I know that some might have thought I was exaggerating, or worse, when they have heard or read that I have said I have read the Bible from cover to cover somewhere between fifty and a hundred times, yes, even including all of the begats. I say somewhere between fifty and a hundred times as I used to keep track but in passing the fifty mark I stopped counting, and I passed that mark a long, long time ago. (I am now in my 83rd year of life).
The Bible is really not all that big a book. Many novels have many more pages. In reading the scriptures, I was not wanting to get in the Guinness Book of Records. I was not wanting to have something I could boast about realizing that few others could say the same. I wanted understanding. I wanted to know the truth in spiritual matters. In early years I realized that the Bible was not a book easily understood as readers of that book were so varied and opposing one another in their beliefs – all of them claiming they got their beliefs from the Bible. Many insisting, “The Bible is our sole authority and guide,” yet embracing doctrines and teachings absolutely contrary one with the other – one teaching one thing in a given matter and another teaching the exact opposite, yet all saying, “That’s what the Bible says!”
Since the Bible commands that we walk in the truth and that we prove all things of a spiritual nature, I knew the truth, therefore, could be known, but looking about at the aged scholars who differed widely from one another in their beliefs, common sense told me “getting it right” wasn’t going to be easy. Actually it has proven to be a lifelong task. (Many believers fail to realize that other opposing denominations have their revered theologians and scholars, too, those well respected men differing widely as to what they believe the Bible says and does not say). No, I am not infallible. That’s WHY doctrines I believed and held to some years ago I no longer accept as taught in the scriptures. But, just as practice makes perfect, so a continued in-depth study of God’s Word coupled with greater more continuous obedience affords more light and understanding. Of course one must remain open minded and teachable, realizing they are human and can be dead wrong in some of their long cherished beliefs. My point: Read the Bible – ALL of it, and root all known sin out of your life. God grant you understanding is my prayer..
Christ’s Faithful Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley