When Scripture Becomes Real: Drawing Power from the Ancient Texts

There are times in the work when you feel like you’ve hit a wall. Maybe you’ve been doing comps for a few weeks, or maybe you’re preparing for missionary discussions with an investigator who keeps asking the same challenging questions. It can feel overwhelming, like you need a PhD just to explain the difference between a covenant and a law. You wonder, “How deep do I actually need to know this stuff?”

I remember a time, years ago, when I was studying the early scriptures. I was focused on the verses themselves, the verses as discrete pieces of text. But what I didn't realize was that the scriptures aren't just a collection of facts; they are a living narrative—a record of covenants being made and kept. They are *real*.

The power of the scriptures only truly hits you when you see them through the lens of history and context. They aren't just ancient writings; they are the foundational story of our Redeemer, Christ, and the eternal plan of salvation. That realization—that the covenants we are making today echo the covenants made thousands of years ago—is what makes the gospel feel so deeply personal and immediate.

If you want to hear more about how the historical context of the scriptures can make them feel incredibly real, I highly recommend listening to the latest episode of the Scriptures Are Real podcast. Josh Matson dives into the symbolism of the Passover, showing how understanding the ancient rituals helps us appreciate the ultimate, spiritual observance we have through Christ.

The Depth of the Story Matters

Josh’s research, covering everything from the Dead Sea Scrolls to the Second Temple period, was incredible. It taught me that the truth of the gospel isn't limited by time. The Spirit, the covenants, and the plan of salvation have been unfolding across millennia.

For us disciples—whether we are preparing for missions, serving as returned missionaries, or simply having a Bible Study Group with friends—this concept is gold. It helps us move beyond simply quoting scripture and start *telling* the story. When an investigator asks a question, instead of just pointing them to a verse, we can draw on that deep context and help them understand the covenant pattern at work.

“Knowing the history behind the doctrine is the key to making the doctrine feel real.”

This is the heart of being an Internet missionary, isn't it? We are called to be perpetual disciples, sharing the power of the gospel wherever we are. And sometimes, the best preparation isn't memorizing verses; it's understanding the covenant pattern they represent.

A Quick Mission Prep Skill: The Context Bridge

Here’s a bite-sized skill for your next missionary discussion: When you teach a doctrine (like the Atonement or the gathering of Israel), don't just define it. Bridge it to a covenant. Ask yourself: *“What covenant is this scriptural passage illustrating?”*

1. Identify the Passage: (e.g., Exodus 12:11-14, relating to Passover.)
2. Identify the Action: (The keeping of the Passover covenant.)
3. Bridge to the Gospel: (This original, physical covenant is ultimately fulfilled by the spiritual covenant of Christ's sacrifice, which is accessible to us today.)

That bridge—that ability to connect the ancient, physical event to the modern, spiritual reality—is what helps the Spirit move. It’s what makes the gospel come alive for the investigator.

Keep the Learning Going

The desire to understand the deepest parts of the scriptures is a glorious calling. If you are looking for a way to deepen your knowledge of the covenants and the ancient world, I highly recommend checking out the latest reading from the Iron Rod. This week, the author focuses on the concept of Christlike attributes—which is the ultimate goal of all our discipleship.

If you want to dive deeper with others, remember that HolyPlaces is full of resources. If you are looking for a small group setting, check out a local Book Club or Bible Study Group. It is the perfect place to work through these deep texts together and let the Spirit teach us.

Join us this week for a free Disciple Challenge focused on covenant keeping! It’s a simple, weekly prompt designed to help us focus on making the scriptures feel real in our daily lives.