In order that we
may make no mistakes where our eternal interests are involved, the Lord has
given us plain instruction as to what to receive as truth. He says, "To the law and to the
testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no
light in them." We shall be in danger of being misled if we trust to
ministers, or councils of men, or depend upon the interpretation that men may
put upon the Scriptures. Whatever doctrine is brought to us, we should
diligently search the Scriptures, as did the noble Bereans, to know for
ourselves whether the messenger's exposition is in harmony with the sure word
of prophecy. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto
all good works." God has given us the precious endowment of reason and
intellect, and we shall be held accountable for our mistakes if we do not use
the mind in earnest study of the word of God. God has endowed us with
capabilities whereby we may understand what is acceptable unto him. Our human
ideas, our human wills, are not to take the throne, but the will of God is to
be supreme. {ST, February 26, 1894
par. 8}