Unveiling the Scriptures

One of the very important works of the Holy Spirit is the revealing of the understanding of the scriptures to God’s humble people. First the scriptures, themselves, were revealed to the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament apostles and prophets as the following verses clearly show:

1. Eph. 3:4 “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;”

2. 1 Pet. 1:10 “Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.”

3. 2 Tim. 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

4. 2 Pet. 1:21 “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

Next, our understanding of the scriptures is not by simple mental exercises of the mind but comes through a spiritual revelation to our heart by the operation of the Holy Spirit as we study and meditate upon the scriptures and as we hear the preaching and teaching of the word of God:

1. 1 Cor. 2:9 “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” This passage shows us that we must have the revelation of the Spirit to know the things that are freely given to us of God. We must first have the indwelling of the Spirit through the spiritual birth to have the ability to discern spiritual things. Then we must have the guidance of the Holy Spirit for our understanding of the scriptures as the Holy Ghost teaches us through the comparing of spiritual things with spiritual.

2. John 16:13 “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.” Here the Lord promised that the Holy Comforter, i.e., the Spirit of truth would guide his disciples into all truth.

3. Luke 24:45 “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,”

Moreover, Paul in his prayers for God’s children at Ephesus prayed for their understanding by the work of the Spirit:

1. Eph. 1:18 “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”

2. Eph. 1:17 “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:”

Finally, Paul showed us that much of our understanding comes to us through the preaching of the gospel, which is empowered by the Holy Spirit:

1. Rom. 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

2. 1 Cor. 2:4 “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”