“You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me.” John 5:39 (NIV)
Jesus’ words in this verse were directed at unbelieving people who were persecuting him for healing a man on the Sabbath Day. This people knew the Bible – “you diligently study the Scriptures” – but they completely missed the point! They thought the Bible was about what they would do to receive eternal life.
No! “These are the Scriptures that testify about me.” The foundation of the Bible is that God has saved us. The Word of God first and foremost directs us to see that Jesus took away our sins and the destroyed death by his own death and resurrection. When Jesus’ work was complete, our salvation was complete; our sins are removed!
While we rightly use the Bible to hear God’s will and to learn to do what pleases him, that is not possible until we are focused on Jesus. We constantly need the renewal of his forgiveness so that we have a proper view of ourselves and the proper motive for doing God’s will.
Read your Bible and look for Jesus! Listen to the promises of God’s love for you and the assurance of your salvation through Christ.
Pastor Aufdemberge
Pastor Kneser
Pastor Wempner
Pastor Zarling
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