Investigation, in the context of the Bible, refers to the act of seeking truth, understanding, and knowledge through careful examination and inquiry. The Scriptures encourage believers to engage in investigation to discern God's will, understand His creation, and apply His teachings to their lives. Below are key biblical references and themes related to investigation:

1. The Call to Seek Wisdom and Understanding:

The Bible emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding as a form of investigation. Proverbs 2:3-5 states, "if you indeed call out for insight and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God." This passage highlights the value of diligent investigation in gaining spiritual insight.

2. Testing and Proving All Things:

Believers are encouraged to test and prove all things to ensure they align with God's truth. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 instructs, "but test all things. Hold fast to what is good." This directive underscores the necessity of investigation in discerning truth from falsehood and maintaining doctrinal purity.

3. The Berean Example:

The Bereans are commended for their investigative approach to Scripture. Acts 17:11 describes them as "more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true." Their example serves as a model for believers to verify teachings through careful study of the Bible.

4. The Role of the Holy Spirit:

Investigation is guided by the Holy Spirit, who leads believers into all truth. John 16:13 promises, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth." The Holy Spirit aids in the investigation by illuminating Scripture and providing discernment.

5. The Search for God's Will:

Investigation is crucial in discerning God's will for one's life. Romans 12:2 advises, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This transformation involves a continual investigation of God's Word and His purposes.

6. The Pursuit of Knowledge:

The pursuit of knowledge is encouraged as a means of understanding God's creation and His laws. Proverbs 18:15 states, "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out." This pursuit is an act of investigation that leads to greater wisdom and understanding.

7. Investigating the Signs of the Times:

Jesus admonished the religious leaders for failing to investigate the signs of the times. In Matthew 16:3 , He says, "And in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times." This highlights the importance of spiritual investigation in recognizing God's work in the world.

8. The Examination of Self:

Self-examination is a form of investigation that Scripture encourages. 2 Corinthians 13:5 exhorts, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves." This personal investigation is vital for spiritual growth and assurance of faith.

Through these scriptures, the Bible presents investigation as a vital practice for believers, enabling them to grow in wisdom, discernment, and understanding of God's truth.Ecclesiastes 1:13-18
And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail has God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.
Nave's Topical Index

Ecclesiastes 2:1-12
I said in my heart, Go to now, I will prove you with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.
Nave's Topical Index

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
Nave's Topical Index

Appendix V
... by Instrumentum.' (In our investigation) we must ... The Holy Scriptures are called
"Instrumenta," because they ... the Conception "Literature" in general, and here it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/harnack/the origin of the new testament/appendix v.htm

Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha ...
... our insignificance dissuade you from the investigation of this ... religion which is
delivered in the Scriptures, and which ... is just a kind of general pestilence in ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/of passages from the holy.htm

The Gospels in General
... This general truth must be borne in mind continually ... to them, who were versed in
the Scriptures, that Christ ... be waived in the historical investigation of their ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospels in general.htm

Relation of the Baptist to Elijah. The Theory of Transmigration
... to our ability let us make investigation also into the ... to this either there will
be two general forms of ... that when they have looked the Scriptures straight in ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/1 relation of the baptist.htm

The Consensus and Dissensus of Creeds.
... celibacy (Roman Catholic); the general priesthood of the ... the deeper inner sense of
the Scriptures. ... subject to further exegetical and theological investigation. ...
/.../ 115 the consensus and.htm

Preliminary
... beyond reasonable doubt; and while, in general, the methods of ... the methods which
we use in any historical investigation. ... to the level of the scriptures of the ...
/.../mcconnell/understanding the scriptures/chapter i preliminary.htm

The General Conference of 1836
... to be incapable of calm and sober investigation on either ... so clearly laid down in
the sacred Scriptures, and so accurately defined in our general rules, as ...
/.../chapter 13 the general conference.htm

The General Conference of 1820
... And, after a deliberate investigation, it has been ... the community with the sacred
Scriptures, the society recommended to the General Conference to ...
/.../chapter 5 the general conference.htm

An Examination of the Treatise of William Perkins Concerning the ...
... mode, refers to all acts in general, which can be ... nothing more necessary to the full
investigation of this ... be seen from the whole tenor of the Holy Scriptures. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/an examination of the treatise.htm

Anti-Romanistic Attitude.
... the North Carolina Synod, without further investigation, annulled a ... not to be connected
with the General Synod; yet ... Christians, as well as from the Scriptures. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/anti-romanistic attitude.htm

What are the apocryphal gospels? | GotQuestions.org

What is Fideism? | GotQuestions.org

Why should I believe in Christ's resurrection? | GotQuestions.org

Investigation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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