Studying the Scriptures

Good morning to all,

It is time to cut to the chase. Over the years I have spoken to many people who are far more intelligent and better educated than I. Often they express frustration at their inability to feel like they really understand the scriptures. Many have years of experience teaching and studying the scriptures and know much more than I about the history of the Church and the history of the people spoken of in the scriptures. Prophetically speaking, learning was never going to be our problem. Paul said in the last days people would be "ever learning, but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth." (2 Timothy 3:7) So some turn to Biblical Hebrew and others turn to commentaries for instruction. This week my son, Taylor and I talked about his institute class and how the instructor told the students they wouldn't understand the scriptures unless they understood the symbolism in them.

Seeking guidance from others is exactly the wrong way to go because it leads you away from a process designed to sanctify you and introduce you back to God's presence whenever you are ready. In section 1 of the Doctrine & Covenants the Lord gave a type of mission statement the restoration of the Gospel would accomplish: "Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments; And also gave commandments to others, that hey should proclaim these things unto the world; and all this that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the prophets- The weak things of the world will shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh-But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world; That faith also might increase in the earth; That mine everlasting covenant might be established; That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers." (D&C 1:17-23)

The Lord's mission is to reintroduce man to his maker so all may know God and speak in His name. Scripture study is a process whereby you familiarize yourself with God's voice and His teachings so you can recognize it when He speaks to you. The process of seeking God through the scriptures involves deep reflection and pondering. Reading the scriptures help but studying them topically can unleash far more content and greater faith as you begin to see the hand of the Lord throughout the Standard Works.

Our world has turned everything upside down. Today we measure a persons intelligence by their ability to understand complex subjects. True intelligence is manifest when complex subjects are made simple and understandable to all men and women. God is more intelligent than all of us and He has inspired and organized the scriptures so the least educated are more likely to understand because they are less inclined to become confused by complexity. Hence the Savior's remark: "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom as a little child, he shall not enter therein." (Mark 10:15)

My intent is to demonstrate a few simple strategies that unlock vast amounts of information hidden in plain sight in the scriptures. Our Heavenly Father has given us these words in manner we can both understand and apply.

The first strategy to be introduced is the concept of scripture templates. A template is a pattern the Lord has revealed that demonstrates order He follows in bringing about His work. The first template will manifest the steps of spiritual progression both the Church and its members must follow to develop Godlike attributes and prepare to enter again into His presence.

Scott