Studies in the Scriptures
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The Studies in the Scriptures is a series of publications containing six volumes of great importance to the history of the Bible Students, and the early history of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Each detail of God's plan is presented topically. The series was not intended as a replacement for the Bible, rather they were written as textbooks to aid in the study of God's word.
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[edit] Origin and author
The author of this body of work, Charles Taze Russell, reported that he did not write them "through visions and dreams, nor by God's audible voice", but by gathering the fragments of the truth scattered for a long time. In 1886 the first volume of the series was written. Today known as "The Divine Plan of the Ages", it was originally titled "The Plan of the Ages" under its former series name of "Millennial Dawn". The name of the series was changed to "Studies in the Scriptures" in 1904 in order to clarify their nature as biblical textbooks.
[edit] Purpose
The series was written in order to be an aid to guide the reader through study of the Bible. Since the Bible was not written as a novel, God inspired its writing in such a way as to require diligent searching and prayer to understand its meaning and purpose. By studying the Bible topically, rather than verse by verse, details of God's plan became clearer and clearer. The series progresses from elementary topics such as proving the existence of God, and establishing that the Bible is God's word, to deeper and deeper subject matter as one moves through to the end of the series.
[edit] Arrangement and contents
- Volume 1 — The Divine Plan of the Ages — 1886
- This volume elementary topics, and attempts to show God has a clear plan for mankind.
- Volume 2 — The Time is at Hand — 1889
- This volume offers a complete Bible chronology, keys to time prophecies, the second advent of Christ, and the identification of the Antichrist.
- Volume 3 — Thy Kingdom Come — 1891
- This volume describes the prophecies of the Bible in further detail, along with the fate of Israel and information on the Great Pyramid as being built under God's direction. The section on Pyramidology was influenced by the theories of Charles Piazzi Smyth, who also helped review it.
- Volume 4 — The Day of Vengeance — 1897
- Originally titled The Battle of Armageddon, this volume shows the causes of the dissolution of the present order, and reveals the Biblical remedy as God's kingdom.
- Volume 5 — The At-one-ment Between God and Men — 1899
- Discusses man's nature, the work of redemption, and the Holy Spirit.
- Volume 6 — The New Creation — 1904
- The volume covers the seven days of Creation found in Genesis, and discussion of the duties and responsiblities of a Christian, in both family and personal life.
[edit] Viewpoint and theology
The series had been criticised by a few early 20th century ministers as an attempt to replace the Bible. Russell's view was quite different: he believed that while the Bible had been studied through different methods, topical study was the best approach. The six volumes are in some ways written as a commentary with suggestions given to Biblical events and utterances. Pastor Russell did not claim infallibility, and challenged every reader to study the Bible thoroughly in order to prove or disprove what was presented.
The Studies in the Scriptures represent that we have reached the end of this age, which Jesus said would be a harvest time. In this harvest time, as in the first harvest in the days of Jesus, there is a separation between the wheat and the impure imitations. Jesus promised to return to take home his bride, but doing so invisibly. This period is referred to as the "Parousia" which is the Biblical Greek word for "presence". During his invisible presence it would be due time to reveal the full truth of the scriptures, and God's plan (Mt. 24.45-47). Through time, his invisible presence would become clearer and clearer to mankind as "many shall travel to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased". Eventually, his arrival will become clearly manifested to the world, and God's Kingdom shall emerge to bless all the families of the earth, and give them life eternal.
[edit] External links
| The Bible Students |  |
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| History, Movements and Faith: | Bible Student movement | Associated Bible Students | Layman's Home Missionary Movement | Publishing houses: Pastoral Bible Institute | Dawn Bible Students Association | Literature: Studies in the Scriptures | The Dawn (magazine) | The Herald | People: Charles Taze Russell | Paul S. L. Johnson |
