Jesus Himself issued this wise Advice!

But our Lord was not talking to the Disciples at the time … rather, to His enemies! People already seeking to kill Him! (John 5:18-19 gives more background to Jesus’ Words.)

“Search the Scriptures.”

Surprisingly, the verb “search” here is not a command! It is merely an indicative mood, present tense, active voice action word … probably not a command because lost men cannot properly “search” God’s Word! (Yes, those particular Jews were unbelievers in Jesus, already seeking to destroy His earthly life.)

Still, the Words of Jesus are heavily weighted with meaning.

“Search the Scriptures.”

Perhaps Jesus’ next Words explain His intent. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39 in its entirety now.

“Search” (literally in Greek, “to speak, talk, declare” in the sense of “inquiry”) so says one of my Lexicons. “Search” the Scriptures! Commune with them! Live with them. Fellowship with them! Examine them!

But with what specific goal in mind?

To determine, to establish, to make sure … you have (you possess) genuine “Eternal Life!” Yes, the Bible is filled with “signs” or “fruit” or “evidence” as to whether a man or woman is truly saved! (In fact, the Epistle of 1st John seems to have been written partly for that very purpose! See 1st John 5:13, for example.)

Wow!

But there is a second “goal” as well … the Scriptures “testify of Jesus!”  

Jesus in Genesis? Yes!

Jesus in all the Old Testament, in fact!

And certainly in the New Testament!

Oh, what a delightful search this proves to be!

(1) Being saved and knowing it … and then (2) learning even more of our majestic Lord!

Two noble purposes Jesus just gave us … for diligently, consistently searching God’s Word!

Amen!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

I am excited to even be able to hold such a Book in my hand! Then to “search” it … that very privilege … Hallelujah!

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