The Word of God: Living and Active
His name is called, “The Word of God” (Rev 19:13). For in the beginning was the Word; the Word was with God; and the Word was God (Jn 1:1). The Word was enfleshed and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth (Jn 1:14). Thus, we have the living and abiding Word, who is Jesus Christ.
All Scripture, that is, the written Word of God (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20–21), bears witness of Christ. These are the sacred writings, the Holy Bible. Jesus Christ affirmed the Old Testament, as the written Word of God, throughout His earthly ministry. God has spoken and moved men along to write the inspired, inerrant, infallible Word of truth; which is authoritative, clear, necessary, and sufficient unto the saving of souls.
The purpose of the Word of God is to say what it says. It is the revelation of God called “special”; to distinguish it from general revelation, which is what the rest of creation reveals about God (Ps 19). God preached the Gospel; and He used words that had the whole of the created order to illustrate what had been spoken. When He preached to men, it was through the mouth of prophets, called out for the purpose of proclaiming the Words of the prophecy, the words of the faith (Jude 3).
God made promises with sound words that would never return to Him empty (Is 55:10–11). His Word, to this day, achieves success in every unalterable endeavor for which it is sent. God’s Word of truth is both a lamp and a sword. It enlightens the eyes of faith in those to whom Jesus gives sight (Eph 1:18). At the same time, it judges the intentions of the human heart, bringing judgment and wrath to unrepentant unbelievers. Both of these works of the Word bring glory to God.
Dead men (Eph 2:1), enslaved to sin (Rom 6:6), need the Word of life. Blind men (Jn 9; 2 Cor 4:4), unable to see the truth, need the light of God’s Word. Sinners need the Word of the cross, to understand their plight of sin and depravity. The Law of the Lord has condemned every man, but the Word of His grace is spirit and life to the soul (Jn 6:63). When the Word of Christ is preached; it is heard, but not all people heed the message.
Two groups are formed by the testimony of Jesus Christ, who warned that households would be divided because of Him. One tastes the good Word of God; and he finds it to be delightful. He is nourished by the pure milk of the Word. In humility, he receives the Word as his very life. The Word performs its work in all who believe sound doctrine, building up those who hold fast to their training in righteousness. By this, the Word of His power is tested and found to be faithful and true. The Word of reconciliation has been heard, received, understood, accepted, and believed.
When the Word of the Lord pierces and divides; it rebukes sinners for their neglect, unbelief, and disobedience. The Word of knowledge and wisdom does not profit, nor does it produce any spiritual fruit in those outside of Christ, for apart from Him you can do nothing. (Jn 15:5).
The Word of faith goes from the mouth of God; and it is implanted in the hearts of God’s elect (Jas 1:21); to give the chosen people of God news of an inheritance reserved for them in heaven (1 Pet 1:4). Thus, as the seed of the Word grows (Mt 13), the simple are made wise by the sanctifying work of the Spirit of truth (Jn 17:17; 1 Pet 1:2), who teaches us what was announced beforehand — the Gospel of our salvation.
When the Word of Christ richly dwells in us; we must read it; study it; meditate on it; treasure it; so, to be blessed by it. Dwelling on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, excellent, of good repute, and worthy of praise, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. Christians bear witness in Word and deed, pointing out these things that cause rejoicing in our hearts because by it the Lord gives us understanding in everything pertaining to life — abundant and eternal.
My dear reader, be warned about those who peddle the Word of God for profit, by adulterating the Word in the hope of gaining a bigger following. Adding to the Scriptures or withholding the whole counsel of God is a shame to the charlatans who are wolves in sheep’s clothing — blind guides leading the blind into the pit of hell. You will know them by their rotten fruit — sour grapes to God’s people. Even these false prophets and false teachers, who preach false Christs, were foretold by true men of God, who were persecuted for righteousness’ sake (Mt 5:10–12; Jn 16:33)
The doctrine of demons is a distortion from the father of lies (Jn 8:44), who poses as an angel of light. His “other” gospels are no Gospel at all. They put men back under the Law (see Galatians); or they encourage men to be altogether lawless (see Jude). Both libertines and legalists derive their inspiration from demonic-inspired philosophers and their empty man-centered ideas.
The antidote for the spirit of antichrist is regard for Holy Scripture, which must be fulfilled. As pure silver refined (Ps 12:6), let us treasure the wisdom and power of God (1 Cor 1:24), which is active and sharper than any double-edged sword (Heb 4:12). The Word is able to judge, for reproof and correction (2 Tim 3:16); and it is what washes us clean from the filth of sin (Eph 5:25).
Your Word, O God, is our light, our life, and our love letter from You. Your precepts are food for our souls and protection from the evil one. Grant us the grace to grow in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, the everlasting Word, our all in all. Give us singular devotion to all that you have commanded us in your Word. Finally, may all your blessings and benefits be upon Christ’s church, the Israel of God and household of faith, according to Your Word…in Jesus’ name. Amen.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
July 7, 2024
Hebrews 4:12
