RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-10-05	Illumination by the Holy Spirit
		What is the Holy Spirit's role in Bible study? The popular idea is that the Holy Spirit will give us the right interpretation of a Biblical text. Does the Holy Spirit give the correct interpretation of a given Bible text? Yes, sort of. But not limited to that. The doctrine of illumination goes much deeper than simply providing the right meaning. Allow me to explain. 2Ti 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. We are to be workman rightly dividing the word of Truth (2Tm.2:15). This takes work. We have to understand how to study the Bible. We need to know the rules for interpreting Scripture. We need to study, and think about the text. Words have meaning. When we talk about the doctrine of illumination, often it is thought of as the HS giving us the interpretation of the text. We pray about a given text asking the Holy Spirit for understanding. So does the Holy Spirit dump that knowledge (correct interpretation of a given text) into our minds? Not exactly. A good example that disproves that the Holy Spirit simply gives us the correct interpretation is seen in the word denominations. There are good believers in many of the denominations that have different interpretations of various texts. So why doesn't the Holy Spirit straighten out my “other denominational” friend? A little tongue in cheek. If illumination simply means giving us the right interpretation then godly men from two different denominations would have the same interpretation. So is one of us lacking illumination? Not necessarily. We are all illuminated, but it means so much more than simply getting the right interpretation. When we study the Bible we should ask for wisdom to understand a given text (Ja.1:5). Asking for wisdom does not equal giving me the correct interpretation. Also when studying we should ask for stamina to stay alert, and humility to submit to what the text means. There is nothing wrong with looking to other Godly men who have written on a Biblical text. What did it mean to them? Some will say I only read the Bible, and no writings from man. I applaud the desire, but question the wisdom. We do not receive less if the Holy Spirit does not give us the right interpretation. The right interpretation is very important, but what the Spirit is doing in illumination is sanctifying our lives. When the Holy Spirit illuminates us, He is not shining a light on a dark and mysterious Bible text. Instead, He shines a light on our darkened hearts and minds. When He illuminates, He is not illuminating the Word per se, instead He illuminates our minds to get the message of the Word. The Holy Spirit has to work with us where we are in understanding the Word. The Holy Spirit shines a light on the reader not on the completed inerrant Word of God. The Holy Spirit's work of illumination does not ensure inerrant interpretation. It does not impart perfect knowledge. It empowers us in the pursuit of that knowledge (2Pe.3:18). 2Pe 3:18  but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. Why doesn't the Holy Spirit just drop the perfect understanding into our minds? This is part of our sanctification process (Co.4:16-18). Growing in grace and studying the Word takes time. Let's just say God's procedure was to just give us perfect knowledge of a text. How much of that Word would you then study. How long would you spend wrestling over any given text? How sanctified would you become if the Holy Spirit works by simply giving us the perfect meaning of a text? How much time would a teacher or Pastor need to spend in the Word if we simply receive a “data dump” from the Holy Spirit? It is better for us if we have to work and strive (Pr.2:2). Pro 2:2  So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding. Inclining our ear and applying our hearts take time. Working through the text helps us grow in sanctification. Part of our growth is struggling with the Bible so it impacts our lives. If knowledge is simply dropped down from heaven, we would not appreciate it even though it is true. There are diamonds on every page of Scripture. We get to go and find them. The doctrine of illumination tells us to study hard, to grow in grace, and to have a humble spirit willing to obey. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Evangelical Free Church of America

23304 E Wellesley Ave. Otis Orchards, WA 99027 Church Office: 509.926.9552 Church Cell: 509.342.9145 Pastor Cell: 509.828.8843 tomelseroad@gmail.com