Search The Scriptures

Invitations to “search the scriptures”— and examples of the faithful doing just that—are common throughout holy writ.  Christ said to the Jews, “Search the scriptures… they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39).  In the introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord invites us, “Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful” (D&C 1:37).  King Benjamin petitioned his sons concerning the scriptures they had, “I would that ye should remember to search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby” (Mosiah 1:7).  Christ said to the Nephites, “He that hath the scriptures, let him search them” (3 Nephi 10:14). Likewise in his same visit He commanded them, “Search these things.  Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah” (3 Nephi 21:1).  And as an endorsement for the rest of the prophets of the Old Testament He said, “Search the prophets, for many there be that testify of these things” (3 Nephi 23:5).  Moroni gave a similar endorsement of Isaiah’s words by saying simply, “Search the prophecies of Isaiah” (Mormon 8:23).  In addition to these invitations we read in several places of those who did indeed search in the scriptures.  In the account of Paul’s missionary labors we are told that the people of Berea “searched the scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11).  When Lehi got the plates of brass “he did search them from the beginning” (1 Nephi 5:10).  Jacob tells us that his people “searched the scriptures” which brought “peace and the love of God” after the encounter with Sherem (Jacob 7:23).  Other examples could be given, but the question for us is whether we really heed this counsel.  Do we merely read the scriptures or do we search them?  And what should we search for?  Perhaps we should come to the scriptures before we start with a question or topic or thought on which we are seeking more understanding, and actively search for that.  If we simply read the scriptures, we are not following the pattern outlined in the scriptures themselves.