The Bible On Trial

The Math of Salvation~

Many shall purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but they that are wise shall understand. Dan. 12:10.

The context of this text make what is said here one of the most important concepts about salvation in the whole of Scripture. A Heavenly Being that had authority spoke these words to Daniel after he asked a very important and provocative question, "My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?" (Dan. 12:8) What follows can then be referred to as a 'signature verse', because rather than reciting to Daniel chapter and verse about how all of these prophecies will be accomplished the Heavenly Being gives Daniel the spiritual conditions that must be met in order to gain the knowledge and the understanding of those prophecies.

This is where the equation for WISDOM is revealed.

Knowledge + Understanding = Wisdom!

First note that in order for a person (at the appointed time) to understand the prophecies of the end they must first "purify themselves, and make THEMSELVES white, and be refined." This is not done TOO them, or FOR them, they must do this work themselves. And those that do not believe that this is possible, or do not believe it is necessary, because someone accomplished this purity and refinement for them, are, according to the Messenger, not wise. 

Wisdom comes from not just knowing the WHAT (facts), or WHY of how salvation works, but also the HOW of the learning of the process of sanctification (making oneself pure) of salvation. The WISE have both the knowledge AND the understanding of the method for achieving sanctification; the un-wise/foolish believe that this has been accomplished FOR them, and all they must do to be saved is 'believe in Jesus'.

Wisdom is Key to Salvation.