育培养而益为超越的人，却对于圣经的某些段落不能明白；可是同时有些别的，没有受过教育，悟性似乎薄弱，脑力未经锻炼的人，反能明白其意义，而由前一等人所认为奥秘的或看为不重要而抛弃的章句中，得到能力及安慰。为什么会这样呢？我蒙解释明白，原来这后一等人并没有倚靠他们自己的悟性。他们去亲近光的源头，就是那启示圣经之主，并存谦卑的心向上帝求智慧，结果就得到了。尚有许多的真理宝库，有待乎切心寻求的人去发掘。基督曾表示真理是隐藏在田间的宝贝。它并没有浮在地面上；我们必须去发掘它。我们在发掘上的成功，并不在乎我们的才智能力，而多在乎我们的虚心及信心，去取得神圣的帮助。{5T704.2}[16]
§34
It is sometimes the case that men of intellectual ability, improved by education and culture, fail to comprehend certain passages of Scripture, while others who are uneducated, whose understanding seems weak and whose minds are undisciplined, will grasp the meaning, finding strength and comfort in that which the former declare to be mysterious or pass by as unimportant. Why is this? It has been explained to me that the latter class do not rely upon their own understanding. They go to the Source of light, the One who has inspired the Scriptures, and with humility of heart ask God for wisdom, and they receive it. There are mines of truth yet to be discovered by the earnest seeker. Christ represented the truth as treasure hid in a field. It does not lie right upon the surface; we must dig for it. But our success in finding it does not depend so much on our intellectual ability as on our humility of heart and the faith which will lay hold upon divine aid.?{5T 704.2}[16]
§35
若无圣灵引导，我们必时常易于歪曲圣经或是误解它。这样，读经虽多，实无益处，而且在好些情形下反有确实的伤害。人若不存敬虔及祈祷的心去打开圣经；若是思想及情意不倾注于上帝或符合祂的旨意，心志就必被疑惑所蒙蔽；这样研究圣经，就必助长怀疑之念。仇敌控制了思想，他暗示了许多不正确的解释。{5T704.3}[17]
§36
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 is 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 doubt; 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.?{5T 704.3}[17]
§37
何时人若不在言语及行为上追求与上帝和谐，则不论其学问何等的高深，仍容易对于圣经的理解发生错误，所以信任他们的解说是不安全的。当我们诚实追求奉行上帝的旨意之时，圣灵就要运用圣经的训诲，作我们人生的原理，写在心版上。只有那些肯依所赐之亮光而行的人，才能指望接受圣灵更多的光照。此点基督已经明言：“人若立志遵着祂的旨意行，就必晓得这教训”（约7:17）。{5T705.1}[18]
§38
Whenever men are not seeking, in word and deed, 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. When we are truly seeking to do God’s will, the Holy Spirit takes the precepts of His word and makes them the principles of the life, writing them on the tablets of the soul. And it is only those who are following the light already given that can hope to receive the further illumination of the Spirit. This is plainly stated in the words of Christ: “If any man will?do?His will, he shall know of the doctrine.”?{5T 705.1}[18]
§39
凡向圣经找矛盾的人，是没有属灵见识的。他们的眼光错谬，对于那些原是简明的事物，也会看出许多导致怀疑不信的因素来。但对于那些存恭敬的心来读圣经，追求明白上帝旨意以便实行的人，一切就完全改观了。当他们思想启示之真理的纯洁与崇高时，便满心存敬畏和惊奇之念。同类相感，同气相求；圣洁与圣洁相合，信心与信心联络。对于谦卑的心及诚实求知的意念，圣经是充满着亮光及知识的。凡存这种精神来读圣经的人，是与诸先知及使徒们相交。他们的精神与基督的精神同化，他们渴望与基督合而为一。{5T705.2}[19]
§40
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. But to those who take God’s word with reverence, seeking to learn His will that they may obey it, all is changed. They are filled with awe and wonder as they contemplate the purity and exalted excellence of the truths revealed. Like attracts like. Like appreciates like. Holiness allies itself with holiness, faith with faith. To the humble heart and the sincere, inquiring mind the Bible is full of light and knowledge. Those who come to the Scriptures in this spirit are brought into fellowship with prophets and apostles. Their spirit assimilates to that of Christ, and they long to become one with Him.?{5T 705.2}[19]
§41
许多人觉得自己负有一种责任，应当解释圣经中每一表面上的疑难，以便应付怀疑者及无神派人士的强辩。可是在他们设法要解释这些自己尚不完全明白的问题时，反而使别人对于那些清楚易解的部分，益增困惑的危险。这不是我们的工作。我们也不必为这些疑难的存在而悲哀，而当承认这些是凭着上帝的智慧所允许的。我们的本分就是接受祂的话，凡是有关灵性得救的各个要点，都是很明白的，我们应当在生活上奉行其原理，并用训诲及榜样将之教导别人。这样就向世人证明，我们与上帝有联络，并完全信靠祂的话，一种敬虔的生活，一种日常表现的忠贞，柔和，及无私之爱的榜样，都是圣经教训的活泼例证，并为圣经作很少有人能抗拒的美好的辩护，且将证明是对当今怀疑及不信之狂潮最有效的遏制。{5T705.3}[20]
§42
Many feel that a responsibility rests upon them to explain every seeming difficulty in the Bible in order to meet the cavils of skeptics and infidels. But in trying to explain that which they but imperfectly understand, they are in danger of confusing the minds of others in reference to points that are?clear and easy to be understood. This is not our work. Nor should we lament that these difficulties exist, but accept them as permitted by the wisdom of God. It is our duty to receive His word, which is plain on every point essential to the salvation of the soul, and practice its principles in our life, teaching them to others both by precept and example. Thus it will be evident to the world that we have a connection with God and implicit confidence in His word. A life of godliness, a daily example of integrity, meekness, and unselfish love, will be a living exemplification of the teaching of God’s word, and it will be an argument in favor of the Bible which few will be able to resist. This will prove the most effectual check to the prevailing tendency to skepticism and infidelity.?{5T 705.3}[20]
§43
我们应当凭着信心仰望将来，并紧握上帝的应许，在智力上增长，使人的各部功能可与上帝联合，将人的每一分力量与光的源头作直接的联络。我们可以欢喜快乐，因为一切在上帝的美意中曾使我们感到困惑的事物，在那时就要变为明白了；现今所难懂的，那时可得一解释；我们今生有限的心智所发现的只是一片混乱和破碎的愿望，那时就看出是最完全而美妙的和谐。使徒保罗说：“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）。{5T706.1}[21]
§44
By faith we should look to the hereafter and grasp the pledge of God of 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 that has perplexed us in the providences of God will then be made plain; things hard to be understood will find an explanation; and where our finite minds discovered only confusion and broken purposes, we shall see the most perfect and beautiful harmony. Says the apostle Paul: “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.”?{5T 706.1}[21]
§45
彼得劝他的弟兄说：“要在我们主救主耶稣基督的恩典和知识上有长进”（彼后3:18）。无论何时，上帝的子民若在恩典中有长进，就必越久越清楚了解圣经。他们要从神圣的真理中看出新的亮光及优美。这在已往各时代教会的历史上是这样，并要长此继续下去直到末日。可是何时真正的灵性生活退化了，就在真理的知识上也有停止进步的倾向。人便因已有的圣道光辉而自满，不再更进一步地查考圣经。他们变成固步自封，而尽力避免研讨了。{5T706.2}[22]
§46
Peter exhorts his brethren to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” Whenever 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. But as real spiritual life declines, it has ever been the tendency to cease to advance in the knowledge of the truth. Men rest satisfied with the light already received from God’s word and discourage any further?investigation of the Scriptures. They become conservative and seek to avoid discussion.?{5T 706.2}[22]
§47
在上帝的子民之间若没有辩争或激论，这并不能当作他们是坚守纯正道理的证明，反而有理由叫人担心他们对真理和异端尚未有明确的分辨。当查经而不提出新问题时，当彼此之间没有意见冲突，而不必自行查经以求证自己是否有真理时，就会使现今许多人正象古人一样，紧执遗传而不知道自己所敬拜的是什么了。{5T707.1}[23]
§48
The fact that there is no controversy or agitation among God’s people should not be regarded as conclusive evidence that they are holding fast to sound doctrine. There is reason to fear that they may not be clearly discriminating between truth and error. When no new questions are started by investigation of the Scriptures, when no difference of opinion arises which will set men to searching the Bible for themselves to make sure that they have the truth, there will be many now, as in ancient times, who will hold to tradition and worship they know not what.?{5T 707.1}[23]
§49
我蒙指示，看出许多自称拥有现代真理之知识的人，不知道自己所信的是什么。他们不明白自己信仰的确据，对于现代的工作也没有正确的认识。当磨炼的时期来到，有许多现今向别人传道的，在检讨自己所持的立场上，会发觉有不少事物是他们提不出充分的理由来证明的。非经过这样的试验，他们就不晓得自己愚昧之深。教会中许多人以为自己是明白所信仰的；但非到争论发生之日，他们竟不知道自己的软弱。当他们与同信仰的人分开，而被迫单独解释其信仰之时，就会惊奇地看出自己对于以前所领受当为真理的观念是多么的错乱。在我们之中确曾有人离开了永生的上帝而转向世人，将人的智慧代替神圣的智慧。{5T707.2}[24]
§50
I have been shown that many who profess to have a knowledge of present truth know not what they believe. They do not understand the evidences of their faith. They have no just appreciation of the work for the present time. When the time of trial shall come, there are men now preaching to others who will find, upon examining the positions they hold, that there are many things for which they can give no satisfactory reason. Until thus tested they knew not their great ignorance. And there are many in the church who take it for granted that they understand what they believe; but, until controversy arises, they do not know their own weakness. When separated from those of like faith and compelled to stand singly and alone to explain their belief, they will be surprised to see how confused are their ideas of what they had accepted as truth. Certain it is that there has been among us a departure from the living God and a turning to men, putting human in place of divine wisdom.?{5T 707.2}[24]
§51
上帝要唤醒祂的子民；如果别的方法都失败了，异端就要渗入他们之间，将他们筛出，使糠秕从麦子中分别出来。主呼召一切相信祂道的人从睡梦中警醒过来。宝贵的光已照出，足供现代之用。这光就是圣经真理，指明我们当前的危险，引我们殷勤研究圣经，并严格检讨自己所持的立场。上帝愿人禁食祈祷，彻底而恒切地查究真理各方面的关系与立场。信徒不当以假定的或不分明的观念所组成的真理为满足。他们的信仰必须坚立在圣经上，以致当试验时期来到，他们被带到公会之前解答自己的信仰之时，他们就能用温柔敬畏的心述说出心中盼望的缘由。{5T707.3}[25]
§52
God will arouse His people; if other means fail, heresies will come in among them, which will sift them, separating the chaff from the wheat. The Lord calls upon all who believe His word to awake out of sleep. Precious light has come, appropriate for this time. It is Bible truth, showing the perils that are right upon us. This light should lead us to?a diligent study of the Scriptures and a most critical examination of the positions which we hold. God would have all the bearings and positions of truth thoroughly and perseveringly searched, with prayer and fasting. Believers are not to rest in suppositions and ill-defined ideas of what constitutes truth. Their faith must be firmly founded upon the word of God so that when the testing time shall come and they are brought before councils to answer for their faith they may be able to give a reason for the hope that is in them, with meekness and fear.?{5T 707.3}[25]
§53
讨论！讨论！热烈讨论！我们向世人所传的道理，对我们自己必须是活泼切实的。当我们为自己基本的信条辩护之时，切不可采用不十分纯正的论据，这事乃是很重要的。这些论据也许能止息一个反对者，但却不能尊荣真理。我们应提出纯正的论据，不但可以平息反对的人，也经得起最精密最透澈的审查。那些曾训练自己善辩的人，有一种很大的危险，就是他们不肯以公平的方法来引用圣经。在应付反对者之时，我们应当采用使人不得不感服的方式来切心尽力表扬这些道理，不单是增强已信之人的信赖而已。{5T708.1}[26]
§54
Agitate, agitate, agitate. The subjects which we present to the world must be to us a living reality. It is important that in defending the doctrines which we consider fundamental articles of faith we should never allow ourselves to employ arguments that are not wholly sound. These may avail to silence an opposer, but they do not honor the truth. We should present sound arguments, that will not only silence our opponents, but will bear the closest and most searching scrutiny. With those who have educated themselves as debaters there is great danger that they will not handle the word of God with fairness. In meeting an opponent it should be our earnest effort to present subjects in such a manner as to awaken conviction in his mind, instead of seeking merely to give confidence to the believer.?{5T 708.1}[26]
§55
无论人有多么高超的才智，也不可须臾以为自己无需再继续彻底研究圣经，以求更大的光。我们这一班人，个个都有研究先知预言的责任。应当切心观察，以便看出上帝所要显示给我们的每一线亮光。我们要发觉真理的曙光；并藉着虔诚的研究，得到那可传给别人的更清楚的光。{5T708.2}[27]
§56
Whatever may be man’s intellectual advancement, let him not for a moment think that there is no need of thorough and continuous searching of the Scriptures for greater light. As a people we are called individually to be students of prophecy. We must watch with earnestness that we may discern any ray of light which God shall present to us. We are to catch the first gleamings of truth; and through prayerful study clearer light may be obtained, which can be brought before others.?{5T 708.2}[27]
§57
何时上帝的子民对于现有的光安心自满，我们便可确知上帝必不会恩眷他们。祂的旨意乃是要他们时刻不断地前进，领受主已经加给并且要继续加给他们的光。上帝并不喜悦现今整个教会的态度。他们有了自信自满的心，便自觉无需更多的真理及更大的亮光。我们所生存的时代是撒但在前后左右不停工作的时代；可是我们这班人却睡着了。上帝愿望有呼声发出，去唤醒祂的子民急起直追。{5T708.3}[28]
§58
When God’s people are at ease and satisfied with their present enlightenment, we may be sure that He will not favor them. It is His will that they should be ever moving?forward to receive the increased and ever-increasing light which is shining for them. The present attitude of the church is not pleasing to God. There has come in a self-confidence that has led them to feel no necessity for more truth and greater light. We are living at a time when Satan is at work on the right hand and on the left, before and behind us; and yet as a people we are asleep. God wills that a voice shall be heard arousing His people to action.?{5T 708.3}[28]
§59
有些人不但不开启心灵去接受从天而来的光线，反而趋于相反的方向去。从讲坛上和报章中所发表许多关于圣经的灵感启示的题目，都不是圣灵或圣经所认可的。无论任何个人或团体切不可从事宣扬有关这样重大的题目的理论，而没有以“耶和华如此说”的明文来支持他们。人受人类的缺点所限，或多或少遭受周围风气的影响，又因遗传与积习而远不能有智慧和属天的意念，竟然进行非难圣经的事，判定什么是属神的及什么是属人的，他们这样的工作并非出于上帝的教导。主必不使这种工作发达。结果，那些参加此事的人，和那些视此为出于上帝之工而予以接受的人，都是很不幸的。人所提的关于灵感启示之性质种类的理论，已使许多人的心中发生怀疑。有涯的世人，眼光短浅，竟自觉力能批评圣经，说：“这段是不可少的，那段是不需要的，也不是出于圣灵启示的。”{5T709.1}[29]
§60
Instead of opening the soul to receive rays of light from heaven, some have been working in an opposite direction. Both through the press and from the pulpit have been presented views in regard to the inspiration of the Bible which have not the sanction of the Spirit or the word of God. Certain it is that no man or set of men should undertake to advance theories upon a subject of so great importance, without a plain “Thus saith the Lord” to sustain them. And when men, compassed with human infirmities, affected in a greater or less degree by surrounding influences, and having hereditary and cultivated tendencies which are far from making them wise or heavenly-minded, undertake to arraign the word of God, and to pass judgment upon what is divine and what is human, they are working without the counsel of God. The Lord will not prosper such a work. The effect will be disastrous, both upon the one engaged in it and upon those who accept it as a work from God. Skepticism has been aroused in many minds by the theories presented as to the nature of inspiration. Finite beings, with their narrow, short-sighted views, feel themselves competent to criticize the Scriptures, saying: “This passage is needful, and that passage is not needful, and is not inspired.”?{5T 709.1}[29]
§61
基督对于旧约圣经，也就是祂当代的人所仅有的那部分圣经，尚且没有给出那样的指示。祂的教训原欲引导人心注意旧约圣经，并使其中所提的大道理更加明显。历代以来，以色列子民一直离开了上帝，忽视了上帝交托给他们的宝贵真理。这些真理被迷信的仪文礼节所掩盖，蒙蔽了真正的意义。基督降世是要除去那些遮暗真理光彩的废物。祂将真理象珍贵的珠宝作新的镶嵌。祂所表现的，远非轻看人再现那古旧熟悉的真理，乃是要使它显出真实的力量与优美，就是祂当代的人所从未见过的荣耀。祂自己是这些已启示之真理的著作者，祂能向人显明其真正意义，使真理摆脱那些领袖们为适合自己不献身的情况，和缺乏灵性与上帝之爱，而采用的荒谬的解释与错误的理论。祂把那些曾劫夺真理的生命和活力的因素撇开，而使真理以原有的一切生机与力量，再赐给世人。{5T709.2}[30]
§62
Christ gave no such instruction in regard to the Old Testament Scriptures, the only part of the Bible which the people of His time possessed. His teachings were designed to direct their minds to the Old Testament and to bring into clearer light the great themes there presented. For ages the people of?Israel had been separating themselves from God, and they had lost sight of precious truths which He had committed to them. These truths were covered up with superstitious forms and ceremonies that concealed their true significance. Christ came to remove the rubbish which had obscured their luster. He placed them, as precious gems, in a new setting. He showed that so far from disdaining the repetition of old, familiar truths, He came to make them appear in their true force and beauty, the glory of which had never been discerned by the men of His time. Himself the Author of these revealed truths, He could open to the people their true meaning, freeing them from the misinterpretations and false theories adopted by the leaders to suit their own unconsecrated condition, their destitution of spirituality and the love of God. He cast aside that which had robbed these truths of life and vital power, and gave them back to the world in all their original freshness and force.?{5T 709.2}[30]
§63
如果我们有了基督的灵，并是与祂同工的，我们就当促进祂降世所作的工作。圣经的真理现今又被风俗，遗传，及假道所掩蔽。盛行的神学异端，已使千万人成为怀疑者及无神派。有许多的错误及矛盾，已遭人非难，认为是圣经的教训，其实这些都是罗马教皇当权的黑暗时代中所采用的人对圣经的错误解释。无数人都受了欺骗，对上帝存错误的观念，正如古时的犹太人被当时的异端及遗传所误导，而对基督有错误的观念一样。“他们若知道，就不把荣耀的主钉在十字架上了”（林前2:8）。这是我们的本分，要向世人显明上帝的真品性。不要批评圣经，当设法藉着教训及榜样来向世人显明它圣洁及赐生命的真理，以便我们能“宣扬那召你们出黑暗入奇妙光明者的美德”（彼前2:9）。{5T710.1}[31]
§64
If we have the Spirit of Christ and are laborers together with Him, it is ours to carry forward the work which He came to do. The truths of the Bible have again become obscured by custom, tradition, and false doctrine. The erroneous teachings of popular theology have made thousands upon thousands of skeptics and infidels. There are errors and inconsistencies which many denounce as the teaching of the Bible that are really false interpretations of Scripture, adopted during the ages of papal darkness. Multitudes have been led to cherish an erroneous conception of God, as the Jews, misled by the errors and traditions of their time, had a false conception of Christ. “Had they?known?it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” It is ours to reveal to the world the true character of God. Instead of criticizing the Bible, let us seek, by precept and example, to present to the world its sacred, life-giving truths, that we may “show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”?{5T 710.1}[31]
§65
各种邪恶逐渐窜入我们当中，已经不知不觉地引诱许多人与教会离开了敬畏上帝之道，并闭绝了上帝亟欲赐给他们的能力。{5T711.1}[32]
§66
The evils that have been gradually creeping in among us have imperceptibly led individuals and churches away from reverence for God, and have shut away the power which He desires to give them.?{5T 711.1}[32]
§67
我的弟兄们哪，应当让圣经保有它原来的地位，不可容人类的智慧妄图削减一段圣经的力量。启示录上的严肃申斥，应当警惕我们避免陷入这种地步。我奉主的名嘱咐你们：“当把你脚上的鞋脱下来，因为你所站之地是圣地”（出3:5）。{5T711.2}[33]
§68
My brethren, let the word of God stand just as it is. Let not human wisdom presume to lessen the force of one statement of the Scriptures. The solemn denunciation in the Revelation should warn us against taking such ground. In the name of my Master I bid you: “Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.”?{5T 711.2}[33]