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第八篇　如何摸圣经㈠

事奉主者的资格、追求与学习

📖 研读 📊 汇集 🇬🇧 English 📋 对照
　
　　读圣经和摸圣经意义上有些不同。“读”圣经是为着明白圣经；“摸”圣经则是为着接触圣经。严格说，明白圣经和接触圣经是两件事。比方，这里有一杯水，我们明白它，认识它，知道它的成分，这是一件事；我们接触它、喝它，又是另一件事。就如一个孩子天天用水洗手、洗脚，却一点也不明白水里有何成分，因为不认识水。认识水里的成分，是化学家的事，因为他们研究水，所以有认识。而孩子用水洗手，是接触水，不是研究水，所以不认识水。这就给我们看见二者的分别。又好比我们天天吃饭，是在接触饭，但不一定认识饭里的成分。认识我们所吃的，有些是厨师的事，有些是营养学家的事，他们知道什么样的食物里有什么样的营养。我们都得承认，我们所吃的，我们并不一定知道其究竟，但我们却接触了，并且吃了。
　　我们曾花了许多工夫说到如何读圣经，来帮助大家明白、研究、认识圣经。我们也曾用几个月的时间，读摩西五经，从创世记读到申命记。读的时候，都是重在明白，并不太重在接触。为了明白每一卷圣经，我们甚至分出七个重点：总纲、中心思想、要语、分段、要义、预表和预言，并一一查读。我们只要将每一卷书中的七个重点读通，差不多就能认识、明白那卷书，也克服了读经时不能明白的难处。这七个重点，将我们平时读经不容易明白的地方点出来了。这样，我们再读创世记时，无论读了多少遍，读到末了就能领会，创世记脱不开它的总纲：神的创造，撒但的败坏，人的堕落，以及神的应许和拯救。当我们参考这些重点，再一节一节的细读一卷书时，这卷书对我们就成为透明、明亮的。然而，这些重点只在于帮助我们明白、认识圣经，并不在于帮助我们如何摸着、接触圣经。到底我们应当如何摸着圣经呢？
　
　
　　要摸着圣经，首先要认识圣经的本质是神的灵（约六63下）。我们必须先有这个观念和认识，如同我们接触任何东西，都得先对那样东西的性质有认识。譬如有人把食物摆上桌，你就会去吃，因为你知道那是可吃的；有人给你衣服，你就会穿上，因为你知道那是用来穿的。同样的，我们都知道台子不是用来坐的，椅子才是拿来坐的。这好像是很浅显的比方，却深含一个重要的原则。我们读圣经时，若是把圣经当作学问、道理研究，就会认为这是一本经典，是一本讲真理、讲道理的书。表面上圣经是一本经典，是讲真理的书；但其实里面乃是神的灵。主耶稣说，“我对你们所说的话，就是灵。”（63下）不信的人可能不认同我们所说的；但我们知道，圣经就是灵，神的话就是灵。最低限度我们可以说，圣经的本质就是神的灵。
　　在圣经里，神的话像种子一样。种子完全是生命的故事，可以说，种子就是生命的化身，是生命的具体化。生命太抽像了，但是在神的创造里，神能把生命具体化为种子。比方，一粒小小的花种，里头蕴藏着一个东西，就是生命。我们若把它种到土里，生命便会显出；但我们若拿去化验，反而找不到其中的生命。我们能在种子里找到许多成分，但找不到生命。无论任何科学家、生物学家或化学家，最多只能化验出其中的成分，却无法将生命拿出来给人看。然而，种子里最重要的就是生命。同样的，我们能从圣经里研究出许多东西，但是在圣经中有一样东西，是我们用头脑研究不来的。圣经里的灵，是我们无法拿出来给人看的；如同我们无法从种子里拿出生命给人看。
　　圣经的话是种子，的确有它的成分。在创世记里，我们看到神创造天地的成分，以及列祖在神面前的情形。在出埃及记里，我们看见以色列人如何在埃及受压迫，摩西如何出生，如何受神差遣。到了箴言，我们看见一些道德的论述。有人认为箴言的教训，比中国的家训高得多。这些都是圣经中的成分，却不是圣经中的生命。圣经中蕴藏着一个东西，叫作生命，叫作灵，但任谁也无法将灵和生命拿出来显给人看。
　　有些人曾严重的责问说，“你们说圣经里有生命，但中国的四书五经里却没有生命，这是强辞夺理，圣经岂不也是白纸黑字写成的么？”当人这样说时，我们的确无法反驳他，任我们证明、辩解都没有用，至终最好闭口不言。然而，我们可以把四书五经当作福音传，看看是否有人因此悔改而得重生。众所周知，四书五经的福音，乃是在于明明德，至终并不能叫人得重生。但我们一说，“神爱世人，甚至将祂的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信入祂的，不至灭亡，反得永远的生命。”（约三16）马上有人流泪悔改，得救重生；然后，这个人改变了、不一样了。这就是重生，就是生命。我们若将一粒种子埋在土里，过几天，长出青嫩的芽，我们虽没有办法拿出生命，却可以显出一个事实，证明这种子里头是活的，有生命的。
　　这样的比喻叫我们能有一点领会，什么叫作明白圣经、研究圣经。如同一位化学家来研究、分析、化验种子的成分一样，而且不同的种子成分是不同的，如同小麦、大豆、白米，化验起来的成分是不一样的。但我们知道，里面的生命是化验不出来的。这需要种子与地土的接触，来孕育这粒种子，生命才能长出来。化学家没有用、天大的头脑也没有用，种子需要土地，才能得着发育、生长的机会。人虽然莫名其妙，无法捉摸那个生命，但借着种子在土壤里的发芽，就能显出种子里的生命。
　　圣经的奥秘亦是如此，有成分的一面，也有灵的一面，生命的一面。即使是大生物学家，也没有办法讲明这个生命的故事。我们可以研究圣经中的数字，知道“七”表征完全，“三”表征复活。这是圣经的成分，是我们可以研究的。我们也能研究出，民数记是讲配搭建造，申命记是讲生活敬拜。然而，摸着圣经中的生命，却是另一面的事。神的话外面看是真理，里面看是灵和生命。如同种子一样，从外面看，每一粒种子都有其成分；但是从里面看，每一粒种子里面的生命却是另一回事。我们对圣经的认识，必须分这两面。这两面在我们身上也有连带的关系。
　　神的话里有一个东西，是人无法解说，也无法拿出来的，就是神的灵，神的生命。所以，我们可以说，圣经就是神的灵的化身。我们的认识若没有到这个地步，我们就会以为，只要花工夫研究圣经，研读圣经就可以了。这样，我们就完全错了，因为这是两面的事。直到今天，恐怕有些圣徒，还不会分辨这两面，就是圣经外面的成分，以及圣经里面的生命和灵。我们需要分别这两面，好使我们不仅明白圣经外面的成分，更摸着圣经里面的生命和灵。就如一粒生命的种子，我们若要知道其成分，就要好好去分析；若要摸着其生命，只要将其放在合式的土壤里，过几天自然会长出生命的故事。我们必须认识，圣经乃是神的灵的化身。
　
　　第二，我们要认识，接触圣经就是接触神的灵。基督徒绝不该迷信，然而当我们每一次接触圣经时，都该有一个慎重的观念、感觉和态度，我们乃是来接触神的灵。我们若缺乏这个态度，就不容易摸着圣经。如同我们接触食物时，乃是为着吃它，我们若缺乏这个态度，就吃不下这些食物。所以，我们的观念和态度非常重要。
　　每一次我们来到圣经跟前，我们都要问问自己：我们是要来研究圣经呢，还是要来接触它？我们若是为着研究，乃是研究其中的道理；若是为着接触圣经，我们便应当认识，是为着接触神的灵。然而，一百位读圣经的人中，几乎有百分之九十九，都是为着研读圣经中的道理。因着神的怜悯，许多时候在不知不觉中，我们虽然是在研读圣经中的道理，但神的灵却在那里碰着我们的灵。可以说，有些时候是我们瞎碰碰上的。这个比方虽不好，原则却很对。我们原本没有意思要接触神的灵，我们只是为着研究圣经中的道理，但却在研读的时候，神的灵碰着了我们里面的灵。这是因为圣经就是神的灵所在之处，我们接触这本圣经，就是接触神的灵。有这样清楚地观念、态度、和存心的人，实在少之又少。今天我们都需要这两面的操练：一面要操练读圣经，另一面要操练摸圣经，接触圣经。
　
　
　　我们必须能分别什么是读圣经，什么是摸圣经。然而至今，神的儿女中仍有许多人不会分别这两面。大部分人都以为读圣经就是读圣经，从来没有想过读圣经乃是来接触圣经，摸圣经。我们用“接触”这字，是特别的用法。有人说，我们读圣经不就是摸圣经么。我们所说的“摸”和“读”是有分别的。“读”是研究，“摸”是接触、碰着，使其和我们里面起一种作用。我们所说的读圣经，就好像是研究食物里面的成分；摸圣经、接触圣经，则如同请人来吃饭一般。两者是完全不同的。
　　我们需要想想看，我们已过对于圣经，有多少时候是这样去摸它、接触它。从我们的经历说，我们若不是受到一点特别的带领，对于圣经，我们百分之九十几的成分都是读圣经、研究圣经。我们想想自己，有那一次把圣经打开时，不是为着研读、研究，而是为着接触灵？恐怕次数极少。所以我们需要多学习、多操练。我们每一次接触圣经时，必须有一个慎重的观念，我们乃是来接触神的灵。我们要用这个观念来操练这件事。
　
　　其次，我们来接触圣经时，要丢弃“想要明白”的观念。这在开头时可能相当不容易，因为我们一拿出圣经，习惯上就是要研究、研读。我们若能只是单纯为着接触圣经，而不研究它，我们便蒙了拯救。然而，这真是一件难事；所以需要我们多多的操练。这里有一个诀窍，我们若能操练得好，便会慢慢看见，我们的读经很有益处。我们一接触圣经，就接触到灵。也许我们会说，我们若不研读、研究，怎能明白呢？我们便是被这个“想要明白”给害了。我们心里想，若是我们不明白，怎能有灵感？我们若慢慢的操练，就会知道，真正的明白圣经，乃是从灵感来的。我们读圣经时，最要恨恶的一件事，就是“想要明白”；我们必须丢弃这个“想要明白”。
　　似乎我们的话有些矛盾，读经岂不是帮助我们明白圣经，却又叫我们不能想要明白，这是怎么回事？每次我们来接触圣经时，都要拒绝这个想要明白，因为那使我们不能摸着灵。我们不要怕不能明白圣经，到了一个时候，我们定规能明白圣经，那时才是真明白。我们必须把这个想要明白圣经的观念，放在一边，如同我们参加丰盛的筵席，只要尽情吃喝摆在我们眼前的食物，而不需要去分析。这是一个很浅显的比方。我们读经若能蒙神拯救至此，便是极好了。我们一打开圣经，甚至不需要知道这是那一卷书，只需要简单地接触它。读经甚至需要这样的“糊涂”，只存着一个心，一个观念和态度，是来接触神的灵。我们一定要转我们的观念，到这样一个“糊涂”的地步。甚至我们在读的时候明白了，也要拒绝，告诉主说，“主，我不要明白，我只要接触你的灵。”我们若能这样花工夫操练读经，到了一个时候，就会发现十分有益处。
　　只是恐怕弟兄姊妹直到今日，并没有多少人有这样的操练。我们无法避免“读经”这个字眼，但是一用“读”字，大家都认为就好像读化学、读科学一样，不容易脱离这个“读”字，而一直的钻研。所以，我们需要很厉害的改正和考验。
　
　　第三，我们读经时，首要的是带着我们的灵，而不是带着我们的头脑；因为我们是为着接触神的灵。神是灵，祂需要我们用灵碰着祂。当然，读经有心的问题，也有头脑的问题，但是请记得，首要的还是灵的问题。有的弟兄读经，头脑真是来了，心却不一定来，不够爱神，不够爱神的命令，无心接受神的话。他们的心不来，不过是像看报纸一样，带着头脑。有些人不光带着头脑，心也来了，实在是爱神的话，喜欢神的话，要听神的话，接受神的话，存心要出代价享受神的话；但是却不会用灵，结果就不能得着圣经里生命的供应。所以读来读去，还是得着圣经里的一些教训，都是为着行为的改正，而摸不着里面的生命。
　　你我读经必须学一个功课，不要只带着头脑，或是仅仅带着我们的心来，乃要学习带着灵来；就是不凭头脑，而是凭灵接触圣经。我们需要一直在神面前觉得，到祂的话跟前，就是到祂跟前。我们要一直有一个敬拜的灵，而不只是带着一颗诚实的心，来读祂的话。我们必须带着一个敬拜的灵，到神的话前，接触神。神是灵，我们要在我们的深处向祂敬拜。这意思是要丢弃我们的头脑，不凭着我们对祂的热诚接触祂的话。神的话就是灵，我们不只要有这样的认识、存心和态度，并且还要操练，拒绝我们的头脑，拒绝我们的思想，拒绝我们的领会力和学习，单单在我们的深处，在神面前，存着敬拜接触祂的话。这是需要操练的。
　　我们若如此操练，即便是读半章圣经，我们的灵就能碰着圣经里面的灵。这样接触圣经十分钟也好，二十分钟也好，我们里面就会新鲜、明亮、刚强、饱足，因为我们里面摸着了神的灵。盼望所有愿意在圣经上有所得着的人，都能在这一点上花工夫操练，使圣经成为我们的喂养、我们的供应。请记得，这乃是圣经最宝贵的一面。当然我们承认，圣经的亮光、真理也供应我们的思想，那是另一面。
　　总之，圣经乃是神的灵的所在，我们接触圣经，首要的是接触神的灵。所以，我们到圣经跟前，必须拒绝我们的头脑、我们的领会力，单单从深处敬拜神，来接触这些话。我们这样用灵摸神的话，也就是接触神的灵，我们里头立刻摸着神的灵。从这样的接触里，就能生出圣洁、能力、爱和安慰，如同一粒种子落到土里，长出一些我们意想不到的果子。这不是借着教导，而是从里面长出来的，是我们的灵不仅碰着神的话，更碰着了神的灵；因为话里面有灵，有生命。
　　一九六〇年四月一日讲于台北
　
　　读圣经和摸圣经意义上有些不同。“读”圣经是为着明白圣经；“摸”圣经则是为着接触圣经。严格说，明白圣经和接触圣经是两件事。比方，这里有一杯水，我们明白它，认识它，知道它的成分，这是一件事；我们接触它、喝它，又是另一件事。就如一个孩子天天用水洗手、洗脚，却一点也不明白水里有何成分，因为不认识水。认识水里的成分，是化学家的事，因为他们研究水，所以有认识。而孩子用水洗手，是接触水，不是研究水，所以不认识水。这就给我们看见二者的分别。又好比我们天天吃饭，是在接触饭，但不一定认识饭里的成分。认识我们所吃的，有些是厨师的事，有些是营养学家的事，他们知道什么样的食物里有什么样的营养。我们都得承认，我们所吃的，我们并不一定知道其究竟，但我们却接触了，并且吃了。　　我们曾花了许多工夫说到如何读圣经，来帮助大家明白、研究、认识圣经。我们也曾用几个月的时间，读摩西五经，从创世记读到申命记。读的时候，都是重在明白，并不太重在接触。为了明白每一卷圣经，我们甚至分出七个重点：总纲、中心思想、要语、分段、要义、预表和预言，并一一查读。我们只要将每一卷书中的七个重点读通，差不多就能认识、明白那卷书，也克服了读经时不能明白的难处。这七个重点，将我们平时读经不容易明白的地方点出来了。这样，我们再读创世记时，无论读了多少遍，读到末了就能领会，创世记脱不开它的总纲：神的创造，撒但的败坏，人的堕落，以及神的应许和拯救。当我们参考这些重点，再一节一节的细读一卷书时，这卷书对我们就成为透明、明亮的。然而，这些重点只在于帮助我们明白、认识圣经，并不在于帮助我们如何摸着、接触圣经。到底我们应当如何摸着圣经呢？
　
　
　　要摸着圣经，首先要认识圣经的本质是神的灵（约六63下）。我们必须先有这个观念和认识，如同我们接触任何东西，都得先对那样东西的性质有认识。譬如有人把食物摆上桌，你就会去吃，因为你知道那是可吃的；有人给你衣服，你就会穿上，因为你知道那是用来穿的。同样的，我们都知道台子不是用来坐的，椅子才是拿来坐的。这好像是很浅显的比方，却深含一个重要的原则。我们读圣经时，若是把圣经当作学问、道理研究，就会认为这是一本经典，是一本讲真理、讲道理的书。表面上圣经是一本经典，是讲真理的书；但其实里面乃是神的灵。主耶稣说，“我对你们所说的话，就是灵。”（63下）不信的人可能不认同我们所说的；但我们知道，圣经就是灵，神的话就是灵。最低限度我们可以说，圣经的本质就是神的灵。
--------本段经节汇集--------
约6:63  
赐人生命的乃是灵，肉是无益的；我对你们所说的话，就是灵，就是生命。
约6:63  
赐人生命的乃是灵，肉是无益的；我对你们所说的话，就是灵，就是生命。
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　　在圣经里，神的话像种子一样。种子完全是生命的故事，可以说，种子就是生命的化身，是生命的具体化。生命太抽像了，但是在神的创造里，神能把生命具体化为种子。比方，一粒小小的花种，里头蕴藏着一个东西，就是生命。我们若把它种到土里，生命便会显出；但我们若拿去化验，反而找不到其中的生命。我们能在种子里找到许多成分，但找不到生命。无论任何科学家、生物学家或化学家，最多只能化验出其中的成分，却无法将生命拿出来给人看。然而，种子里最重要的就是生命。同样的，我们能从圣经里研究出许多东西，但是在圣经中有一样东西，是我们用头脑研究不来的。圣经里的灵，是我们无法拿出来给人看的；如同我们无法从种子里拿出生命给人看。　　圣经的话是种子，的确有它的成分。在创世记里，我们看到神创造天地的成分，以及列祖在神面前的情形。在出埃及记里，我们看见以色列人如何在埃及受压迫，摩西如何出生，如何受神差遣。到了箴言，我们看见一些道德的论述。有人认为箴言的教训，比中国的家训高得多。这些都是圣经中的成分，却不是圣经中的生命。圣经中蕴藏着一个东西，叫作生命，叫作灵，但任谁也无法将灵和生命拿出来显给人看。　　有些人曾严重的责问说，“你们说圣经里有生命，但中国的四书五经里却没有生命，这是强辞夺理，圣经岂不也是白纸黑字写成的么？”当人这样说时，我们的确无法反驳他，任我们证明、辩解都没有用，至终最好闭口不言。然而，我们可以把四书五经当作福音传，看看是否有人因此悔改而得重生。众所周知，四书五经的福音，乃是在于明明德，至终并不能叫人得重生。但我们一说，“神爱世人，甚至将祂的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信入祂的，不至灭亡，反得永远的生命。”（约三16）马上有人流泪悔改，得救重生；然后，这个人改变了、不一样了。这就是重生，就是生命。我们若将一粒种子埋在土里，过几天，长出青嫩的芽，我们虽没有办法拿出生命，却可以显出一个事实，证明这种子里头是活的，有生命的。
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约书亚记四章（略，若需要被汇集，请勾选“不忽略整章”）
约3:16  
神爱世人，甚至将祂的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信入祂的，不至灭亡，反得永远的生命。
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　　这样的比喻叫我们能有一点领会，什么叫作明白圣经、研究圣经。如同一位化学家来研究、分析、化验种子的成分一样，而且不同的种子成分是不同的，如同小麦、大豆、白米，化验起来的成分是不一样的。但我们知道，里面的生命是化验不出来的。这需要种子与地土的接触，来孕育这粒种子，生命才能长出来。化学家没有用、天大的头脑也没有用，种子需要土地，才能得着发育、生长的机会。人虽然莫名其妙，无法捉摸那个生命，但借着种子在土壤里的发芽，就能显出种子里的生命。　　圣经的奥秘亦是如此，有成分的一面，也有灵的一面，生命的一面。即使是大生物学家，也没有办法讲明这个生命的故事。我们可以研究圣经中的数字，知道“七”表征完全，“三”表征复活。这是圣经的成分，是我们可以研究的。我们也能研究出，民数记是讲配搭建造，申命记是讲生活敬拜。然而，摸着圣经中的生命，却是另一面的事。神的话外面看是真理，里面看是灵和生命。如同种子一样，从外面看，每一粒种子都有其成分；但是从里面看，每一粒种子里面的生命却是另一回事。我们对圣经的认识，必须分这两面。这两面在我们身上也有连带的关系。　　神的话里有一个东西，是人无法解说，也无法拿出来的，就是神的灵，神的生命。所以，我们可以说，圣经就是神的灵的化身。我们的认识若没有到这个地步，我们就会以为，只要花工夫研究圣经，研读圣经就可以了。这样，我们就完全错了，因为这是两面的事。直到今天，恐怕有些圣徒，还不会分辨这两面，就是圣经外面的成分，以及圣经里面的生命和灵。我们需要分别这两面，好使我们不仅明白圣经外面的成分，更摸着圣经里面的生命和灵。就如一粒生命的种子，我们若要知道其成分，就要好好去分析；若要摸着其生命，只要将其放在合式的土壤里，过几天自然会长出生命的故事。我们必须认识，圣经乃是神的灵的化身。
　
　　第二，我们要认识，接触圣经就是接触神的灵。基督徒绝不该迷信，然而当我们每一次接触圣经时，都该有一个慎重的观念、感觉和态度，我们乃是来接触神的灵。我们若缺乏这个态度，就不容易摸着圣经。如同我们接触食物时，乃是为着吃它，我们若缺乏这个态度，就吃不下这些食物。所以，我们的观念和态度非常重要。　　每一次我们来到圣经跟前，我们都要问问自己：我们是要来研究圣经呢，还是要来接触它？我们若是为着研究，乃是研究其中的道理；若是为着接触圣经，我们便应当认识，是为着接触神的灵。然而，一百位读圣经的人中，几乎有百分之九十九，都是为着研读圣经中的道理。因着神的怜悯，许多时候在不知不觉中，我们虽然是在研读圣经中的道理，但神的灵却在那里碰着我们的灵。可以说，有些时候是我们瞎碰碰上的。这个比方虽不好，原则却很对。我们原本没有意思要接触神的灵，我们只是为着研究圣经中的道理，但却在研读的时候，神的灵碰着了我们里面的灵。这是因为圣经就是神的灵所在之处，我们接触这本圣经，就是接触神的灵。有这样清楚地观念、态度、和存心的人，实在少之又少。今天我们都需要这两面的操练：一面要操练读圣经，另一面要操练摸圣经，接触圣经。
　
　
　　我们必须能分别什么是读圣经，什么是摸圣经。然而至今，神的儿女中仍有许多人不会分别这两面。大部分人都以为读圣经就是读圣经，从来没有想过读圣经乃是来接触圣经，摸圣经。我们用“接触”这字，是特别的用法。有人说，我们读圣经不就是摸圣经么。我们所说的“摸”和“读”是有分别的。“读”是研究，“摸”是接触、碰着，使其和我们里面起一种作用。我们所说的读圣经，就好像是研究食物里面的成分；摸圣经、接触圣经，则如同请人来吃饭一般。两者是完全不同的。　　我们需要想想看，我们已过对于圣经，有多少时候是这样去摸它、接触它。从我们的经历说，我们若不是受到一点特别的带领，对于圣经，我们百分之九十几的成分都是读圣经、研究圣经。我们想想自己，有那一次把圣经打开时，不是为着研读、研究，而是为着接触灵？恐怕次数极少。所以我们需要多学习、多操练。我们每一次接触圣经时，必须有一个慎重的观念，我们乃是来接触神的灵。我们要用这个观念来操练这件事。
　
　　其次，我们来接触圣经时，要丢弃“想要明白”的观念。这在开头时可能相当不容易，因为我们一拿出圣经，习惯上就是要研究、研读。我们若能只是单纯为着接触圣经，而不研究它，我们便蒙了拯救。然而，这真是一件难事；所以需要我们多多的操练。这里有一个诀窍，我们若能操练得好，便会慢慢看见，我们的读经很有益处。我们一接触圣经，就接触到灵。也许我们会说，我们若不研读、研究，怎能明白呢？我们便是被这个“想要明白”给害了。我们心里想，若是我们不明白，怎能有灵感？我们若慢慢的操练，就会知道，真正的明白圣经，乃是从灵感来的。我们读圣经时，最要恨恶的一件事，就是“想要明白”；我们必须丢弃这个“想要明白”。　　似乎我们的话有些矛盾，读经岂不是帮助我们明白圣经，却又叫我们不能想要明白，这是怎么回事？每次我们来接触圣经时，都要拒绝这个想要明白，因为那使我们不能摸着灵。我们不要怕不能明白圣经，到了一个时候，我们定规能明白圣经，那时才是真明白。我们必须把这个想要明白圣经的观念，放在一边，如同我们参加丰盛的筵席，只要尽情吃喝摆在我们眼前的食物，而不需要去分析。这是一个很浅显的比方。我们读经若能蒙神拯救至此，便是极好了。我们一打开圣经，甚至不需要知道这是那一卷书，只需要简单地接触它。读经甚至需要这样的“糊涂”，只存着一个心，一个观念和态度，是来接触神的灵。我们一定要转我们的观念，到这样一个“糊涂”的地步。甚至我们在读的时候明白了，也要拒绝，告诉主说，“主，我不要明白，我只要接触你的灵。”我们若能这样花工夫操练读经，到了一个时候，就会发现十分有益处。　　只是恐怕弟兄姊妹直到今日，并没有多少人有这样的操练。我们无法避免“读经”这个字眼，但是一用“读”字，大家都认为就好像读化学、读科学一样，不容易脱离这个“读”字，而一直的钻研。所以，我们需要很厉害的改正和考验。
　
　　第三，我们读经时，首要的是带着我们的灵，而不是带着我们的头脑；因为我们是为着接触神的灵。神是灵，祂需要我们用灵碰着祂。当然，读经有心的问题，也有头脑的问题，但是请记得，首要的还是灵的问题。有的弟兄读经，头脑真是来了，心却不一定来，不够爱神，不够爱神的命令，无心接受神的话。他们的心不来，不过是像看报纸一样，带着头脑。有些人不光带着头脑，心也来了，实在是爱神的话，喜欢神的话，要听神的话，接受神的话，存心要出代价享受神的话；但是却不会用灵，结果就不能得着圣经里生命的供应。所以读来读去，还是得着圣经里的一些教训，都是为着行为的改正，而摸不着里面的生命。　　你我读经必须学一个功课，不要只带着头脑，或是仅仅带着我们的心来，乃要学习带着灵来；就是不凭头脑，而是凭灵接触圣经。我们需要一直在神面前觉得，到祂的话跟前，就是到祂跟前。我们要一直有一个敬拜的灵，而不只是带着一颗诚实的心，来读祂的话。我们必须带着一个敬拜的灵，到神的话前，接触神。神是灵，我们要在我们的深处向祂敬拜。这意思是要丢弃我们的头脑，不凭着我们对祂的热诚接触祂的话。神的话就是灵，我们不只要有这样的认识、存心和态度，并且还要操练，拒绝我们的头脑，拒绝我们的思想，拒绝我们的领会力和学习，单单在我们的深处，在神面前，存着敬拜接触祂的话。这是需要操练的。　　我们若如此操练，即便是读半章圣经，我们的灵就能碰着圣经里面的灵。这样接触圣经十分钟也好，二十分钟也好，我们里面就会新鲜、明亮、刚强、饱足，因为我们里面摸着了神的灵。盼望所有愿意在圣经上有所得着的人，都能在这一点上花工夫操练，使圣经成为我们的喂养、我们的供应。请记得，这乃是圣经最宝贵的一面。当然我们承认，圣经的亮光、真理也供应我们的思想，那是另一面。　　总之，圣经乃是神的灵的所在，我们接触圣经，首要的是接触神的灵。所以，我们到圣经跟前，必须拒绝我们的头脑、我们的领会力，单单从深处敬拜神，来接触这些话。我们这样用灵摸神的话，也就是接触神的灵，我们里头立刻摸着神的灵。从这样的接触里，就能生出圣洁、能力、爱和安慰，如同一粒种子落到土里，长出一些我们意想不到的果子。这不是借着教导，而是从里面长出来的，是我们的灵不仅碰着神的话，更碰着了神的灵；因为话里面有灵，有生命。　　一九六〇年四月一日讲于台北
　
READING THE BIBLE BEING DIFFERENT FROM TOUCHING THE BIBLE
　Reading the Bible is different from touching the Bible. Reading the Bible is for understanding the Bible, whereas touching the Bible is for contacting the Bible. Understanding the Bible and contacting the Bible are two different things. It is one thing to know and understand the chemical structure of water, but it is quite another thing to drink water, that is, to contact water. A child washes his hands and feet every day with water, but he does not know the chemical structure of water. A chemist knows the chemical structure of water because he studies water. A child who washes his hands with water contacts water. The child does not know the chemical structure of water, because he does not study it. This example shows the difference between studying water and contacting water. Here is another example. We may eat rice every day; that is, we contact rice, but we do not necessarily know its nutritional content.
　In a past training we spent much effort to explain how to read the Bible so that the saints can understand the Bible. We also spent several months to study the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. However, our emphasis was on understanding rather than on contacting the Bible. We said that in order to understand a book of the Bible, we should know the general sketch, the central thought, the key words, the sections, the main themes, the types, and the prophecies in the book. If we read through a book according to these seven points, we will understand the book. These seven points of emphasis guide us through the difficult portions of the Bible. If we read Genesis in this way, we will understand its general sketch: God created, Satan corrupted, man fell, and God promised to save. If we study the Bible in this way, every book will become clear and transparent. However, these seven points are mainly for us to understand and know the content of the Bible. They do not help us to touch and contact the Bible. Hence, we must ask ourselves what is the proper way to touch the Bible.
　
THE WAY TO TOUCH THE BIBLE
　
Knowing the Essence of the Bible—the Spirit
　In order to touch the Bible, we first need to know that the Spirit of God is the essence of the Bible (John 6:63). In order to contact something, we must know its essence and purpose. For example, we eat food because we know that it is edible, and we wear clothes because we know that they cover us. Similarly, we know that we should sit on a chair, not a table. These may seem to be superficial examples, but they reveal a principle. If we read the Bible as if it were a book of doctrines to be studied, it will be a book only on truth and doctrines. On the surface, the Bible is a book on truth and doctrines, but more importantly, the Bible contains the Spirit. The Lord Jesus said, “The words which I have spoken to you are spirit and are life” (v. 63). Unbelievers may not agree with this, but we know that the essence of the Bible is Spirit and that the words of God are spirit and life. The Spirit of God is the essence of the Bible.
　The words in the Bible are like seeds; they are a matter of life. We can say that seeds are the embodiment of life, the practical expression of life. Life is abstract, but in creation God caused life to be embodied in seeds. For example, the life of a flower is concealed within a seed. If we plant the seed, life will be manifested. But if we take the seed to a laboratory and conduct tests on the seed, we will not be able to find life. We will find many elements in the seed, but we will not find life. The most that any scientist can do is to determine the elements within a seed, but he cannot isolate the life within the seed in order to show others. Nevertheless, life is the most important thing in a seed. Similarly, we can find many things in the Bible, but there is something in the Bible that we cannot find when we use only our mind; we cannot find the Spirit in the Bible in order to show others.
　The Bible presents many things. Genesis speaks of God creating the heavens and the earth and of the patriarchs living before God. Exodus speaks of the Israelites’ oppression in Egypt and of Moses’ being born and sent by God. Proverbs contains ethical instructions. Many people consider the teachings in Proverbs to be higher than the ethical teachings of Chinese families. Although these matters are presented in the Bible, they are not the life in the Bible. The Spirit and life are concealed within the Bible; nevertheless, we cannot show them to others.
　Some people say that we are irrational because we say that the Bible contains life, but we say that the Chinese classics, such as Four Books and the Five Classics, do not contain life. When people argue and say that the Bible is only a book of black and white letters, we are not able to convince them otherwise. In such a situation it is best to be silent. A person who uses these Chinese classics to preach the gospel, however, will not be able to bring anyone to salvation. These two Chinese classics speak only of the development of a person’s bright virtue, which cannot cause people to be regenerated. However, the verse “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that everyone who believes into Him would not perish, but would have eternal life” (John 3:16) can cause a person to repent and be regenerated. This is life. If we bury a seed in the earth, after a few days a green and tender shoot will break forth. Although we cannot isolate life, we can show people the issue of life.
　Studying and understanding the Bible are similar to a chemist’s studying and analyzing the elements within a seed. A chemist might be able to show that wheat, barley, and rice consist of different elements, but no matter how many tests he conducts, he will not be able to find the life within a seed. A seed must be nurtured in order for the life within it to be manifested. Seeds need soil in order for them to be nurtured and grow. We do not understand life nor can we isolate it, but the life within a seed is manifested when the seed sprouts.
　The Bible has the aspect of “elements” and also the aspect of spirit and life. Even the most renowned biologist cannot explain life. A person can study the numbers in the Bible and learn that the number seven signifies perfection and the number three signifies resurrection. These are the elements that can be studied in the Bible. After studying Numbers and Deuteronomy, he can conclude that Numbers is a book on coordination and building but that Deuteronomy is a book on living and worship. However, this is not the way for a person to touch life in the Bible. Seemingly, the Word of God concerns only teachings, but the essential component of the Word of God is spirit and life. Our knowledge of the Bible must include these two aspects, both of which are related to us.
　The Word of God contains the Spirit of God and the life of God, both of which cannot be explained. Hence, we may say that the Bible is the embodiment of the Spirit. Unless we know the Bible to this extent, we will spend all our time only studying the Bible. I am concerned that some saints cannot discern between the two aspects of the Bible, that is, between the outward elements and the inward essence of spirit and life. We must discern between these two aspects so that we not only understand the elements of the Bible but, even more, touch the spirit and life within the Bible. The Bible is the embodiment of the Spirit of God.
　
Contacting the Bible Being to Contact the Spirit
　To contact the Bible is to contact the Spirit of God. Christians should not be superstitious, but when we contact the Bible, we must be focused in our concept, feeling, and attitude to realize that we are contacting the Spirit. Without such an attitude, it will not be easy for us to touch the essence of the Bible. Similarly, when we contact food, it is with the intention of eating it. Without such a focus, we will not eat the food. Hence, our focus is important.
　Every time we come to the Bible, we must ask ourselves whether we want to study the Bible or to contact it. If our purpose is to study the Bible, we will learn the elements, but if our purpose is to contact the Bible, we will touch the Spirit of God. Most of the people who read the Bible only study the elements in the Bible. By God’s mercy, many times when we study the Bible, we touch the Spirit of God with our spirit. We can say that sometimes we “stumbled upon” the Spirit. This may not be a good illustration, but the principle is correct. Initially, we were studying the elements of the Bible; we had no intention of contacting the Spirit. But while we were studying, the Spirit of God touched our spirit. The Spirit can be found in the Bible; hence, when we contact the Bible, we contact the Spirit. Very few believers are clear concerning this matter. On the one hand, we need to study the Bible, and on the other hand, we need to touch the Bible.
　
PRACTICAL EXERCISES
　
Building Up the Habit of Contacting the Spirit
　Many children of God cannot discern the difference between studying the Bible and touching the Bible. Most believers merely read the Bible; they do not know that the purpose of reading the Bible is for them to contact and touch the Bible. We are intentionally using this word contact. Some believers may argue that reading the Bible is the same as contacting the Bible. In our use, we are saying that contacting the Bible is different from reading the Bible. To read something is to study it, but to contact something is to touch it so that it may operate in us. What believers refer to as studying the Bible may be likened to studying the nutritional content of food. What we refer to as contacting the Bible may be compared to eating a meal. Studying the Bible is entirely different from contacting the Bible.
　We need to consider how much we contact the Bible. If we had not received particular leading, over ninety percent of the time we would only read and study the Bible. Do we open the Bible because we want to contact the Spirit or because we want to study the Bible? I am afraid that we rarely open the Bible in order to contact the Spirit. We need to learn to contact the Bible. Whenever we come to the Bible, we must have the concept that we are coming to contact the Spirit of God. We must exercise in this matter.
　
Dropping the Desire to Understand
　In order to contact the Bible, we must drop the desire to understand it. Initially, this may not be easy, because we have a habit of studying it. If we would open the Bible for the sake of contacting it rather than studying it, we would be delivered. For this reason we need to practice. If we can learn this secret and practice it, our Bible-reading will gradually become profitable. As soon as we contact the Bible, we will also contact the Spirit. Some may ask how they can understand the Bible without studying and researching it. This is to fall victim to the notion of wanting to understand. We think that we cannot receive inspiration if we do not understand the Bible. If we would practice contacting the Bible, we would realize that, in fact, our understanding of the Bible comes from inspiration. When we read the Bible, we should not focus on understanding it. We must drop this concept.
　This fellowship may seem contradictory because reading the Bible helps you to understand it, yet you are being told not to focus on understanding what you read. How do we explain this? Every time we come to the Bible, we should reject the desire to merely understand, because this desire will hinder us from touching the Spirit. We should not fear our inability to understand the Bible. At a certain point in time we will gain a genuine understanding. We must drop the concept of merely wanting to understand the Bible. When we are invited to a rich feast, we should simply eat and drink and enjoy the food that is set before us. We should not analyze the food. We need to be delivered when we read the Bible. When we open the Bible, we must have the concept, focus, and desire to contact the Spirit of God. We must be so foolish that if we understand something when we read the Bible, we would say, “Lord, even though I understand, I still want to contact Your Spirit.” If we are willing to spend the time and practice reading the Bible in this way, we will discover that it is very beneficial.
　Not many saints have the practice of touching the Bible. We cannot avoid the term reading the Bible, but we must change our practice. Formerly, we read the Bible as if we were reading a chemistry textbook. It is not easy for us to drop the concept of studying and researching the Bible. We need to be corrected in this matter.
　
Coming with the Spirit and Learning to Use Our Spirit
　When we read the Bible, we must use our spirit more than our mind, because our intention is to contact the Spirit. God is Spirit, and He needs us to touch Him with our spirit. Our heart and mind are also involved with reading the Bible, but the primary matter is to use our spirit. When some brothers read the Bible, they use only their mind but not their heart; that is, they do not love to read the Word of God, nor do they have a heart to receive His words. Hence, they read the Bible like someone who is reading a newspaper. Other brothers use not only their mind but also their heart. They love God’s words, take delight in His words, want to hear His words, receive His words, and are willing to pay a price to enjoy His words. However, they do not know how to exercise their spirit. As a result, they do not receive the supply of life from the Bible. Even after reading the Bible many times, these ones can receive only teachings concerning improving their behavior; they cannot touch the words of life.
　When we read the Bible, we must learn the lesson of using not only our mind and our heart but also our spirit. In other words, we should contact the Bible with our spirit. When we come to the Word of God, we are coming to Him; hence, we must have a spirit of worship and not merely a sincere heart. God is Spirit, and we must worship Him in spirit. This means that we should not use only our mind or our zeal. God’s words are spirit; hence, we must exercise to not rely solely on our ability to comprehend and learn but, instead, contact His words with a spirit of worship. This requires exercise.
　If we would exercise our spirit when we come to the Word, then even if we read only half a chapter, our spirit will touch the Spirit in the Word. By contacting God in this way for ten or twenty minutes, our inner being will be refreshed, illuminated, strengthened, and satisfied. This is the result of touching the Spirit of God. As serving ones who desire to receive something from the Bible, we should spend some time to practice so that the Bible becomes our food and our supply. This is the most precious aspect of the Bible. It is also true that the light and truth in the Bible supply our mind. This is another aspect.
　The Spirit of God is located in the words of the Bible. Hence, our primary purpose in contacting the Bible is to contact the Spirit. For this reason, when we come to the Bible, we must reject our desire to merely comprehend, and instead, we must use our spirit to contact the words of God. When we use our spirit to touch His words, we contact the Spirit. As a result of this kind of contact, we receive holiness, power, love, and comfort. These can be compared to the fruit produced after a seed is planted in the soil. Such fruit is not the issue of teaching but the result of the growth of life. Such fruit is the result of our spirit touching not only the words of God but also the Spirit of God, because His words are spirit and life.
 
　　读圣经和摸圣经意义上有些不同。“读”圣经是为着明白圣经；“摸”圣经则是为着接触圣经。严格说，明白圣经和接触圣经是两件事。比方，这里有一杯水，我们明白它，认识它，知道它的成分，这是一件事；我们接触它、喝它，又是另一件事。就如一个孩子天天用水洗手、洗脚，却一点也不明白水里有何成分，因为不认识水。认识水里的成分，是化学家的事，因为他们研究水，所以有认识。而孩子用水洗手，是接触水，不是研究水，所以不认识水。这就给我们看见二者的分别。又好比我们天天吃饭，是在接触饭，但不一定认识饭里的成分。认识我们所吃的，有些是厨师的事，有些是营养学家的事，他们知道什么样的食物里有什么样的营养。我们都得承认，我们所吃的，我们并不一定知道其究竟，但我们却接触了，并且吃了。

　　我们曾花了许多工夫说到如何读圣经，来帮助大家明白、研究、认识圣经。我们也曾用几个月的时间，读摩西五经，从创世记读到申命记。读的时候，都是重在明白，并不太重在接触。为了明白每一卷圣经，我们甚至分出七个重点：总纲、中心思想、要语、分段、要义、预表和预言，并一一查读。我们只要将每一卷书中的七个重点读通，差不多就能认识、明白那卷书，也克服了读经时不能明白的难处。这七个重点，将我们平时读经不容易明白的地方点出来了。这样，我们再读创世记时，无论读了多少遍，读到末了就能领会，创世记脱不开它的总纲：神的创造，撒但的败坏，人的堕落，以及神的应许和拯救。当我们参考这些重点，再一节一节的细读一卷书时，这卷书对我们就成为透明、明亮的。然而，这些重点只在于帮助我们明白、认识圣经，并不在于帮助我们如何摸着、接触圣经。到底我们应当如何摸着圣经呢？
 
　Reading the Bible is different from touching the Bible. Reading the Bible is for understanding the Bible, whereas touching the Bible is for contacting the Bible. Understanding the Bible and contacting the Bible are two different things. It is one thing to know and understand the chemical structure of water, but it is quite another thing to drink water, that is, to contact water. A child washes his hands and feet every day with water, but he does not know the chemical structure of water. A chemist knows the chemical structure of water because he studies water. A child who washes his hands with water contacts water. The child does not know the chemical structure of water, because he does not study it. This example shows the difference between studying water and contacting water. Here is another example. We may eat rice every day; that is, we contact rice, but we do not necessarily know its nutritional content.

　In a past training we spent much effort to explain how to read the Bible so that the saints can understand the Bible. We also spent several months to study the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. However, our emphasis was on understanding rather than on contacting the Bible. We said that in order to understand a book of the Bible, we should know the general sketch, the central thought, the key words, the sections, the main themes, the types, and the prophecies in the book. If we read through a book according to these seven points, we will understand the book. These seven points of emphasis guide us through the difficult portions of the Bible. If we read Genesis in this way, we will understand its general sketch: God created, Satan corrupted, man fell, and God promised to save. If we study the Bible in this way, every book will become clear and transparent. However, these seven points are mainly for us to understand and know the content of the Bible. They do not help us to touch and contact the Bible. Hence, we must ask ourselves what is the proper way to touch the Bible.
　　要摸着圣经，首先要认识圣经的本质是神的灵（约六63下）。我们必须先有这个观念和认识，如同我们接触任何东西，都得先对那样东西的性质有认识。譬如有人把食物摆上桌，你就会去吃，因为你知道那是可吃的；有人给你衣服，你就会穿上，因为你知道那是用来穿的。同样的，我们都知道台子不是用来坐的，椅子才是拿来坐的。这好像是很浅显的比方，却深含一个重要的原则。我们读圣经时，若是把圣经当作学问、道理研究，就会认为这是一本经典，是一本讲真理、讲道理的书。表面上圣经是一本经典，是讲真理的书；但其实里面乃是神的灵。主耶稣说，“我对你们所说的话，就是灵。”（63下）不信的人可能不认同我们所说的；但我们知道，圣经就是灵，神的话就是灵。最低限度我们可以说，圣经的本质就是神的灵。

　　在圣经里，神的话像种子一样。种子完全是生命的故事，可以说，种子就是生命的化身，是生命的具体化。生命太抽像了，但是在神的创造里，神能把生命具体化为种子。比方，一粒小小的花种，里头蕴藏着一个东西，就是生命。我们若把它种到土里，生命便会显出；但我们若拿去化验，反而找不到其中的生命。我们能在种子里找到许多成分，但找不到生命。无论任何科学家、生物学家或化学家，最多只能化验出其中的成分，却无法将生命拿出来给人看。然而，种子里最重要的就是生命。同样的，我们能从圣经里研究出许多东西，但是在圣经中有一样东西，是我们用头脑研究不来的。圣经里的灵，是我们无法拿出来给人看的；如同我们无法从种子里拿出生命给人看。

　　圣经的话是种子，的确有它的成分。在创世记里，我们看到神创造天地的成分，以及列祖在神面前的情形。在出埃及记里，我们看见以色列人如何在埃及受压迫，摩西如何出生，如何受神差遣。到了箴言，我们看见一些道德的论述。有人认为箴言的教训，比中国的家训高得多。这些都是圣经中的成分，却不是圣经中的生命。圣经中蕴藏着一个东西，叫作生命，叫作灵，但任谁也无法将灵和生命拿出来显给人看。

　　有些人曾严重的责问说，“你们说圣经里有生命，但中国的四书五经里却没有生命，这是强辞夺理，圣经岂不也是白纸黑字写成的么？”当人这样说时，我们的确无法反驳他，任我们证明、辩解都没有用，至终最好闭口不言。然而，我们可以把四书五经当作福音传，看看是否有人因此悔改而得重生。众所周知，四书五经的福音，乃是在于明明德，至终并不能叫人得重生。但我们一说，“神爱世人，甚至将祂的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信入祂的，不至灭亡，反得永远的生命。”（约三16）马上有人流泪悔改，得救重生；然后，这个人改变了、不一样了。这就是重生，就是生命。我们若将一粒种子埋在土里，过几天，长出青嫩的芽，我们虽没有办法拿出生命，却可以显出一个事实，证明这种子里头是活的，有生命的。

　　这样的比喻叫我们能有一点领会，什么叫作明白圣经、研究圣经。如同一位化学家来研究、分析、化验种子的成分一样，而且不同的种子成分是不同的，如同小麦、大豆、白米，化验起来的成分是不一样的。但我们知道，里面的生命是化验不出来的。这需要种子与地土的接触，来孕育这粒种子，生命才能长出来。化学家没有用、天大的头脑也没有用，种子需要土地，才能得着发育、生长的机会。人虽然莫名其妙，无法捉摸那个生命，但借着种子在土壤里的发芽，就能显出种子里的生命。

　　圣经的奥秘亦是如此，有成分的一面，也有灵的一面，生命的一面。即使是大生物学家，也没有办法讲明这个生命的故事。我们可以研究圣经中的数字，知道“七”表征完全，“三”表征复活。这是圣经的成分，是我们可以研究的。我们也能研究出，民数记是讲配搭建造，申命记是讲生活敬拜。然而，摸着圣经中的生命，却是另一面的事。神的话外面看是真理，里面看是灵和生命。如同种子一样，从外面看，每一粒种子都有其成分；但是从里面看，每一粒种子里面的生命却是另一回事。我们对圣经的认识，必须分这两面。这两面在我们身上也有连带的关系。

　　神的话里有一个东西，是人无法解说，也无法拿出来的，就是神的灵，神的生命。所以，我们可以说，圣经就是神的灵的化身。我们的认识若没有到这个地步，我们就会以为，只要花工夫研究圣经，研读圣经就可以了。这样，我们就完全错了，因为这是两面的事。直到今天，恐怕有些圣徒，还不会分辨这两面，就是圣经外面的成分，以及圣经里面的生命和灵。我们需要分别这两面，好使我们不仅明白圣经外面的成分，更摸着圣经里面的生命和灵。就如一粒生命的种子，我们若要知道其成分，就要好好去分析；若要摸着其生命，只要将其放在合式的土壤里，过几天自然会长出生命的故事。我们必须认识，圣经乃是神的灵的化身。
 
　In order to touch the Bible, we first need to know that the Spirit of God is the essence of the Bible (John 6:63). In order to contact something, we must know its essence and purpose. For example, we eat food because we know that it is edible, and we wear clothes because we know that they cover us. Similarly, we know that we should sit on a chair, not a table. These may seem to be superficial examples, but they reveal a principle. If we read the Bible as if it were a book of doctrines to be studied, it will be a book only on truth and doctrines. On the surface, the Bible is a book on truth and doctrines, but more importantly, the Bible contains the Spirit. The Lord Jesus said, “The words which I have spoken to you are spirit and are life” (v. 63). Unbelievers may not agree with this, but we know that the essence of the Bible is Spirit and that the words of God are spirit and life. The Spirit of God is the essence of the Bible.

　The words in the Bible are like seeds; they are a matter of life. We can say that seeds are the embodiment of life, the practical expression of life. Life is abstract, but in creation God caused life to be embodied in seeds. For example, the life of a flower is concealed within a seed. If we plant the seed, life will be manifested. But if we take the seed to a laboratory and conduct tests on the seed, we will not be able to find life. We will find many elements in the seed, but we will not find life. The most that any scientist can do is to determine the elements within a seed, but he cannot isolate the life within the seed in order to show others. Nevertheless, life is the most important thing in a seed. Similarly, we can find many things in the Bible, but there is something in the Bible that we cannot find when we use only our mind; we cannot find the Spirit in the Bible in order to show others.

　The Bible presents many things. Genesis speaks of God creating the heavens and the earth and of the patriarchs living before God. Exodus speaks of the Israelites’ oppression in Egypt and of Moses’ being born and sent by God. Proverbs contains ethical instructions. Many people consider the teachings in Proverbs to be higher than the ethical teachings of Chinese families. Although these matters are presented in the Bible, they are not the life in the Bible. The Spirit and life are concealed within the Bible; nevertheless, we cannot show them to others.

　Some people say that we are irrational because we say that the Bible contains life, but we say that the Chinese classics, such as Four Books and the Five Classics, do not contain life. When people argue and say that the Bible is only a book of black and white letters, we are not able to convince them otherwise. In such a situation it is best to be silent. A person who uses these Chinese classics to preach the gospel, however, will not be able to bring anyone to salvation. These two Chinese classics speak only of the development of a person’s bright virtue, which cannot cause people to be regenerated. However, the verse “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that everyone who believes into Him would not perish, but would have eternal life” (John 3:16) can cause a person to repent and be regenerated. This is life. If we bury a seed in the earth, after a few days a green and tender shoot will break forth. Although we cannot isolate life, we can show people the issue of life.

　Studying and understanding the Bible are similar to a chemist’s studying and analyzing the elements within a seed. A chemist might be able to show that wheat, barley, and rice consist of different elements, but no matter how many tests he conducts, he will not be able to find the life within a seed. A seed must be nurtured in order for the life within it to be manifested. Seeds need soil in order for them to be nurtured and grow. We do not understand life nor can we isolate it, but the life within a seed is manifested when the seed sprouts.

　The Bible has the aspect of “elements” and also the aspect of spirit and life. Even the most renowned biologist cannot explain life. A person can study the numbers in the Bible and learn that the number seven signifies perfection and the number three signifies resurrection. These are the elements that can be studied in the Bible. After studying Numbers and Deuteronomy, he can conclude that Numbers is a book on coordination and building but that Deuteronomy is a book on living and worship. However, this is not the way for a person to touch life in the Bible. Seemingly, the Word of God concerns only teachings, but the essential component of the Word of God is spirit and life. Our knowledge of the Bible must include these two aspects, both of which are related to us.

　The Word of God contains the Spirit of God and the life of God, both of which cannot be explained. Hence, we may say that the Bible is the embodiment of the Spirit. Unless we know the Bible to this extent, we will spend all our time only studying the Bible. I am concerned that some saints cannot discern between the two aspects of the Bible, that is, between the outward elements and the inward essence of spirit and life. We must discern between these two aspects so that we not only understand the elements of the Bible but, even more, touch the spirit and life within the Bible. The Bible is the embodiment of the Spirit of God.
　　第二，我们要认识，接触圣经就是接触神的灵。基督徒绝不该迷信，然而当我们每一次接触圣经时，都该有一个慎重的观念、感觉和态度，我们乃是来接触神的灵。我们若缺乏这个态度，就不容易摸着圣经。如同我们接触食物时，乃是为着吃它，我们若缺乏这个态度，就吃不下这些食物。所以，我们的观念和态度非常重要。

　　每一次我们来到圣经跟前，我们都要问问自己：我们是要来研究圣经呢，还是要来接触它？我们若是为着研究，乃是研究其中的道理；若是为着接触圣经，我们便应当认识，是为着接触神的灵。然而，一百位读圣经的人中，几乎有百分之九十九，都是为着研读圣经中的道理。因着神的怜悯，许多时候在不知不觉中，我们虽然是在研读圣经中的道理，但神的灵却在那里碰着我们的灵。可以说，有些时候是我们瞎碰碰上的。这个比方虽不好，原则却很对。我们原本没有意思要接触神的灵，我们只是为着研究圣经中的道理，但却在研读的时候，神的灵碰着了我们里面的灵。这是因为圣经就是神的灵所在之处，我们接触这本圣经，就是接触神的灵。有这样清楚地观念、态度、和存心的人，实在少之又少。今天我们都需要这两面的操练：一面要操练读圣经，另一面要操练摸圣经，接触圣经。
 
　To contact the Bible is to contact the Spirit of God. Christians should not be superstitious, but when we contact the Bible, we must be focused in our concept, feeling, and attitude to realize that we are contacting the Spirit. Without such an attitude, it will not be easy for us to touch the essence of the Bible. Similarly, when we contact food, it is with the intention of eating it. Without such a focus, we will not eat the food. Hence, our focus is important.

　Every time we come to the Bible, we must ask ourselves whether we want to study the Bible or to contact it. If our purpose is to study the Bible, we will learn the elements, but if our purpose is to contact the Bible, we will touch the Spirit of God. Most of the people who read the Bible only study the elements in the Bible. By God’s mercy, many times when we study the Bible, we touch the Spirit of God with our spirit. We can say that sometimes we “stumbled upon” the Spirit. This may not be a good illustration, but the principle is correct. Initially, we were studying the elements of the Bible; we had no intention of contacting the Spirit. But while we were studying, the Spirit of God touched our spirit. The Spirit can be found in the Bible; hence, when we contact the Bible, we contact the Spirit. Very few believers are clear concerning this matter. On the one hand, we need to study the Bible, and on the other hand, we need to touch the Bible.
　　我们必须能分别什么是读圣经，什么是摸圣经。然而至今，神的儿女中仍有许多人不会分别这两面。大部分人都以为读圣经就是读圣经，从来没有想过读圣经乃是来接触圣经，摸圣经。我们用“接触”这字，是特别的用法。有人说，我们读圣经不就是摸圣经么。我们所说的“摸”和“读”是有分别的。“读”是研究，“摸”是接触、碰着，使其和我们里面起一种作用。我们所说的读圣经，就好像是研究食物里面的成分；摸圣经、接触圣经，则如同请人来吃饭一般。两者是完全不同的。

　　我们需要想想看，我们已过对于圣经，有多少时候是这样去摸它、接触它。从我们的经历说，我们若不是受到一点特别的带领，对于圣经，我们百分之九十几的成分都是读圣经、研究圣经。我们想想自己，有那一次把圣经打开时，不是为着研读、研究，而是为着接触灵？恐怕次数极少。所以我们需要多学习、多操练。我们每一次接触圣经时，必须有一个慎重的观念，我们乃是来接触神的灵。我们要用这个观念来操练这件事。
 
　Many children of God cannot discern the difference between studying the Bible and touching the Bible. Most believers merely read the Bible; they do not know that the purpose of reading the Bible is for them to contact and touch the Bible. We are intentionally using this word contact. Some believers may argue that reading the Bible is the same as contacting the Bible. In our use, we are saying that contacting the Bible is different from reading the Bible. To read something is to study it, but to contact something is to touch it so that it may operate in us. What believers refer to as studying the Bible may be likened to studying the nutritional content of food. What we refer to as contacting the Bible may be compared to eating a meal. Studying the Bible is entirely different from contacting the Bible.

　We need to consider how much we contact the Bible. If we had not received particular leading, over ninety percent of the time we would only read and study the Bible. Do we open the Bible because we want to contact the Spirit or because we want to study the Bible? I am afraid that we rarely open the Bible in order to contact the Spirit. We need to learn to contact the Bible. Whenever we come to the Bible, we must have the concept that we are coming to contact the Spirit of God. We must exercise in this matter.
　　其次，我们来接触圣经时，要丢弃“想要明白”的观念。这在开头时可能相当不容易，因为我们一拿出圣经，习惯上就是要研究、研读。我们若能只是单纯为着接触圣经，而不研究它，我们便蒙了拯救。然而，这真是一件难事；所以需要我们多多的操练。这里有一个诀窍，我们若能操练得好，便会慢慢看见，我们的读经很有益处。我们一接触圣经，就接触到灵。也许我们会说，我们若不研读、研究，怎能明白呢？我们便是被这个“想要明白”给害了。我们心里想，若是我们不明白，怎能有灵感？我们若慢慢的操练，就会知道，真正的明白圣经，乃是从灵感来的。我们读圣经时，最要恨恶的一件事，就是“想要明白”；我们必须丢弃这个“想要明白”。

　　似乎我们的话有些矛盾，读经岂不是帮助我们明白圣经，却又叫我们不能想要明白，这是怎么回事？每次我们来接触圣经时，都要拒绝这个想要明白，因为那使我们不能摸着灵。我们不要怕不能明白圣经，到了一个时候，我们定规能明白圣经，那时才是真明白。我们必须把这个想要明白圣经的观念，放在一边，如同我们参加丰盛的筵席，只要尽情吃喝摆在我们眼前的食物，而不需要去分析。这是一个很浅显的比方。我们读经若能蒙神拯救至此，便是极好了。我们一打开圣经，甚至不需要知道这是那一卷书，只需要简单地接触它。读经甚至需要这样的“糊涂”，只存着一个心，一个观念和态度，是来接触神的灵。我们一定要转我们的观念，到这样一个“糊涂”的地步。甚至我们在读的时候明白了，也要拒绝，告诉主说，“主，我不要明白，我只要接触你的灵。”我们若能这样花工夫操练读经，到了一个时候，就会发现十分有益处。

　　只是恐怕弟兄姊妹直到今日，并没有多少人有这样的操练。我们无法避免“读经”这个字眼，但是一用“读”字，大家都认为就好像读化学、读科学一样，不容易脱离这个“读”字，而一直的钻研。所以，我们需要很厉害的改正和考验。
 
　In order to contact the Bible, we must drop the desire to understand it. Initially, this may not be easy, because we have a habit of studying it. If we would open the Bible for the sake of contacting it rather than studying it, we would be delivered. For this reason we need to practice. If we can learn this secret and practice it, our Bible-reading will gradually become profitable. As soon as we contact the Bible, we will also contact the Spirit. Some may ask how they can understand the Bible without studying and researching it. This is to fall victim to the notion of wanting to understand. We think that we cannot receive inspiration if we do not understand the Bible. If we would practice contacting the Bible, we would realize that, in fact, our understanding of the Bible comes from inspiration. When we read the Bible, we should not focus on understanding it. We must drop this concept.

　This fellowship may seem contradictory because reading the Bible helps you to understand it, yet you are being told not to focus on understanding what you read. How do we explain this? Every time we come to the Bible, we should reject the desire to merely understand, because this desire will hinder us from touching the Spirit. We should not fear our inability to understand the Bible. At a certain point in time we will gain a genuine understanding. We must drop the concept of merely wanting to understand the Bible. When we are invited to a rich feast, we should simply eat and drink and enjoy the food that is set before us. We should not analyze the food. We need to be delivered when we read the Bible. When we open the Bible, we must have the concept, focus, and desire to contact the Spirit of God. We must be so foolish that if we understand something when we read the Bible, we would say, “Lord, even though I understand, I still want to contact Your Spirit.” If we are willing to spend the time and practice reading the Bible in this way, we will discover that it is very beneficial.

　Not many saints have the practice of touching the Bible. We cannot avoid the term reading the Bible, but we must change our practice. Formerly, we read the Bible as if we were reading a chemistry textbook. It is not easy for us to drop the concept of studying and researching the Bible. We need to be corrected in this matter.
　　第三，我们读经时，首要的是带着我们的灵，而不是带着我们的头脑；因为我们是为着接触神的灵。神是灵，祂需要我们用灵碰着祂。当然，读经有心的问题，也有头脑的问题，但是请记得，首要的还是灵的问题。有的弟兄读经，头脑真是来了，心却不一定来，不够爱神，不够爱神的命令，无心接受神的话。他们的心不来，不过是像看报纸一样，带着头脑。有些人不光带着头脑，心也来了，实在是爱神的话，喜欢神的话，要听神的话，接受神的话，存心要出代价享受神的话；但是却不会用灵，结果就不能得着圣经里生命的供应。所以读来读去，还是得着圣经里的一些教训，都是为着行为的改正，而摸不着里面的生命。

　　你我读经必须学一个功课，不要只带着头脑，或是仅仅带着我们的心来，乃要学习带着灵来；就是不凭头脑，而是凭灵接触圣经。我们需要一直在神面前觉得，到祂的话跟前，就是到祂跟前。我们要一直有一个敬拜的灵，而不只是带着一颗诚实的心，来读祂的话。我们必须带着一个敬拜的灵，到神的话前，接触神。神是灵，我们要在我们的深处向祂敬拜。这意思是要丢弃我们的头脑，不凭着我们对祂的热诚接触祂的话。神的话就是灵，我们不只要有这样的认识、存心和态度，并且还要操练，拒绝我们的头脑，拒绝我们的思想，拒绝我们的领会力和学习，单单在我们的深处，在神面前，存着敬拜接触祂的话。这是需要操练的。

　　我们若如此操练，即便是读半章圣经，我们的灵就能碰着圣经里面的灵。这样接触圣经十分钟也好，二十分钟也好，我们里面就会新鲜、明亮、刚强、饱足，因为我们里面摸着了神的灵。盼望所有愿意在圣经上有所得着的人，都能在这一点上花工夫操练，使圣经成为我们的喂养、我们的供应。请记得，这乃是圣经最宝贵的一面。当然我们承认，圣经的亮光、真理也供应我们的思想，那是另一面。

　　总之，圣经乃是神的灵的所在，我们接触圣经，首要的是接触神的灵。所以，我们到圣经跟前，必须拒绝我们的头脑、我们的领会力，单单从深处敬拜神，来接触这些话。我们这样用灵摸神的话，也就是接触神的灵，我们里头立刻摸着神的灵。从这样的接触里，就能生出圣洁、能力、爱和安慰，如同一粒种子落到土里，长出一些我们意想不到的果子。这不是借着教导，而是从里面长出来的，是我们的灵不仅碰着神的话，更碰着了神的灵；因为话里面有灵，有生命。

　　一九六〇年四月一日讲于台北
 
　When we read the Bible, we must use our spirit more than our mind, because our intention is to contact the Spirit. God is Spirit, and He needs us to touch Him with our spirit. Our heart and mind are also involved with reading the Bible, but the primary matter is to use our spirit. When some brothers read the Bible, they use only their mind but not their heart; that is, they do not love to read the Word of God, nor do they have a heart to receive His words. Hence, they read the Bible like someone who is reading a newspaper. Other brothers use not only their mind but also their heart. They love God’s words, take delight in His words, want to hear His words, receive His words, and are willing to pay a price to enjoy His words. However, they do not know how to exercise their spirit. As a result, they do not receive the supply of life from the Bible. Even after reading the Bible many times, these ones can receive only teachings concerning improving their behavior; they cannot touch the words of life.

　When we read the Bible, we must learn the lesson of using not only our mind and our heart but also our spirit. In other words, we should contact the Bible with our spirit. When we come to the Word of God, we are coming to Him; hence, we must have a spirit of worship and not merely a sincere heart. God is Spirit, and we must worship Him in spirit. This means that we should not use only our mind or our zeal. God’s words are spirit; hence, we must exercise to not rely solely on our ability to comprehend and learn but, instead, contact His words with a spirit of worship. This requires exercise.

　If we would exercise our spirit when we come to the Word, then even if we read only half a chapter, our spirit will touch the Spirit in the Word. By contacting God in this way for ten or twenty minutes, our inner being will be refreshed, illuminated, strengthened, and satisfied. This is the result of touching the Spirit of God. As serving ones who desire to receive something from the Bible, we should spend some time to practice so that the Bible becomes our food and our supply. This is the most precious aspect of the Bible. It is also true that the light and truth in the Bible supply our mind. This is another aspect.

　The Spirit of God is located in the words of the Bible. Hence, our primary purpose in contacting the Bible is to contact the Spirit. For this reason, when we come to the Bible, we must reject our desire to merely comprehend, and instead, we must use our spirit to contact the words of God. When we use our spirit to touch His words, we contact the Spirit. As a result of this kind of contact, we receive holiness, power, love, and comfort. These can be compared to the fruit produced after a seed is planted in the soil. Such fruit is not the issue of teaching but the result of the growth of life. Such fruit is the result of our spirit touching not only the words of God but also the Spirit of God, because His words are spirit and life.

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