Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. Jonathan Edwards.  July 8, 1723.

Hands down, one of the few resolutions I have completed in the time established happened at the end of last year. I was excited to have read the Old and New Testament through in a year. Through life’s unexpected interruptions and seeming setbacks, and by God’s good grace, I read the Scriptures cover to cover, taking in the beauty and glory of God along the way. Over the years, I have made my fair share of resolutions as we all likely have, and I have fallen short in a relatively short period of time soon after making those resolutions. There is a desire in each of us to better ourselves or to improve upon personal growth.

The late 17th century revivalist preacher and theologian Jonathan Edwards wrote a list of seventy personal resolutions to follow in his Christian life. He reminded himself of his dependency upon God in order to fulfill his desire to honor God in all he did. His resolutions covered areas such as time management, prayer, good works, and character. While thinking on personal resolutions, I enjoyed reading through the list Edwards had written. Some of them blessed me and challenged me personally. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. 

There was one in particular catching my attention and stirring a desire in me a believer in Christ. It was this one regarding Scripture: Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same. Over the past few years, I had grown in my passion to read and to study God’s Word for better understanding. But it was not simply for head knowledge. I wanted the Word written on my heart and to know God more, to know His ways and to understand the boundaries which He had set and to what end. There was a love for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the desire to share that very gospel from the Scriptures, testifying of Him in Spirit and in truth. We are set apart by His truth, which is the Word (John 17:17).

Reading and studying the written Word of God is important in the life of every believer. It instructs us in the way we should go. It glorifies God and testifies of Christ through and through. It contains glorious instruction for our benefit. Psalm 119:10-11 says, “With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” I encourage you to read Psalm 119 and to take note of the times the psalmist speaks of loving God’s testimonies, promises, commandments, instruction, precepts, and law.

As I endeavor to study and to understand the Bible even more this year, I recognize the importance of not only loving His Word but also loving its Author. Jesus spoke of those who searched the Scriptures thinking that eternal life was in them alone, yet they did not recognize the very Scriptures they searched bore witness about Him. They refused to come to Him for eternal life. (John 5:39-40) Our fellowship with God is not based on emotion or personal encounter, though we certainly express emotions in our gratitude and thankfulness unto the Lord. At the same time, reading the Bible is not what saves us. We are to love the Word of God and to honor it as such while worshiping the God of the Bible and trusting in Him for salvation and eternal life.

This is the only resolution that matters. This is the one resolution from which all other resolutions are to be rooted as a believer in Christ. I am reminded of the words found in Colossians 3:17, encouraging believers in putting on the new self in Christ, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” We all have things we desire to change and to improve. But this one resolution is one for all time. Every other resolution for believers is encapsulated in knowing Christ and knowing Him more. This is my resolution for a lifetime, to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and to grow in understanding His Word. It will not be perfect in my own doing, but He is altogether perfect. He is worthy of praise and glory. I encourage you to get into His Word daily and to study His Word. This is part of our fellowship with the Lord.