Topical Encyclopedia
The Scriptures hold a cherished place in the hearts of the saints, who regard them as sweet and precious. This sweetness is not merely metaphorical but is deeply rooted in the spiritual nourishment and delight that the Word of God provides to believers. The Scriptures are seen as a source of wisdom, comfort, and guidance, offering a taste of the divine that is both satisfying and transformative.
Biblical References:1.
Psalm 19:9-10 : "The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb." This passage highlights the intrinsic value and sweetness of God's judgments and decrees, which are esteemed by the saints as more desirable than the finest earthly treasures.
2.
Psalm 119:103 : "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey in my mouth!" Here, the psalmist expresses a personal and intimate appreciation for the Word of God, likening its sweetness to that of honey, a symbol of delight and satisfaction.
3.
Proverbs 24:13-14 : "Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is sweet for your soul. If you find it, there is a future for you, and your hope will not be cut off." This proverb draws a parallel between the sweetness of honey and the sweetness of wisdom, which is found in the Scriptures. The saints recognize that the pursuit of biblical wisdom leads to a hopeful and secure future.
Theological Significance:The sweetness of the Scriptures is a reflection of their divine origin and purpose. For the saints, the Bible is not just a collection of ancient texts but the living Word of God, inspired and authoritative. It is through the Scriptures that believers encounter the character and will of God, experience His love and grace, and are equipped for every good work (
2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The metaphor of sweetness also underscores the experiential aspect of engaging with the Bible. Just as honey delights the palate, the Word of God delights the soul, bringing joy and satisfaction to those who meditate on it day and night (
Psalm 1:2). This delight is a testament to the transformative power of Scripture, which renews the mind and conforms believers to the image of Christ (
Romans 12:2).
Practical Implications:For the saints, regarding the Scriptures as sweet involves a commitment to regular reading, meditation, and application of God's Word. It means approaching the Bible with reverence and expectation, trusting that it will provide the necessary sustenance for spiritual growth and maturity. The sweetness of the Scriptures also encourages believers to share the Word with others, inviting them to taste and see that the Lord is good (
Psalm 34:8).
In summary, the saints' regard for the Scriptures as sweet is a profound acknowledgment of their value and impact. It is an expression of love for God's Word and a recognition of its central role in the life of faith.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 119:103How sweet are your words to my taste! yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Departed Saints Fellow Servants with those yet on Earth.
... If we do not mistake the scriptures, our pious departed ... been "one flesh" may bear
like regard to those ... in the text, by decreeing adoration to departed saints. ...
/.../sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxvii departed saints fellow.htm
All Saints' Day
... he has read of it in the Scriptures, or heard ... they are so full of care, and who regard
outward poverty ... Thus all His disciples and Saints have followed after Him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxvi all saints day.htm
The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest.
... unto my sorrow!" And we scarce regard the mournful ... rest is very suitable to the saints'
necessities also ... All dark Scriptures shall be made plain; all seeming ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iii the excellencies of.htm
The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... while they neglect the kingly dignity of the saints! ... of fleshly pleasures, while
they regard the praises ... they call them to prayer, or reading the Scriptures! ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vii the necessity of.htm
A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... special favourites upon whom very distinguishing regard was set ... most fitting word
of rebuke for erring saints. ... this one gift of the Scriptures, which abundantly ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm
Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... in the things and kingdom of Christ, should have in regard and esteem ... Further, I
make a question upon three scriptures, Whether all the saints, even in the ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm
On Singing and Music.
... prayer is always in place, without regard to the ... as a substitute for that which the
saints had enjoyed ... test their religious profession by the Scriptures, says: ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/on singing and music/on singing and music.htm
The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... understanding also,' in which he proves from the sacred scriptures that prayer ... It
is full of good, it is full of sweet, it is ... THE SAINTS' PRIVILEGE AND PROFIT. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm
Letter Lxxviii. (AD 404. )
... we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have ... great sorrow on the
part of saints and believers ... pains, of whom it was foretold in regard to Christ ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxviii a d 404.htm
The Beginning of Justification. In what Sense Progressive.
... From all such confidence the Scriptures uniformly dissuade ... In regard to the material
or formal cause ... When the saints repeatedly confirm and console themselves ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 the beginning of.htm
Resources
What are redaction criticism and higher criticism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is new covenant theology? | GotQuestions.orgI am a Jehovah's Witness. Why should I consider becoming a Christian? | GotQuestions.orgScriptures: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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