present writer has often used Ephesians 6:10-18 to set daily matters in their true perspective. Despite the increasing trust in the perfectibil ity of state by American evangelicals, the very real possibility remains that in these latter days the Bible may become a forbidden book, difficult to keep and virtually impossible to acquire. How fortunate a man or woman would be at such a time to have followed the example of Billy Graham and have committed extensive portions o f the Word of God to memory. Incomparable advantage would also accrue to the type of small fellowship of believers which would emerge at such a time. The “ service” could be largely replaced by studying the Word of God as it comes correctly and meaningfully from the mouths of those assembled. A large number of persons of both sexes and all ages would be able and needed to assist in recitation and analysis of the passages available. Hostile powers could fore stall this only by psychological, medical or surgical thought control. The greater the number of per sons participating, the wider the coverage o f pass ages which would be available and the better the precision which could be produced. From this standpoint, wisdom would dictate the memory of “ not so popular” chapters and books. The most far-reaching significance o f this prac tice is in the formulation o f mind and character. Satan wages a perennial battle for the minds of men—Christian as well as lost. Conversion does not guarantee having the mind of Christ (II Cor. 10 :5 ); neither does doctrinal accuracy or being part o f the evangelical crowd. Memorizing Scrip ture causes the mind to be filled with the factual and theoretical content of the faith, and in time one increasingly begins to think like the Bible — even in areas where the Bible does not speak. It must be reiterated that any circle of evangelical Christian thinking only approximates the mind of God; but the portion of God’s Word which has been memorized, providing it has been assimilated, is precisely the mind of God in us and is available to stimulate the mental processes. This potentiality must work to a greater or lesser extent, transform ing our minds at conscious and subliminal levels. When this transformation occurs, the good and ac ceptable and perfect will of God will be tested and verified (Rom. 12:1-2). When we live in the Word in this way, we are led to become Christ-centered at a deeper level and in a more integrated way than a mere “ decision” can implement, and will direct attention to His coming and Kingdom. The immediate, tangible effect of knowing Scripture by heart is greater facility in witnessing Dr. William Bass is Chairman o f the Division of Humanities at Biola College and Director of the Summer School Program.
and teaching. New confidence is present within and a firmness in the Word is evident to others. New freedom from slavishly following outlines pre viously learned from others and the exact wording of the current lesson manual is a welcome bonus. A given passage incorporates aspects of many dif ferent Biblical themes and becomes a gold mine from which to draw for years to come. Which passages should be learned? A prear ranged system such as the Navigators’ Topical Memory System can be followed or used as a basis for helping to select verses or longer sections. Topics may be devised which center around per sonal need or interest, or they may be met as one reads and studies. Colossians l:15ff. is excellent on the person of Christ; Ephesians 2 :Iff. vividly portrays man’s lost condition; and each is an im portant Biblical doctrine. A personal need for guidance can be met by Romans 8:14ff., and He brews 1:1-3 can keep the heart fixed on the need for faith. It is gratifying to learn key passages from a number of Bible books to seal what has been studied. Who has not profited from a ready knowledge of lengthy sections from the Psalms ? The young person, with his quick retentive mind, can easily master long or short passages of Scripture which will keep him from sin (Psa. 119:9-11) through a long lifetime. The aged can often devote more time to the study of God’s Word — and often prove to have the greatest fund of ready Biblical truth. Many a middle-aged man or woman has had his or her life transformed by lay ing hold o f a long-neglected or newly discovered Bible. It is for you! Decide to begin today! Men, women, and even children of Hindu or Muslim faith can recite their supposedly sacred scripture by the hour. The time may come when such recitation will be the only available source of hearing the Word of God. Once the intention to learn passages by heart becomes part of the individual and he is willing to allow that it requires a long-term approach, the actual mechanics are easy. Get it written neatly (or cut out and pasted) on a conveniently-sized (say half of a three-by-five) card and put it in a con venient and accessible place. After that, just ex pose yourself to it every day and continue to review frequently. The suggested plan is never to rush so that the practice becomes obnoxious or a burden. Let it be gratifying growth in the knowledge of the Word of God and in the consciousness that consis tent effort will bring achievement. Allow yourself months if necessary to learn a section, but be con fident that at the end you will be successful. Allow time for consistent exposure and be assured that this lifetime practice will involve the most wisely spent of all your time for day-by-day life for Christ and also for the eternal ages to follow. H b |
MAY, 1967
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