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Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, published in “Mornings & Evenings,” entry for June 9th, PM.

Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2010.

“Search the Scriptures.” John 5:39, KJV

The Greek word here rendered “search” signifies a strict, close, diligent, curious search, such as men make when they are seeking gold, or a hunter earnestly tracking their target. We must not be content with superficially reading a chapter or two. Instead, with the light of the Spirit, we must deliberately seek out the deepest meaning of the word.

Understanding Holy Scripture requires searching. Much of it can only be learned by careful study. There is milk for babies, but also meat for those who are mature in faith. The rabbis wisely say that a mountain of significance hangs on every word, on every syllable even of Scripture. The second century theologian Tertullian exclaims, “I adore the fullness of the Scriptures.” No one who merely skims the book of God can truly profit from it. We must dig and mine until we obtain the treasure buried deep within.

The door of the word only opens via the key of diligence. The Scriptures are the writings of God, bearing the divine stamp and imprint. Who would dare to treat them with frivolously? He who despises them despises the God who wrote them. God forbid that any of us should leave our Bibles to become swift witnesses against us in the great day of account!

The word of God will repay you for mining it. God does not want us to sift a mountain of rubbish with here and there a grain of wheat in it. Instead, the Bible is like treasure stored in a mansion … we have only to open the door and find it. Scripture grows on the student. It is full of surprises. Under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, to the searching eye it glows with splendor of revelation, like a vast temple paved with gold, and roofed with rubies, emeralds, and all types of gems. But truly there is no merchandise like the merchandise of Scripture truth.

Most importantly, the Scriptures reveal Jesus: “They are they which testify of Me.” (John 5:39, KJV) No more powerful motive can be urged to Bible readers than this: anyone who finds Jesus finds life, heaven, all things. Happy are all who, searching his Bible, discovers their Savior.

Questions: How has your Bible reading been recently? If you had a reading plan this year, how have you kept up with it, or what has hindered your progress?

About this Author: Charles Spurgeon