Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.1
These verses are packed with promises. But be warned God cannot be mocked; knowledge of Scripture is definitely the way to know who God is; what he has done; what pleases the him, and what is an abomination to him—a quick glance of Proverbs would list some abominable things the LORD hates: a devious person,2 wickedness,3 a false balance,4 a crooked heart,5 lying lips,6 the sacrifice of the wicked,7 the way of the wicked,8 everyone who is arrogant,9 he who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous,10 unequal weights,11 (surprisingly) the prayers of those who refuse to hear the law.12 Is it any wonder that many refuse to study God’s Word? In fact, it is dreadful at first. But with perseverance and grace, his Words turn to delight.
It takes knowledge of Scripture to know that in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him . . . .13 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, . . .14 [Jesus] was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you.15 Thus, the twenty-four elders fall before him and cast their crowns before his throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”16
Knowledge of the only true God, and Jesus Christ leads to eternal life.17 Knowledge alone will not save. What saves is assent or belief in the finish work of Jesus.18 “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”19 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven. . .20
It takes knowledge of God’s faithfulness and love for us to trust him. Saving faith is surrendering to God, knowing that he knows what is best for us. His thoughts and ways are far better than our ways.21 It is the kind of faith that knows when Satan sifts us, Jesus intercedes for us that our faith will not waiver.22
Through grace we are saved through faith. And this is not our own doing; it is a gift from God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.23 Just like an ember, the gift has to be fanned into flame.24 Put on the whole armor of God . . . In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one. . . .25 We are to fight the good fight of faith to the end, and take hold of eternal life to which we are called.26
Notes:
1. Psalm 112:1-3
2. Proverbs 3:32
3. Proverbs 8:7
4. Proverbs 11:1
5. Proverbs 11:20
6. Proverbs 12:22
7. Proverbs 15:8, 21:27
8. Proverbs 15:9
9. Proverbs 16:5
10. Proverbs 17:15
11. Proverbs 20:10
12. Proverbs 20:23
13. John 1:1-4, Genesis 1:1-31
14. John 1:14
15. 1 Peter 1:20
16. Revelation 4:9-11
17. John 17:3
18. John 19:30
19. Acts 16:31
20. Matthew 10:32-33
21. Isaiah 55:8-9
22. Luke 22:31-32
23. Ephesians 2:8-10
24. 2 Timothy 1:6-7
25. Ephesians 6:10-18
26. 1 Timothy 6:12
