Search the Scriptures
C. Hodge, D. D. John 5:31-40 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.… I. WHAT ARE THE SCRIPTURES? 1. The Word of God. In the sense in which the words of man are his, and reveal his thoughts, will, purposes, the Scriptures are the Word of God. He is their Author, and they rest on His authority. This is opposed — (1) To the Deistical. (2) To the Rationalistic. (3) To the Quaker views. 2. From this it follows that they are (1) infallible; (2) holy; (3) powerful; (4) consistent; (5) the appointed means of salvation. We are enlightened, begotten, sanctified, and saved by the truth. 3. They are complete, containing all the extant revelation of God. 4. They are plain, so that every one can learn for himself what God says. II. WE SHOULD KNOW WHAT WE SEEK WHEN WE SEARCH. We should search — 1. For knowledge of God, Christ, truth, duty. 2. For consolation. 3. For holiness. III. HOW ARE WE TO SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES? 1. Reverently and submissively, with fixed determination to believe every truth they affirm. Everything is right which they affirm, and wrong which they condemn. We are not to sit in judgment on Scripture. 2. With diligence. (1) Studying them much. (2) Consecutively. (3) What they teach on particular subjects. (4) Availing ourselves of every Aid; fixing right principles, and availing ourselves of All subsidiary means. 3. With dependence; convinced that without Divine guidance we shall obtain neither right speculative knowledge, nor right spiritual views. 4. Therefore with prayer previous and continued. 5. With self-application. (C. Hodge, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. WEB: "If I testify about myself, my witness is not valid.