Progressive knowledge of Scripture.
The treatment of one of Daniel's prophecies which is here referred to may be applied to all the prophecies of the Bible, and to the higher truths of Scripture generally.
I. THERE ARE MYSTERIES IN ALL REVELATION, "The words are shut up" and "the book is sealed." Revelation, while it clears up some mysteries, presents new ones. It is full of dark places, unfathomable depths, suggestions of endless truths.
1. All is not clear, because we cannot yet understand all; if it were made more clear, we might only misunderstand it and so fall into the error. Revelation is open to us only so far as we have capacity to receive it (Psalms 109:18).
2. There is a Divine reserve, because we are not morally fit to use all truth (Matthew 7:6). There are truths which we should degrade if we had not the spiritual capacity for the right use of them. This may apply to some questions concerning the ultimate destiny of man.
3. Some truths may be concealed for the present, because the special use of them is for some future time. Now they might only amuse our idle curiosity, and distract our attention from more practical concerns. At "the time of the end" they will do valuable service. This may be the case with revelations of the millennium.
II. REVELATION MUST BE SEARCHED IN ORDER TO BE UNDERSTOOD. "Many shall run to and fro," traversing the book, and comparing its several sayings in order to see their full meaning. So must we do with Scripture (John 5:39; Acts 17:11). There are truths so clear that the most foolish can understand them (Isaiah 35:8); and all men can practise them without hesitation (Habakkuk 2:2). But there are large and deep truths which must be sought to be found.
1. When truths are thus obtained, they are better understood and more valued than when they are learnt without effort.
2. The very act of searching is a useful exercise of patience, zeal, and spiritual thoughtfulness.
3. Experience proves the success of this method of learning truth. The difficulties of Scripture attract thought. Scripture is a mine of inexhaustible treasure. Men run to and fro through it now more than they ever did, and its truths are fresher and brighter than ever (Matthew 13:52).
III. THE KNOWLEDGE OF SCRIPTURE IS PROGRESSIVE. The knowledge is increased. Scripture repays the searching it calls for.
1. Experience increases the knowledge. History illustrates revelation. Providence explains Scripture. Thus gospel history explains the deeper spiritual truths of Messianic prophecy.
2. Our own spiritual growth leads to the increase of knowledge. Scripture contains more to the advanced Christian than it does to the young disciple of Christ (John 7:17).
3. The progressive life of the Church leads to enlarged knowledge of Scripture