There are many types of codes using letters and symbols to hide a secret message.  Cryptograms and cryptoquizzes are a couple of fun challenges for word sleuths.  The goal is to break the code and reveal the hidden message or famous quote.  To solve the puzzle one has to have an understanding of the nuances of one’s own language.  (Imagine the frustration of trying to go from Chinese to Arabic without first learning the alphabet of one of them.)  The next step is to find a key letter that seems to be consistent throughout the entire puzzle, then build on that assumption.  A false assumption can totally derail the effort.  Trial and error and a good eraser are usually needed.  Some puzzles are so difficult that one must look for clues on the answer sheet.

For the serious seeker of the meaning of life, the Bible sometimes seems to be written in code.  Most people already have a basic knowledge of God because it can be clearly seen by what one can observe in creation (Rom 1:19-20).  The beginning key words are; God is (Gen 1:1) and I Am (Jo 8:58).  This should soon lead to Jesus (Lk 1:31) and the Holy Spirit (Jo 14:15-17).  The seeker may get sidetracked by assuming he must understand the WHY question like Job and his friends did (Job 1-37).  God simply points out the false assumptions (Job 38-41) and has them redirect to the key word again.

If the student is diligent he will continue the search even after many restarts and hints (2 Tim 3:15-17).  If he does not give up, he will solve the code and discover the message; God is love (1 Jo 4:8) and Jesus saves (Mt 1:21) (Jo 3:17).  As with the secular code, once one solves one Biblical code there will be a desire to work on others along one’s spiritual journey.  These will lead one to several areas of service and sanctification.                                                                             

–Jim Bailey