From: “The Banner of Love”  December, 1988

The utility of the Bible, the Scriptures, the Gospel-Doctrine...

John 5:39 Search the Scriptures; for in them Ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me...

Jesus is teaching and setting forth a most important point to ponder.  He is saying: “Study very carefully, all the way through the Scriptures, all of the, and upon doing, you will establish a negative, then a positive.”

The Negative – The scriptures will not teach nor give you the formula; what steps are necessary “for you to take” in order to acquire eternal life, even though you may think such. The Bible is not, I repeat, not a road map to heaven. The Bible does not set forth any stipulated conditions, steps, acts, works, etc, to eternal life.

The Positive – The scriptures will teach, upon carefully study of same, that Eternal life is only in Christ Jesus. The Scriptures testify of Jesus Christ. The scriptures testify of: The Doctrines of – The Eternal Covenant; The Sovereignty of God, in Trinity; The Fall of Man; The Depravity of Man; The Love and Election of God; The Adoption of the Elect; God's Divine Will and Purpose; The Lambs Book of Life, Fore-knowledge of God; Predestination; Effectual Calling By the Holy Spirit; The Legal Redemption-Atonement of Christ on the Cross-Justification; glorification and final preservation of the Elect Saints.

The preaching of the true gospel-doctrine magnifies, illuminates, declares, and brings to light, such glorious doctrines of the scriptures. 2nd Tim. 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. and 2nd Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness...

This clearly states and sets forth just precisely what the Scriptures are for...Notice: It does not list, nor even suggest nor intimate, that the scriptures are for acquiring eternal life.... However the scriptures do certainly tell about, and set forth just exactly how eternal life was acquired.

Consider these Points to Ponder.