Introduction

In sending you this little book, I specially commend the portion on Kegeneration. It has helped me veiy much. It was written by a gentleman in England, who has thoroughly examined the question, and presents it from a clear scriptural stand-point. It is a subject worthy your careful consideration.

To those desiring to become Christians, I recommend it, because it tells from God’s word what man is by nature, and what God thinks of sin, and it leaves no excuse to the sinner. At the same time it clearly gives the gospel remedy for sin. “Salvation through Jesus Christ.” It teaches clearly the three great Bible truths: man ruined by the fall; redeemed by the blood; and regenerated by the Holy Spirit.

To the young convert it presents the truth of the two natures, and shows the importance of living very near to Christ, that He may keep the old nature in subjection. A careful study of it will not only enable us to give a reason for the hope that is in us, but to clearly present the plan of salvation to others.

In presenting “How to Study the Bible,” I would emphasize the importance of Bible study. God’s word is the Christian’s daily food, and while we always need it, the vigorous, active, growing Christian must have it. We need it not only as a means of growth, but as furnishing the weapons of our warfare. The Christian, grounded in God’s word, has a source of strength that can be found nowhere else. If Christians feed upon the word, the world will be forgotten, and lose its power over them, and we shall be prepared to work for others. If Christians neglect their Bibles, they may pray and ask God to use them, but he w7ill not, for there is not much in them for the Holy Spirit to work upon. Depend upon it, if you get tired of the word of God, you are out of communion with Him. It is the best thing the world has, and if you are filled with it, it will shine through you, and you will draw the world to Christ. We must come to God’s word with a teachable spirit, humbly feeling that we know nothing, and need to learn everything.

The result of a prayerful, persistent study of the Bible will be:

We shall walk in the light, lt The entrance of Thy word giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.”

We shall overcome sin. “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.”

We shall speak for Jesus. “My mouth shall speak of Thy righteousness all the day long; and I will declare Thy faithfulness.”

Having studied the Bible, it is important that we know how to use it, and nowhere is this knowledge so essential as in our personal work for Christ. In this personal wTork we can divide those we meet into classes. They are: First, the professing Christian wTho has no liberty, and no assurance, but is in “Doubting castle.” The whole of John’s first epistle was written for such. Use 1 John v. 13; iii. 2, 14, and 24.

The second class are backsliders. Use Jeremiah ii. 5, 13, 19, 27, and 32; iii. 12, 13, 14, and 22; Hosea xiv. 1, 2, and 4; examples of backsliders reclaimed, David, Peter, Thomas and all the disciples.

The third class are those not deeply convicted of sin. Use Romans iii. 10, 12, and 23; Isaiah i. 5 and 6; I. John i. 10; Isaiah liii. 6.

Avoid speaking false peace. Don’t tell a man he is converted. Let God tell him that. See Jeremiah vi. 14.

The fourth class think themselves too great sinners. They are under very deep conviction. Use Isaiah i. 18; liii. 4 and 5; 1 Peter ii. 24; Isaiah xliii. 25; xliv. 22; Romans v. 6.

The fifth class don’t know how to come to Christ. They must receive a person, not a creed. John i. 12. They must believe. John iii. 15, 16, 18, and 36; v. 24; vi. 40 and 47. They must trust. Isaiah xxvi. 3; Psalms xxxiv. 8. They must take a gift. Revelation xxii. 17; Psalms cxvi. 13; Romans vi. 23. They must come. John vi. 37; Isaiah lv. 1.

The new birth. John iii. 7. 1 John v. 1 and 4.

The sixth class don’t feel that they are saved. Nowhere in the Bible is feeling coupled with salvation.

The seventh class go away trusting and come back doubting. They have neglected to confess Christ. Use Romans x. 9 and 10; Matthew x. 32.

The eighth class are afraid they will fall. Use Jude, 24th verse; Isaiah xli. 10 and 13; 2 Timothy i. 12; Romans viii. 35 and 39; Colossians iii. 3 and 4.

The ninth class say they can’t believe. Use John vii. 17.

The tenth class say they will try to be saved. Use Romans iv. 5.

Why people are unsaved. John v. 40.

Who are invited? Luke xix. 10; Matt. ix. 12; Luke v. 32.

The time to be saved. See Isaiah lv. 6; 2 Corinthians vi. 2; Hebrews iii. 7,

The danger of delay. See Proverbs i. 24 and 28.

Warnings. See Psalms ix. 17; 2 Peter ii. 9.

Contrasts in conversions. There are no two alike. Matthew; Nicodemus; the woman at the well; the thief on the cross; Lydia; the Jailer; the Eunuch; Paul; the Centurian.

Use the great invitations, Revelation xxii. 17; Matthew xi. 28; Isaiah lv. 1.

1 ask the prayrerful reading of this little book, and trust we may meet all into whose hands it may fall in the King’s country, to sit down at the marriage supper of the Lamb; and let those with whom we have labored during the past eventful wTeeks, go forward in the strength of the Lord, and be able to say,” I have fought a good fight, I have finished my coarse, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day. And not to me only, but to all them that love His appearing. Faithful is He which calleth you, who also will do it.

Your Friend,
Chicago, Jan. 1, 1877. D. L. MOODY.