J e s u s C h r i s t , the Word o f the Father (John 1 :1), who is to be glorified (John 16:14), taught that this world system could readily choke the Word (Matt. 13:22). Scripture memory is a way both to glorify the written Word (II Thess. 3:1) and to resist the strangling effect of the cares of this world and the deceitfulness o f riches. Regular, system atic, earnest Scripture memorization is a personal discipline which can be a most valuable tool for allowing the seed of the kingdom to take root and do its work, and also for combatting the increas ingly effective world dynamic which would engulf it. Permanent academic accomplishment is not to be despised and is not the least o f the many values inherent in the practice of learning the Word of God. Historical content, literary quality, and the Biblical point of view are gained and made very permanent by Scripture memorization. Compre hensive knowledge of the entire panorama o f the Biblical account may be facilitated by the mastery of crucial sections selected from the whole. Fur ther, the rapidly-changing world of Biblical schol arship, which is comparable in this respect to all fields of knowledge, cannot supersede passages com mitted to memory. The content itself, preferably learned from the classical King James Bible or a similar translation if one’s native tongue is other than English, is of enduring significance. God Him self declares that it will outlast heaven and earth (Matt. 24:35). The Christian with the necessary background may wish to memorize Scriptural por tions in Greek and Hebrew, or even in a second per sonal language to enrich his store. Biblical doctrine is readily and necessarily as similated in this manner. Biblical theology is after all supposed to be a condensation and abstraction of Biblical truth into easily transmittable form. The direct approach is to learn what the Bible has to say on crucial matters. This type of learning is also productive of fresh ideas and peripheral in sights which may be absent in other approaches. In extreme cases, ministerial and missionary candi dates with limited training have been known to meet the theological questions posed to them out of their rich fund of memorized passages. Strength to meet the crises and needs of life can alsd be found by repeating the well-learned prom ises o f God. The whole complexion of a day or a season can be changed by allowing the Word of Christ to dwell in us (Col. 3:16). A recent article by Webb Garrison ( “ The Joy of Memorizing Scrip ture,” Christianity Today, XI, November 25, 1966, 204) details the help obtained from recalling Bible passages in a time o f serious personal trial. He also relates how Bible recitation can cure insomnia, van quish temptation, and give a joy which comes un bidden and unrehearsed, directly from God. The
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The joy and blessing
of Scripture memorization
by William W . Bassy Ph.D
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THE KING'S BUSINESS
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