Keys to Successful Scripture Study (Hardcover)

The scriptures contain many of the mysteries of godliness -gospel truths that lead to eternal life. Gaining access to these mysteries requires not just a casual reading of the scriptures but a serious, sustained study. This study is helped immensely if one has reliable clues, guidelines, and explanations along the way.

This informative book offers such help for every reader, opening the scriptures more fully to scholar and novice alike. A fundamental "key" the author stresses is that the scriptures are Christ-centered. With this established, interpretation is further focused and facilitated by his counsel on assumptions and on other interpretive applications. The role of covenants, usages of the terms Israel and Gentiles, the "divine investiture" concept, ways in which to understand the prophetic writings-these and many other keys unlock doors to ever-deeper understanding of the holy books.

Nor are the more "procedural" aspects neglected. Techniques for effective scripture study are set out. Counsel is given on the use of dictionaries, commentaries, and concordances. The guidelines and explanations on scriptural language and literary devices open up further avenues of understanding. And there is abundant advice oil using the LDS Topical Guide and the Bible Dictionary, as well as on annotating, organizing, and marking one's own copies of the scriptures for easy and speedy reference. The entire book is written in practical terms and always with specific examples.

The printing press and modern education together have made ours the only gospel dispensation in which the word of God to his prophets is readily available to all. Latter-day Saints need to read these greatest of all books -the standard works-with love, appreciation, and understanding. Subject always to the reader's seeking the Spirit in his studies. Keys to Successful Scripture Study will provide information. explanation. and techniques that will help the reader uncover the riches of the scriptures.