WORD OF GOD
The Bible, as a whole, is considered to be the Word of God. In essence it communicates the thoughts, aka wishes and guidance, of God to mankind. In the Old Testament, this often reflected His authority and His covenants with His people. His covenant with Abraham was marked by the rite of circumcision as seen in Genesis 17:10 - “This is My covenant which you shall keep…Every male child shall be circumcised…” This was taken very seriously by the Hebrew people. When they came out of Egypt and traversed the wilderness, Joshua circumcised all the males who had been born during that journey for none of them had previously been done.
It is even reported that Moses, who had taken a Midian - not a Hebrew - woman to be his wife, was confronted by God over this ritual. He had not circumcised his own son and was threatened with death as a result during his journey to Egypt - “And it came to pass on the way, at the encampment, that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him” (Exodus 4:24). But, after Zipporah, his wife, circumcised their son, everything seemed to be all right and Moses continued on toward Egypt.
In the New Testament, God’s Word is more for showing direction and discernment than for pure authority and this is demonstrated though the new covenant conveyed by Jesus. In fact, the Bible tells us that the Word of God illustrates at least eight features.*
By it we are converted.
“The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul…”
(Psalm 19:7)
“…the holy scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith…”
(2 Timothy 3:15)
By it we are convicted.
“All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
(2 Timothy 3:16)
By it we are cleansed
“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your Word”
(Psalm 119:9)
By it we are comforted
“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”
(Romans 15:4)
By it we are counselled
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
(Psalm 19:7-9)
By it we are corrected
All Scriptures is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)
By it we can have confidence
“In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.” (Proverbs 14:26)
“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise…”
(Hebrews 10:35-36)
By it we can have courage
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be afraid…for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you”
(Deuteronomy 31:6)
“But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’”
(Matthew 14:27 NIV)
Since Jesus is the Word “…[who] became flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14) we can have all of the above through Him if we are only willing to accept Him at His Word.
It’s really something to think about.
*Adapted in part from Romans Study Guide part 1 pg 91-92 by Dr. David Jeremiah
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