'O GOD SEND OUT YOUR LIGHT'

The Light Gets Progressively Brighter

In modern times the first real glimmer of light began to appear in the last quarter of the 19th century as a group of Christian men and women began an earnest study of the Scriptures.  They developed a practical method for Bible study.  Someone would raise a question; then the group would analyze all related Scripture texts.  When one Bible verse seemed to contradict another, these sincere Christians endeavored to harmonize the two, unlike the religious  leaders of the day, the Bible Students (as Jehovah's Witnesses were then known) were determined to let the Holy Scriptures, not tradition or man-made dogma, be their guide.  After they considered all available Scriptural evidence, they made a record of their conclusions.  In that way their understanding of many basic Bible doctrines was cleared up. 

Outstanding among the Bible Students was Charles Taze Russell.  He wrote a series of six helpful Bible study aids entitled Studies in the Scriptures.  Brother Russell intended to write a seventh  volume, which would explain the Bible books of Ezekiel and Revelation.  "Whenever I find the key,"  he said,  "I will write the seventh volume."  However, he added:  "If  the Lord gives the key to someone else, he can write it.

The foregoing statement by C.T. Russell illustrates an important factor in our ability to understand certain Bible passages-timing.  Brother Russell knew that he could not force the light to shine upon the book of Revelation any more than an anxious hiker can coax the sun to rise before its appointed time.

Next time: Revealed -But in God's Due Time

Watchtower, 2000