7 SYMBOLS
It states in 2nd Timothy that: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (3:16). It does not state that all scripture should be taken literally and, in fact, much of it should not be taken just in its literal sense. It must, however, be considered as allegorical or symbolic in nature. As early as the 2nd century AD, Clement of Alexandria is reported to have said that the sacred text has more than one meaning and, although there was a literal sense, there are other meanings that one must discover as well*. In that way, there are many symbolic meanings in the Bible as well as a number of symbols used regarding the Bible itself.
The Bible (i.e.: the Word of God) is described as “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). It is referred to as a means to guide us and to illuminate our ways to prevent us from becoming lost in this world.
The Bible also reports that God said: “Is not My word like a fire?” (Jeremiah 23:29). It will reveal and consume those aspects of one’s life which are not in keeping with God’s will, and in the end may do the same with those people who consistently persist in disobeying the Lord.
In the same passage, God has said that His Word was “like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces” (Jeremiah 23:29). It is the means by which false prophecy and false prophets may be revealed and discredited, especially to those familiar with the Word.
Hebrews tells us that: “…the [W]ord of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit…and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Not only is it an instrument that can cut to the spiritual depths of one’s being, but it is also a weapon to be used in confrontation with an opponent, as Jesus demonstrated when confronted by Satan. He answered time and again with the words: “It is written” (Matthew 4:4,6,7,10).
The Bible is reported to be like a mirror. James 1:23-24 puts it this way: “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.” We can end up seeing ourselves as we really are.
Also, the Bible is referred to as a diet. “[A]s newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). Paul went on to say that: “I fed you with milk and not with solid food…” (1 Corinthians 3:2). And he continues with “solid food belongs to those who are of full age, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:14)
And again, the Bible is referred to as the seed of life. You have “been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” (1 Peter 1:23). James states that: “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” (James 1:18)
As a light and lamp, a fire, a hammer, a sword, a mirror, a diet and as a seed; these are a number of ways in which symbols are used to describe the function of the Bible and the ways in which “It is written” in the Bible. As a result, it does give one something to think about.
*The Story of Christianity by Justo L. Gonzalez pg. 73
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