FUNDAMENTALS of BIBLE DOCTRINE - The NTSLibrary

1 FUNDAMENTALS of BIBLE DOCTRINE Sixty Studies in the Basic Facts of the Everlasting Gospel Arranged for Classes in Advanced BIBLE Doctrines By ALONZO J. WEARNER Author of The Art of Personal Evangelism REVISED EDITION REVIEW AND HERALD PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION. TAXOMA PARK, WASHINGTON, D. C. 1931 BIBLE FUNDAMENTALS Wearner 2 PREFACE THE most essential points of our faith should be stamped upon the memory of the young. -LS 448. We believe that every DOCTRINE of God s word ought to be studied by men, and that their faith should lay hold on the whole matter of the Sacred Scriptures, and more especially upon all that part of Scripture which concerns the person of our all-blessed Redeemer. - Spurgeon, Sermons, Vol. III, page 259. No one can afford not to study the will of God to usward, and to seek a clearer view of our Lord, as the example of a holy life, as an inspiration to right doing.

2 Especially should those seek to know God who profess to follow Him, who are His visible representatives on earth, and by whom the world judge His DOCTRINE . Yet, possibly more essential is it that those who are a part of the great movement to warn a perishing world of the imminent appearing of our Lord in glory, be well established in the unshakable FUNDAMENTALS upon which our faith is built; be able, with full confidence, meekness, and in the fear of God, to give intelligently and clearly the reason for the hope that is in them. Let all be directed to the BIBLE and the BIBLE only. No book must be allowed to detract an iota from the Book of books. Let the BIBLE be kept above all. The author and compiler has trod with fear and caution these holy grounds, lest he make sacred things common. May God forgive any unintentional lapse, and the lack of wisdom and knowledge in much that is to him yet veiled.

3 May God accept the effort with a prayer that it may, in some small way, lead a soul to add a bit of glory to His name. THE AUTHOR. BIBLE FUNDAMENTALS Wearner 3 Foreword to Teachers and Students DIVINE truth comes to us through three harmonious agencies, -Christ, the Word incarnate; the revelations of the Holy Scriptures; and nature s myriad voices, in no speech or language unheard. The BIBLE is itself the great textbook given us of God for the study of His DOCTRINE . In that wonderful book the student finds as grand and sublime a work of God as the celestial spheres of the heavens, or as the marvels of nature upon our earth, and even as our fearfully and wonderfully made human body. We have found textbooks, systematically arranging a progression of facts, invaluable guides in our study of astronomy, chemistry, zoology, and human anatomy.

4 In like relation must a textbook on BIBLE DOCTRINE stand. It can be but a guide to the story of the BIBLE itself, leading farther and farther into the depths of divine truth. If the chief objective of the study of science be to learn its laws for a practical application to the needs and welfare of mankind today, well; but how far greater the inspiration and urge to research when the objective sought is a knowledge of the Infinite One, bringing His character into the life, for man s eternal welfare! Rightly studied and appreciated, tinder the tutorship of the Holy Spirit, how important, how absorbingly interesting, what true satisfaction it gives! Such joy none can know who have not devoted earnest, thorough study to this word. In these lessons we have endeavored to gather and arrange the clearest Scripture texts in a uniform progression, followed by the most reliable notes, that the student may form a balanced picture, and build a symmetrical temple of truth, as complete as possible with it the space and time allowed.

5 Nevertheless, outside reading should be done whenever possible, to obtain a broader background and setting for the lesson itself. The full force and importance of the matter chosen for the lesson proper can then be better realized. Preparatory basic reading is therefore indicated in the Selected References furnished with each lesson. The capital letter abbreviations are used exclusively for the works of Mrs. E. G. White. (See Key following the Table of Contents.) Superior figures alone indicate the number of the book as listed in the bibliography at the close of the section in which it is referred to. The Scripture references take little space, but are by far the most important. Any comprehension of the topic depends on a thorough, careful study of each text cited. Study faithfully each text at the head of the lesson sections, and form your own ideas direct from the Fountain of truth.

6 Then read the explanatory comments following. Cover each section in this way in relation to the whole of the lesson. The introductory paragraphs beginning each lesson are intended to show the importance of the subject and to form the connecting link between lessons. The Memory and Key Texts given are suggested, the former for word-for-word recital, the latter for the reference and its kernel thought. Frequent reviews are helpful with these, making of them a most valuable asset to draw from in all future time. The author has endeavored, wherever possible, to give the student original sources, rather than frame the matter in a setting of his own words. For all this-the greater part of the matter due credit is given. As an aid to the student in more readily grasping the essential thought, emphasis has often been indicated by italics.

7 Italics are not in the original. The Thought Questions are given as an aid in thinking through the content of the lesson. The answers to some may not be found in the lesson, but are given to stimulate independent thinking and class discussion. The Test Questions are intended to be answered by a statement in the student s own words, each assertion being based on BIBLE grounds and the reference given. The student may use these questions as self-helps in testing the thoroughness of his preparation of the lessons. They may, or may not, be a part of the required work. The sixty lessons are arranged in groups of ten lessons, each, eleventh period being open for the consideration of questions that have arisen and for a review of the ten lessons. Each twelfth period is occupied in a written examination, counted as final. These equal, in all, the seventy-two-hour course of the year.

8 Faithful teachers should be placed in charge of the BIBLE classes, teachers who will strive to make the students understand their lessons, not by explaining everything to them, but by requiring them to explain clearly every passage they read. Let these teachers remember that little good will be accomplished by skimming over the surface of the word. Thoughtful investigation and study, taxing study are required in order for this word to be understood. There are truths in the word which, like veins of precious ore, are hidden beneath the surface. - 8T 157. Suggested projects are furnished at the close of each section and aid in the mastery of the sectional BIBLE FUNDAMENTALS Wearner 4topic as a whole. Notebooks (preferably loose-leaf) may contain a brief of each lesson, made during its preparation for recitation.

9 Thoughts gathered in reading, in lecture and class periods, examination papers returned, projects written, clippings, and other valuable matter presented in orderly form, may also be included. These will prove invaluable for future convenient reference. Prepare to teach these vital and interesting truths to others. Finally, it is suggested, us the student becomes familiar with the contents of this book, that it may not be discarded as a school book of other days, but may become a convenient handbook for ready reference. For this reason a few supplementary notes have been given here and there for their possible helpfulness. These in turn are suggestive of much rich material that may be gathered by the lover of truth from many sources. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND AUTHORIZATION For many suggestions and valued criticism, acknowledgment is due to a long list of ministers and BIBLE teachers of wide experience who have examined the manuscript, to teachers who have used it in class work, to members of the reading committees appointed by the Educational and Medical Departments.

10 And finally -before going into print-of the committee appointed by the General Conference Committee. The present edition is published with the authorization of the Medical Department, to be recommended for use as a standard text in schools of nursing. THE AUTHOR. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION The object in this revision has been to improve emphasis and form, and to bring certain parts up to date. Additional material, especially in supplementary notes, has been included to clarify further the matters in the lesson proper. All this in no wise modifies or changes any point of theology. For such as wish to use fewer key texts in required memory work, three have been selected for each lesson, and are italicized. The selected reading references and the memory verses remain the same, and may or l-nay not be required-at the discretion of the instructor.