Search the scriptures

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Our Lord's direction, with regard to the use of this means, is likewise plain and clear. Search the scriptures, he says to the unbelieving Jews, for they testify of me. John 5:39. And for this very end he directed them to search the scriptures, that they might believe in him.

The objection, that this is not a command, but only an assertion that they did search the scriptures, is shamelessly false. I desire those who urge it to let us know how a command can be more clearly expressed than in those terms. The Greek means, Search the scriptures. It is as peremptory as so many words can make it.

1771 text

Our Lord’s direction with regard to the use of this means, is likewise plain and clear. Search the scriptures, saith he to the unbelieving Jews,――for they testify of me, John v. 39. And for this very end did he direct them to search the scriptures, that they might believe in him.

The objection, “That this is not a command, but only an assertion, that they did search the scriptures,” is shamelessly false. I desire those who urge it, to let us know, how a command can be more clearly expressed, than in those terms, Ἐρευνᾶτε τὰς γραφὰς. It is as peremptory as so many words can make it.

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About this text

On Malachi 3:7: whether there are means of grace, what they are, and how to use prayer, Scripture and the Lord's Supper without trusting in them.

EditionPrinted in Wesley's 1771 Works, which do not say when he preached it

Wesley's own sermon in updated English wording. The 1771 panel is the text of the Works Wesley himself had printed in 1771. It is public domain.

Reference

Sermon 16 in the 1771 Works. Malachi 3:7.

We have not yet re-checked this work against its source. We put this English text into updated wording with AI help. No scholar has yet certified it as faithful and complete. Open the 1771 text under any part to compare.

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