Guidelines for Theological Education
I am currently reading a book by John Owen titled The Nature of Apostasy from the Profession of the Gospel and the Punishment of Apostates Declared. Not a very gripping title nor an exciting topic, I’ll grant you. But for all his denouncement of false believers and other seeming negativities, his heart was always bent toward strengthening the faith of sincere Christians. So I came upon some helpful directions he gives which in context are directed towards helping us keep the faith, as it were, or stand firm in the doctrines of the gospel. Coming as they are from a man whose collected works take up 23 volumes, I find them to be very helpful and humble. I think they are widely applicable to any pursuit of biblical knowledge and truth. As I am planning on pursuing masters level education in bible and ministry, I plan on keeping these posted as continual reminders and guidelines to keep me fixed on what God calls us to in the knowledge of His word. (These are taken from pp. 112-114 inVol. 7 of his collected works, The Banner of Truth Trust. All that follows are direct quotes with some re-paragraphing by me.)
1. Pray earnestly for the Spirit of truth to lead us into all truth. For this end is he promised by our Savior unto his disciples; and there are no teachings like his. The least spark of saving knowledge inlaid in the minds of the poorest believers, by the gracious operation of the Holy Ghost, will be more effectual unto their own sanctification, and more prevalent against oppositions, than the highest notions or most subtile reasonings that men have attained in leaning unto their own understanding.
2. Rest not in any notions of truth, unless you find that you have learned it as it is in Jesus [Eph 4:20-24]. This it is to learn the truth as it is in Jesus, – namely, together with the knowledge of it, to have an experience of its power and efficacy in the mortification of sin, in the renovation of our nature, and transforming of the whole soul into the image of God in righteousness and the holiness of truth. The immediate end (with respect unto us) of the whole revelation of the mind and will of God in the Scripture is, that it may put forth a spiritual, practical power in our souls, and that we may do the things which are so revealed unto us. [L]et us not rest in any apprehensions of truth whose efficacy we have no experience of in our hearts, nor think that we know any more of the mysteries of the gospel than we find effectually working in the renovation of our minds.
3. Learn to esteem more of a little knowledge which discovers itself in its effects to be sanctifying and saving, than of the highest attainments in notions and speculations, though gilded and set off by the reputation of skill, subtilty, eloquence, wit, and learning, which do not evidence themselves by alike operations.
4. Be not satisfied [in any knowledge of biblical truth] without a discovery of such a goodness, excellency, and beauty in spiritual things, as may attract your hearts unto them, and cause you to cleave unto them with unconquerable love and delight. This is that necessary, inseparable adjunct, property, fruit, or effect of faith, without which it is not essentially differenced from the faith of devils.
I agree wholeheartedly with what he says. It is ironic that often it seems easier to read books about Jesus and our faith walk than to meet directly with Him and have that time anointed by the power of the holy spirit.