第06章 认识上帝
§1
第06章 认识上帝
§2
Chap. 06 - A Knowledge of God.
§3
上帝千方百计使我们认识祂，与祂交往。大自然不住地向我们的感官说话。只要我们敞开心门，就会体验到上帝藉着创造之工所表现的慈爱和荣耀。只要我们凝神倾听，就能从自然万物中听见并明白上帝的信息。碧绿的原野，蓓蕾和百花，浮云和疾雨，流动的水和穹苍的光辉，都在向我们的心灵说话，邀请我们认识创造这一切的上帝。{CE 54.1}[1]
§4
[FROM STEPS TO CHRIST BY MRS. E. G. WHITE. BY PERMISSION OF FLEMING H. REVELL CO., PUBLISHERS.]
§5
Many are the ways in which God is seeking to make himself known to us and to bring us into communion with him. Nature speaks to our senses without ceasing. The open heart will be impressed with the love and glory of God as revealed through the works of his hands. The listening ear can hear and understand the communications of God through the things of nature. The green fields, the lofty trees, the buds and flowers, the passing cloud, the falling rain, the babbling brook, the glories of the heavens, speak to our hearts, and invite us to become acquainted with him who made them all. {CE 54.1}[1]
§6
我们的救主把祂的宝训与自然界万物结合起来。树林和飞鸟，谷中的花朵，群山和湖泽，华丽的天体，日常生活中的事物和环境，都与真理的道联系在一起。好使我们在日常生活的忙碌辛劳中，能经常回忆起祂的教训。{CE 54.2}[2]
§7
Our Saviour bound up his precious lessons with the things of nature. The trees, the birds, the flowers of the valley, the hills, the lakes, and the beautiful heavens, as well as the incidents and surroundings of daily life, were all linked with the words of truth, that his lessons might thus be often recalled to mind, even amid the busy cares of mans life of toil. {CE 54.2}[2]
§8
上帝希望祂的儿女欣赏祂的创作，喜爱祂装饰在地上家园中朴素而优雅的美。上帝是爱美的。祂尤其爱品格上的美，远超过任何外表上的美。祂希望我们培养纯洁朴素，如花一般雅丽的品格。{CE 54.3}[3]
§9
God would have his children appreciate his works, and delight in the simple, quiet beauty with which he has adorned our earthly home. He is a lover of the beautiful, and above all that is outwardly attractive he loves beauty of character; he would have us cultivate purity and simplicity, the quiet graces of the flowers. {CE 54.3}[3]
§10
如果我们愿意倾听，上帝所创造的万物必教导我们顺从和信靠的宝贵教训。从天空中遵循无形的轨道世世代代运行的星球，到最小的原子，自然界的一切事物都顺从创造主的旨意。上帝看顾和维持祂所创造的万物。那位在太空中托住无数星球的主，也爱护那些婉转歌唱，无所惧怕的棕色小鸟。当人类每天出去劳作，当他们向上帝祈祷，夜里睡觉，早晨起来，无论是富人豪宅里的欢宴，还是穷人与孩子们的简单聚餐，他们都得到天父的温柔看顾。上帝关注着每一滴眼泪和每一张笑容。?{CE 54.4}[4]
§11
If we will but listen, Gods created works will teach us precious lessons of obedience and trust. From the stars that in their trackless course through space, follow from age to age their appointed path, down to the minutest atom, the things of nature obey the Creators will. And God cares for everything and sustains everything that he has created. He who upholds the unnumbered worlds throughout immensity, at the same time cares for the wants of the little brown sparrow that sings its humble song without a fear. When men go forth to their daily toil, as when they engage in prayer; when they lie down at night, and when they rise in the morning; when the rich man feasts in his palace, or when the poor man gathers his children about the scanty board, each is tenderly watched by the heavenly Father. No tears are shed that God does not notice. There is no smile that he does not mark. {CE 54.4}[4]
§12
只要我们充分相信这一点，一切不必要的忧虑就会消除。我们的生活就不再象现在那样充满失望。因为每一件事情，小论大小．都可以交在上帝手中。祂决不会因众多的眷念而烦心，也不会被众人的重负所压垮。这样，我们的心里就得享受许多人所从未领略的安息。{CE 55.1}[5]
§13
If we would but fully believe this, all undue anxieties would be dismissed. Our lives would not be filled with disappointment as now; for everything, whether great or small, would be left in the hands of God, who is not perplexed by the multiplicity of cares, or overwhelmed by their weight. We would then enjoy a rest of soul to which many have long been strangers. {CE 55.1}[5]
§14
如果你依恋地上的美物，劝你默想将来的世界。那里绝无罪恶与死亡。自然界不再被咒诅的阴影所笼罩。得救者家园的荣美，胜过你最灿烂的遐想。从上帝在自然界的各种恩赐中，我们只能看见祂的一线荣耀。圣经说：“上帝为爱祂的人所预备的，是眼睛未曾看见，耳朵未曾听见，人心也未曾想到的”(林前2:9)。{CE 55.2}[6]
§15
As your senses delight in the attractive loveliness of the earth, think of the world that is to come, that shall never know the blight of sin and death; where the face of nature will no more wear the shadow of the curse. Let your imagination picture the home of the saved, and remember that it will be more glorious than your brightest imagination can portray. In the varied gifts of God in nature we see but the faintest gleaming of his glory. It is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. [1 Corinthians 2:9.] {CE 55.2}[6]
§16
诗人和博物学家曾对大自然发表了许多言论，但只有基督徒才能以最高的眼光欣赏大地的美。因为他们认识天父的手迹，从花草树木上看到了上帝的慈爱。如果我们不从高山，幽谷、江河，海洋中看到上帝爱人的表现，就不能充分欣赏它们的价值。{CE 55.3}[7]
§17
The poet and the naturalist have many things to say about nature, but it is the Christian who enjoys the beauty of the earth with the highest appreciation, because he recognizes his Fathers handiwork, and perceives his love in flower and shrub and tree. No one can fully appreciate the significance of hill and vale, river and sea, who does not look upon them as an expression of Gods love to man. {CE 55.3}[7]
§18
上帝藉着天意的运作和圣灵在人心中的运行向我们说话。只要我们敞开心怀，就能从四周的环境，从每天在周围发生的变化中获得宝贵的教训。诗人在追溯上帝的大工时说：“遍地满了耶和华的慈爱。”“凡有智慧的，必在这些事上留心，也要思想耶和华的慈爱”(诗33:5；107:43)。{CE 56.1}[8]
§19
God speaks to us through his providential workings, and through the influence of his Spirit upon the heart. In our circumstances and surroundings, in the changes daily taking place around us, we may find precious lessons if our hearts are but open to discern them. The psalmist, tracing the work of Gods providence, says, The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord. [Psalm 33:5; 107:43.] {CE 56.1}[8]
§20
上帝又藉着祂的道向我们说话。在圣经中，上帝更清楚地启示了祂的品德，祂对人类的爱，和祂伟大的救赎工作。圣经把先祖和先知，以及其他古代圣徒的历史展现在我们眼前。他们“与我们是一样性情的人”(雅5:17)。当我们看到他们与我们一样在逆境中挣扎，在试探下象我们一样跌倒，而又重新壮胆，靠着上帝的恩典得了胜时，我们就会在追求公义中得到鼓励。当我们读到他们所得的宝贵经验，读到他们所享受的亮光，慈爱和福分，读到他们藉着所赐的恩典而完成的事工，这时，那鼓舞过他们的精神，就会在我们心中燃起了圣洁羡慕的火焰，使我们渴望有与他们一样的品格，与他们一样与上帝同行。{CE 56.2}[9]
§21
God speaks to us in his word. Here we have in clearer lines the revelation of his character, of his dealings with men, and the great work of redemption. Here is open before us the history of the patriarchs and prophets and other holy men of old. They were men subject to like passions as we are. We see how they struggled through discouragements like our own, how they fell under temptations as we have done, and yet took heart again and conquered through the grace of God; and beholding, we are encouraged in our striving after righteousness. As we read of the precious experiences granted them, of the light and love and blessing it was theirs to enjoy, and of the work they wrought through the grace given them, the spirit that inspired them kindles a flame of holy emulation in our hearts, and a desire to be like them in character,-- like them to walk with God. {CE 56.2}[9]
§22
耶稣论到旧约圣经说：“给我作见证的就是这经”(约5:39)。新约圣经更是如此。祂是我们的救赎主。我们永生的盼望都集中在祂身上。全部圣经都是讲论基督的。从创造最初的记载：“凡被造的没有一样不是借着祂造的”(约l:3)，到最后的应许：“看哪．我必快来”(启22:12)，我们都可以看到祂的作为，听见祂的声音。你要认识救主，就必须研究圣经。{CE 56.3}[10]
§23
Jesus said of the Old Testament Scriptures,--and how much more is it true of the New,--They are they which testify of me, [John 5:39.] the Redeemer, him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. Yes, the whole Bible tells of Christ. From the first record of creation,--for without him was not anything made that was made, [John 1:3]--to the closing promise, Behold I come quickly, we are reading of his works and listening to his voice. If you would become acquainted with the Saviour, study the Holy Scriptures. {CE 56.3}[10]
§24
要让上帝的话充满你的心。祂的话是解你干渴的生命水，是从天降下的生命粮。耶稣宣布：“你们若不吃人子的肉．不喝人子的血，就没有生命在你们里面”(约6:53)。祂又亲自解释说：“我对你们所说的话就是灵，就是生命”(约6:63)。我们身体的成长有赖于饮食。属灵的原理与自然的原理是一样的。我们所深思默想的，会给我们带来属灵的健康与力量。{CE 57.1}[11]
§25
Fill the whole heart with the words of God. They are the living water, quenching your burning thirst. They are the living bread from heaven. Jesus declares, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. [John 6:53.] And he explains himself by saying, The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. [John 6:63.] Our bodies are built up from what we eat and drink; and as in the natural economy, so in the spiritual economy, it is what we meditate upon that will give tone and strength to our spiritual nature. {CE 57.1}[11]
§26
救恩的题目是“天使也愿意详细察看”（彼前1:12）的。它也将成为得赎之民千秋万代的科学和诗歌。难道它不值得现今去思考研究吗？耶稣无穷的慈爱和怜悯，祂为我们所作的牺牲，需要我们以最恭敬最严肃的态度来思考。我们应当谈论我们亲爱救赎主和中保的品德，深思祂降世把自己的百姓从罪恶里救出来的使命。当我们默想这些属天题目的时候，信心和爱心就会更加坚强，祷告就越发得蒙上帝的悦纳，因为祈祷带有越来越多的信心与爱心。这些祈祷既明智又恳切。信徒就会更加坚定地信靠耶稣，每天体验祂的大能。凡靠祂进到上帝面前的人，祂都能拯救到底。{CE 57.2}[12]
§27
The theme of redemption is one that the angels desire to look into; it will be the science and the song of the redeemed throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. Is it not worthy of careful thought and study now? The infinite love and mercy of Jesus, the sacrifice made in our behalf, calls for the most serious and solemn reflection. We should dwell upon the character of our dear Redeemer and Intercessor. We should meditate upon the mission of him who came to save his people from their sins. As we thus contemplate heavenly themes, our faith and love will grow stronger, and our prayers will be more and more acceptable to God, because they will be more and more mixed with faith and love. They will be intelligent and fervent. There will be more constant confidence in Jesus, and a daily, living experience in his power to save to the utmost all that come unto God by him. {CE 57.2}[12]
§28
我们默想救主的完美，就必盼望得到完全的改变和更新为祂纯洁的形像。我们将如饥似渴地效法我们所敬爱的救主。我们的思想越集中于祂，就越要对别人讲论祂，在世人中间表显祂。{CE 57.3}[13]
§29
As we meditate upon the perfections of the Saviour, we shall desire to be wholly transformed, and renewed in the image of his purity. There will be a hungering and thirsting of soul to become like him whom we adore. The more our thoughts are upon Christ, the more we shall speak of him to others, and represent him to the world. {CE 57.3}[13]
§30
圣经不是单为学者而写的，而是为普通民众预备的。得救所必需的伟大真理，在圣经里昭若午日。只要人不固执已见，而是遵从上帝所显示的旨意，就决不会犯错而迷路。{CE 57.4}[14]
§31
The Bible was not written for the scholar alone; on the contrary, it was designed for the common people. The great truths necessary for salvation are made as clear as noonday; and none will mistake and lose their way except those who follow their own judgment instead of the plainly revealed will of God. {CE 57.4}[14]
§32
不要把人的见解当作圣经的教训，而要亲自研究上帝的话。我们把别人的思想当作自己的思想，就会精力偏废，才能萎缩。如果人不在值得注意的题目上用功研究，他们高尚的智力就会退化，以致不能领会圣经深奥的含义。如果我们专心探求圣经中各个主题的关系，以经文对照经文，以属灵的事对照属灵的事，我们的心智就会扩大。没有什么比研究圣经更能增进人的智力，也没有什么别的书籍能象圣经广阔崇高的真理那样有效地提高人的思想，振奋人的机能。如果人按照上帝的要求研究圣经，就会拥有现代所罕见的广阔思想，高尚品格和坚定意志。{CE 58.1}[15]
§33
We should not take the testimony of any man as to what the Scriptures teach, but should study the word of God ourselves. If we allow others to do our thinking, we shall have crippled energies and contracted abilities. The noble powers of the mind may be so dwarfed by lack of exercise on themes worthy of their concentration as to lose their ability to grasp the deep meaning of the word of God. The mind will enlarge if it is employed in tracing out the subjects of the Bible, comparing scripture with scripture, and spiritual things with spiritual. There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If Gods word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose that is rarely seen in these times. {CE 58.1}[15]
§34
浮光掠影地阅读圣经是没有益处的。一个人可以通读全部圣经而看不出它的美妙，不领会它深奥的意义。阅读一段，直到明白其意义以及它与救恩计划的关系，这样做的价值远胜过毫无目的地阅读多章，而没有获得积极的教训。要随身携带圣经，一有机会就读，用心记忆其中的金句。当你在街上行走的时候，也可以读它一节，加以思索，这样就能牢记在在心。{CE 58.2}[16]
§35
But there is but little benefit derived from a hasty reading of the Scriptures. One may read the whole Bible through, and yet fail to see its beauty or comprehend its deep and hidden meaning. One passage studied until its significance is clear to the mind, and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive instruction gained. Keep your Bible with you. As you have opportunity, read it; fix the texts in your memory. Even while you are walking the streets, you may read a passage, and meditate upon it, thus fixing it in the mind. {CE 58.2}[16]
§36
我们如果不专心致志，虔诚研究，就得不到智慧。圣经的某些部分确实非常明显，不容误解，但有些部分的意义却不在字面上，使你可以一目了然。我们必须以经解经。这就需要我们细心探索，虔诚思考。这样的研究将会有丰富的收获。开矿的人怎样在地层下发掘贵重金属的矿床，照样，凡殷勤从上帝的道中探索蕴藏财宝的人，也将得到最大价值的真理。这是漫不经心的发掘者所看不到的。上帝所启示的话若经专心思索．就会象生命的泉源川流不息。{CE 58.3}[17]
§37
We cannot obtain wisdom without earnest attention and prayerful study. Some portions of Scripture are indeed too plain to be misunderstood; but there are others whose meaning does not lie on the surface, to be seen at a glance. Scripture must be compared with scripture. There must be careful research and prayerful reflection. And such study will be richly repaid. As the miner discovers veins of precious metal concealed beneath the surface of the earth, so will he who perseveringly searches the word of God as for hid treasure, find truths of the greatest value, which are concealed from the view of the careless seeker. The words of inspiration, pondered in the heart, will be as streams flowing from the fountain of life. {CE 58.3}[17]
§38
读经离不开祈祷。在开卷之前，我们必须恳求圣灵的启发。圣灵就会启发我们。当拿但业来到耶稣面前时，救主就指着他说：“看哪，这是个真以色列人，他心里是没有诡诈的。”拿但业问耶稣说：“你从哪里知道我呢?”耶稣回答说：“腓力还没有招呼你，你在无花果树底下，我就看见你了”(约l:47,48)。如果我们向耶稣祈求明白真理的亮光，耶稣同样可以在我们祷告的隐秘处看见我们。来自光明世界的天使就会与虚心寻求上帝引导的人同在。{CE 59.1}[18]
§39
Never should the Bible be studied without prayer. Before opening its pages, we should ask for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, and it will be given. When Nathanael came to Jesus, the Saviour exclaimed, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile. [John 1:47.] Nathanael said, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig-tree, I saw thee. And Jesus will see us also in the secret places of prayer, if we will seek him for light, that we may know what is truth. Angels from the world of light will be with those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance. {CE 59.1}[18]
§40
圣灵是高举救主，荣耀救主的。祂的工作是表显基督和祂纯洁的义，以及我们靠祂而得的伟大救思。耶稣说：“祂要将受于我的告诉你们”(约16:14)。真理的圣灵是神圣真理唯一有效的导师。上帝是多么珍视人类阿! 祂不仅赐下爱子为他们舍命，还差遣祂的灵去作人类的良师和随时的向导。——《拾级就主》第10章{CE 59.2}[19]
§41
The Holy Spirit exalts and glorifies the Saviour. It is his office to present Christ, the purity of his righteousness, and the great salvation that we have through him. Jesus says, He shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. [John 16:14.] The Spirit of truth is the only effectual teacher of divine truth. How must God esteem the human race, since he gave his Son to die for them, and appoints his Spirit to be mans teacher and continual guide. {CE 59.2}[19]