On the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus issued a clear command for an active, persistent search—not just for material needs, but for deeper understanding and relationship with God:
“Keep on asking, and it will be given to you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”
(Matthew 7:7)
This is no call to passive acceptance. The original Greek emphasizes continual action: keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. It invites questioning, exploration, and relentless pursuit of truth.
Jesus reinforced this with the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
(Matthew 13:45-46)
Here, truth—embodied in the kingdom of heaven and a relationship with God through Christ—is not something casual or optional. It is of such supreme worth that discovering it compels total commitment. The merchant, an expert already examining many fine pearls (representing lesser values or partial truths), recognizes one of incomparable value and joyfully sacrifices everything else to obtain it. In modern terms: if you knew a hidden fortune lay somewhere on your property, you wouldn’t shrug and continue as before. You would dig relentlessly, using every tool, exploring every possibility, refusing to stop until you found it. That is the effort truth deserves.
To stop seeking is to settle for assumptions and comfort rather than reality.
The Essential Role of the Holy Spirit
Since the Bible was written under the influence of the Holy Spirit—not merely human influence, but divine direction and inspiration—these words are not ultimately man’s words; they are God’s. As 2 Peter 1:21 declares, “prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” All Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), including the Old Testament. This divine authorship means the Bible carries a spiritual depth that goes beyond intellectual analysis alone.
Borrowing from Jesus’ warning in the parable of the pearls before swine:
“Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn to attack you”
(Matthew 7:6)
True understanding of the Bible does not come through our own reading.
Without the Holy Spirit, the words may tumble through your brain like water through a sieve. You can read the text, but the profound spiritual realities remain closed. The Holy Spirit is the One who illumines Scripture, opening eyes and hearts to its living power.
Understanding therefore requires Jehovah’s Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit requires an open mind: you must be ready to accept ideas, thoughts, or expressions that you may not like, may not initially agree with, or may even actively contest. A closed mind blocks the very One who brings clarity.
As Robert M. Pirsig observed in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, a person looking for truth but refusing to open his eyes is foolish. Truth knocks on the door, yet if you say, “Go away, I’m looking for the truth,” it departs. Understanding is available to all—but if you have a closed mind, you won’t receive it. That is why comprehending the Bible does not depend on wealth or status. It is accessible to rich people and poor people alike, but it cannot come to those who remain closed-minded.
Seeking Truth Requires Broad Exploration
If truth holds such value, then artificially limiting sources contradicts the spirit of Jesus’ command. The Bible remains the most direct witness to Jesus’ life and teachings, yet even here we encounter an important reality: there is no single “perfect” translation.
The Scriptures were written in ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Every English version involves interpretive choices—balancing literal accuracy, readability, or cultural nuance. These differences are often enriching. Relying on only one translation is a starting point, not the full pursuit. Genuine seeking means comparing translations, considering historical and cultural context, and thoughtfully engaging a range of perspectives—always under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Truth does not fear honest examination; it grows clearer under scrutiny when the heart is open.
The Danger of Controlled or Restricted Information
History shows that institutions—religious, political, or cultural—have sometimes guided, discouraged, or restricted what people read or question. Such control stands in conflict with the biblical call to keep seeking, especially when the Holy Spirit invites openness rather than fear.
If a claim is true, it should withstand comparison, challenge, and broader exploration. The Holy Spirit works in open, humble hearts that are willing to be corrected or deepened.
A Balanced Approach to Scripture and Beyond
The Bible is both accessible and profoundly deep. Its central message—God’s desire for humanity’s life, restoration, and good—is clear enough for a child to grasp, yet rich enough to occupy scholars for lifetimes. That depth is not a flaw; it is an invitation to deeper engagement, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
A healthy pursuit of truth involves:
- Reading Scripture prayerfully and regularly
- Depending on the Holy Spirit for illumination
- Comparing different translations for fuller insight
- Studying historical and cultural context
- Examining thoughtful writings and perspectives from various sources, while testing everything
- Thinking critically, honestly, and with intellectual humility and an open mind
- This is not about doubting core truths, but about refusing to replace living pursuit—guided by the Spirit—with settled comfort.
The Heart of the Matter
Unlike Adam, who received truth directly in the garden, we are called to pursue it with diligence and openness, relying on the Holy Spirit. Truth must be sought with the whole heart, much like the merchant hunting pearls or the persistent knocker at the door.
The real question each of us faces is:
- Are you still seeking—with an open mind?
- Are you still asking and knocking, ready for the Holy Spirit to lead?
- Or have you concluded that what you currently believe is “enough,” closing the door to further understanding?
Jesus’ words suggest the door opens to those who continue knocking. The pearl is worth selling everything for. With the Holy Spirit’s help, truth—once glimpsed in its fullness—reorients everything else as secondary, and the search itself becomes a joyful, lifelong adventure rather than a burden.
If the kingdom (and the God who offers it through His Spirit) is truly supreme, then no honest question or broader exploration should threaten it when approached with humility. On the contrary, it should only make its value shine brighter.
Keep seeking. Keep your mind open. The pursuit honors the One who is Himself the Truth—and who sends His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth.