The Scriptures contain much information.
Throughout the ages, men and women have written much about the scriptures, adding thoughts and ideas, and various commentaries.
Some of those writings might be helpful, but much of it is harmful, promoting false doctrine. Much of these writings are in direct conflict with what the scriptures say.
So how do we sort it all out?
Study of scripture is a good thing.
Discussing scripture with others is a good thing.
But if you find yourself lost in a sea of ideas and opinions, how are you to sort it out and find solid ground?
Here are a couple hints in the scriptures:
Solomon tells us there is no end to the number of books that men have written, and that studying all of it is tiring.
Ecclesiastes 12:11-12
1 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. 12 And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh.
And since Solomon sees the difficulty in wading through endless information, he gives us some advice:
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear Yehova and keep His commandments,
For this is man’s all.
14 For Yehova will bring every work into judgment,
Including every secret thing,
Whether good or evil.
Do you see what he is telling us?
Going back to the very basics, in the most simple form, do these things:
1. Fear Yehova [for He will decide our eternal fate]
2. Keep His commands [for this is how He will know we love Him]
For this is the duty of all mankind.
These two things are the big picture.
If we believe and accept these two basic things, and do them, it will go well for us.
We are told a similar idea in Deuteronomy:
Deuteronomy 29:29
“The secret things belong to Yehova our Elohim, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever—in order to do all the words of this Torah.”
Yehova understands His mysteries, and they may not be revealed to us. But it is ok.
We have been given the information we need to to all the words of this Torah.
Referring back to Ecclesiastes, keeping His commands is the whole duty of mankind. Deuteronomy tells us we’ve been given all we need to know to keep His commands, as they are given to us in the Torah.
It does not matter if we understand all the mysteries of the heavens. That is not our purpose, nor is it important.
We may find those mysteries very interesting.
We may study and discuss and ponder.
That is ok, as long as we do not forget our most basic purpose.
Fear Yehova.
and…
Keep His commands.
Praise Yah!
And if you believe these things are no longer relevant, here are a couple New Testament references, written after the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Yeshua Messiah:
1John 5:3
3 For this is the love of God—that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
1John 2:3-6
3 Now we know that we have come to know Him by this—if we keep His commandments. 4 The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God is truly made perfect. We know that we are in Him by this— 6 whoever claims to abide in Him must walk just as He walked.
Revelation 22:15 [saying who will be in the kingdom]
Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.