The Word of God

God's Word has been revealed in the Scriptures and in his incarnate Son, Jesus, to describe the importance of the eternal Scriptures, saying, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). It also recommended to constantly scrutinize the Word of God, "Search the Scriptures...they give testimony of me". There is neither health nor growth in the Christian life if the priority of the Bible in individual and collective life isn't clearly established. The Scriptures are the definitive standard of our faith, moral and daily performance, and the sustenance for our growth in faith, holiness and effective service. The Holy Spirit who fills us is the same Person who has given us this book for our guidance and support. The author of this study has acquired the balance that the Bible has brought to his life, his own experience, his educational ministry and his leadership.

THE SOURCE AND NATURE OF GOD'S WORD

1. The divine inspiration of the Bible (II Tim. 3:16)
The Bible is "divinely inspired" and its words were planned by God's creative design.

The absolute authority of the Bible over our lives is based on our conviction that this book doesn't merely contain the Word of GOD, but that it is the Word of GOD, in its entirety and in each one of its parts. This text gives testimony to it and describes the real significance of this inspiration (breath of life): 1) It's the Word of the Holy Spirit. Theopneustos, translated as "inspired by GOD", literally means "divine breath". It describes the source from which all the Bible proceeds, as something that transcends human inspiration. The Bible isn't the product of a higher human consciousness or an illuminated intellect, but is directly inspired by GOD himself. 2) In II Pet. 1:20,21 this truth is explained, and it adds that no truth of the Scripture is born of the private opinion or interpretation of the writer (v. 20), and that each writer who participated in the writing of the Sacred Scriptures was "moved by" (literally "carried, led") by the Holy Spirit. This, however, doesn't mean that GOD used the writers to write like robots, without their conscious participation. GOD doesn't pass over those gifts of intelligence and perception that he has given his creatures. (Stay alert and warned in all the cases in which certain individuals claim to write "automatically" anything at any time, because the Holy Spirit doesn't function in this way.) 3) I Cor. 2:10-13 speaks abundantly about this process, through which the Holy Spirit dispensed revelation. Verse 13 says that even the words that are used in the writing of the Bible (not only the ideas) were inspired by the Holy Spirit, who moved the respective writers to write, "comparing spiritual to spiritual (literally "comparing spiritual words to spiritual ideas"). This biblical point of view about the origin of the Bible is known as the unqualified verbal inspiration of the Scriptures, which means that each word has been inspired by the Holy Spirit of GOD.

2. The Bible's complete integrity(Psa. 19:7)
God's Word is "perfect" in its exactitude and "sure" in its trustability.

The mention that the Law of the LORD is perfect" represents a direct reference to the absolute, complete and undoubtable integrity of the Sacred Scriptures. The Word of GOD is perfect in its certainty and sure in its trustability. Generally, two terms are used to describe these aspects of GOD's Word: 1) inerrant (perfect), which means that in the original copies written by the author or authors of each manuscript, of each one of the books of the Bible, nothing has been affected by error. (Furthermore, the excellent protection of the Scriptures through the centuries assures us that the copies that reached our time essentially reproduce the originals. Even literary critics, who claim they don't have faith in the truth of the Bible, testify that, due to having remained inalterable and exact, this is the most trustworthy work handed down from antiquity.) 2) Infallible refers to the fact that the Bible doesn't lack as an absolutely trustworthy guide for our faith (belief in GOD) and practice (life and behavior). It's because GOD is faithful (John 3:33; 17:3), his Word true (John 17:17) and he cannot lie (Num. 23:19; Titus 1:2; Heb. 6:18).

3. The content of God's word is complete (Prov. 30:5,6)
The Bible is complete, is absolutely trustworthy and sufficient to answer all that we need to know about eternal salvation, or the practical wisdom that governs our relationships, morality, character and conduct.

The word "canon" is the word used to describe the complete number of books of the Bible; the closed canon of the 66 books of the Sacred Scriptures. It comes from ancient words that mean "measuring rod", and is applied here in order to designate those books that fulfill the requirements to be recognized as divine inspiration.

The Bible warns us against any attempt to subtract or add to its content. Right at the end of the Bible, in Rev. 22:18, and inspired in the providence and wisdom of GOD, we find a conclusive affirmation about this. Although it directly refers to the book of Revelation, most biblical scholars say in this respect, "Add to or subtract from the Bible at your own risk: (A classic study about "removing" from GOD's Word can be read in Jer. 36:20-32).

We should take into account the following about this theme: When we refer to the "revelation of the Scriptures", it's important that we distinguish the now complete order of the divine revelation from any other usage of the term revelation, no matter how sacred it may be. There are many today who don't know the difference between a "revelation" (the knowledge or the idea that can come from GOD, another human being or the devil) and the revelation of GOD, which is encountered in the closed canon of the Scriptures.

Because there are many books that claim to be divinely inspired, a naive attitude toward them can result in confusion and possible destruction. It's interesting to note that even in Jesus' time on earth various books, still considered by some today to be part of the Old Testament, already existed. However, in none of the 64 occasions in which Jesus cited the Old Testament, were these books mentioned. The Bible is completely trustworthy, it is complete, and ready to completely answer anything that we need to know about eternal salvation or the practical wisdom concerning our relationships, morals, character, or conduct to follow.

4. Jesus and the Sacred Scriptures (Luke 16:17)
Jesus confirms that every word of the Scriptures is given by God, each truth should be considered inviolate, and the Scriptures are enduring and believable.

As resurrected King, GOD's Messiah and our Savior, our LORD Jesus Christ has given us some of the most important teachings about the authority and nature of GOD's Word. 1) Jesus confirmed the truth that each word of the Scriptures has been given by GOD. He went as far as to make a direct reference to the most diminutive letter ("jot", literally yod, which is the Hebrew counterpart to our letter "i" or "j"), and the smallest punctuation mark, the "tilde" (~). There's no need to debate: Jesus believed in the full inspiration of the Bible and thus taught: that every word is inspired by GOD (see II Tim. 3:16). Jesus also held that every truth that the Bible teaches is inviolable. In Matt. 5:17-19, the LORD insists that anyone who teaches something contrary to Scripture isn't in harmony with the Kingdom. 3) Jesus gives testimony of the indissolubility (inability to be annulled, dissolved or broken) of the Scriptures (John 10:35). When he says, "the Scripture can't be broken", He is literally describing the absolute inviolability of the Word of GOD on man's part (it's not a question of minimizing its truth or sense), and the total guarantee of it on GOD's part (He holds it high; his Word will not be annulled or moved). Matthew 24:35 is the most cited verse in this respect: "All creation may pass away, but the Word of GOD will remain forever! 4) Jesus affirms the believability of the Old Testament in general (John 5:39), but also of the miracles that are related there, which aren't considered sustained superstitious beliefs, tolerated by Him for those to whom it was written. Even more, Jesus was the Truth Incarnate, and as the personification of the truth, his testimony is decisive. Notice that Jesus believed the biblical stories of: a) Adam and Eve as the first pair (Matt. 19:4,5); b) The literal destruction of Sodom and Gomorrha (Mark 6:11; Luke 17:29,30); c)the reality of Noah and the Flood (Matt. 24:37,38); d) the veracity and trustability of Daniel's prophecy (Matt. 24:15); e) the story of Jonah and the great fish (Matt. 12:39,40); and f) the miracle of the manna, as well as other wonders that occurred during the desert wandering in the time of Moses (John 3:14; 6:31,32). Finally, 5) Jesus preached and authorized the Scriptures of the New Testament. In John 14:26 and 16:12,13 he indicated that the coming ministry of the Holy Spirit would remind the apostles of those things they should later write or record. His anticipation of that ministry not only confirms that facet of the apostolic mission, but also indirectly affects the canon of the Scriptures, after this work was completed.

5. How the Word of God should be administered (II Cor. 3:5-8)
God's Word should be administered literally and animated by the Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Life.

Believing in the veracity of the Word of GOD doesn't guarantee that we minister this truth in the spirit of GOD. In Ephesians 4:15 the growth and maturity in the body of Christ is described as something relating to our speaking "the truth in love". In the words of II Cor. 3:6, the Apostle Paul warns about the danger that the Word of GOD be ministered literally, and not as an enlivening word. We needn't ask ourselves if this is possible, the Spirit of Truth (I John 4:6) and the Spirit of Life (Romans 8:2) being the same: the Holy Spirit! Combining them will always bring three things into manifestation: 1) To be faithful when rightly dividing the Word of truth (II Tim. 2:15): "That you rightly divide the Word of truth" means putting the truth in first place. (The intention of this verse was never "to divide" the Word into segments, but rather to directly and immediately approach all the truth and to do it in light of all its implications.) 2) a constant presence of love, even in the most demanding manifestations of correction or justice. We already talked about the above text (II Cor. 3:6; Eph. 4:15), but human tendencies need this reminder. A sense of urgency and an infusion of passion may accompany our message, but anger, impatience and irritation don't come from the spirit of life, even if the interpretations of the Bible and the preaching that comes with it be literally exact. 3)Expect the signs that come with the preaching of the Word of GOD. Jesus promised this, and the early church experienced it in its beginnings (Mark 16:15-20); Paul described it as a norm for his ministry (I Cor. 2:1-5; I Thes. 1:5); and the epistle to the Hebrews endorsed it as part of "so great a salvation" (Heb. 2:1-4). This ultimate reference shows that the confirmation of GOD's Word with signs and wonders, not only verifies the living presence of Christ wherever his gospel is preached, but it also warns us against moving away from the new life, to which all of us have been called.

THE VITAL POSITION AND POWER OF GOD'S WORD

6. The regenerative power of the Word of God (I Pet. 1:23)
God's Word imparts new spiritual life where man, by nature, has spiritual death.

We owe our natural existence to the spoken Word of the Creator and the breath of life that permeates us, as much as we owe our new birth to the Word of GOD and the activation of the power of the Holy Spirit. GOD's intention regarding our being created is only completely fulfilled when our spirits come alive in his presence. Just as sin has produced spiritual death (Eph. 2:1-3), salvation in Christ Jesus has provided spiritual life. This verse tells us that the "seed" that has produced new life in us, the Word of GOD which has made us born again by the power of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5) and has also made us members of GOD's new creation (II Cor. 5:17). The power of GOD's Word - the Holy Scriptures - manifests itself in this above all things: it gives spiritual life to all those who receive its truth. James 1:18 refers to the fact that "the Word of truth" is the measure by which He gives us new life, emphasizing that He has done so, as an expression of his own will. GOD's desire to save us (II Peter 3:9) has been effectively expressed in His Word, which realizes this work (John 1:13).

7. The Word of God's authority in our lives (Psa. 119:89-91)
As "spiritual people", we should deny the "natural" inclinations of fallen man, and in their place, listen to and bow down before the authority of the Word of God.

This text considers the absolute authority of GOD's Word inalterable and firmly secured in Heaven. The passage signals: 1) The eternal divine dominion through his Word. Although times and seasons change and social customs, human opinions and philosophical orientations vary, that doesn't affect the permanence and authority of GOD's Word. 2) GOD is faithful in the exercise of his power, in the fulfillment of his promise and the blessings of his Word, as well as in his requirements for justice and righteousness (verse 90). Just as he spoke and the earth was created and sustained, he has spoken in the same manner regarding the laws that regulate life. The relativism of human thought doesn't affect his authority or standards. 3) Although the creation survives by his Word (all things created serve him, verse 91), man sometimes contradicts the Creator's authority. But, no matter what our past rebellion may be, when we go to Christ, a restoration of GOD's Word should occur as the principal instructor of our lives. Not only is this declared conclusively in the gospels by Jesus himself (John 8:47), but Paul, responding in another way, committed us to the type of life to which we have been called (I Cor. 2:13-16). As "spiritual" people, we must reject the human tendencies of fallen mankind. By hearing and yielding to the authority of the Divine Word, we affirm that we're no longer dominated by the worldly spirit of error.

8. The Word of God and the sustenance of the soul(Deut. 8:3)
Spiritual survival over a long period isn't possible without feeding yourself God's word.

Jesus cited this text in Matt. 4:4, when he was confronted by Satan's temptations in the desert. The message of this passage is that the soul cannot survive without the daily Word of GOD. The fact that a parallel is established with the manna that served to feed Israel in the desert, testifies that the believer should get a regular portion of the Word of GOD and feed himself with it.

This is not a question of a legal obligation, or a determiner of personal salvation, but a matter of personal responsibility that decides our incorporation into the path of discipleship. Nevertheless, no one should suppose that he can survive spiritually without feeding himself GOD's Word. I Peter 2:2 declares that the Word of GOD is as essential to the believer as milk is to an infant. But as necessary as it is to our survival that we accept his Word, we should also remember that GOD has sweetly provided it, that it may be a source of rejoicing in our lives (Psalm 19:10).

9. The Word of God and the practical and fruitful life (Psa. 119:105)
The regular application of God's Word is the way to triumph and prosper in life.

None of us have so much experience in life that we can live it without any guidance. The Word of GOD is this guide. Psalm 119 reveals multiple aspects of GOD's Word, and shows how it can assist us in the practical affairs of life. But no verse in particular approaches this more clearly than verse 105, where GOD's Word is compared to a lamp that lights our way, directing each one of our steps ("to my feet"), and providing wisdom for our future plans ("to my path"). Joshua connected the regular application of GOD's Word in life as much to success as to prosperity (Joshua 1:8). Furthermore, Psalm 119:130 emphasizes the wisdom that the Word of GOD offers to the "simple" (from the Hebrew pethawee), a truth that warns against making decisions based on injustices or human misunderstandings. Also, Proverbs 6:23 reminds us that the "admonitions" or corrections that the Bible contains are part of the "light" that it offers us, as well as any other positive affirmation that we can find in it. Allow the Word of GOD to guide, correct, instruct, speak to, teach and confirm you. Never be pressured into acting without it.

10. True spiritual growth requires the Word of God (I Cor. 3:1-5)
True spiritual growth requires God's Word, that makes spiritual maturity a reality.

In I Cor. 2:10 Paul begins to examine our need for the wisdom and revelation given by the Holy Spirit, and closely relates it with the fact that we have received the words "that the Spirit teaches" (2:13). Throughout these observations runs a frank confrontation with the carnality of the Corinthians, which he attributes to the fact that they had only superficially known the Word of GOD ("as yet you are not able" to receive choice food {solid food} 3:2; see also Heb. 5:12-15).

The truth that this passage presents is that no amount of supposed wealth or spiritual experience reflects a genuine spiritual growth, if this knowledge is separated from our fundamental growth in the knowledge of the Word of GOD. Without this root in the Word, we can be deceived about our growth. This being rooted" in truth and love, and not only in a learned knowledge or in an achieved study. In order to experience true spiritual growth, we must dedicate time to reading the Word and separate ourselves from the impediments of rivalry, strife and the absence of love.

11. To love the Word of God as a follower of Jesus (John 14:21)
Following Jesus and knowing God requires the firm obligation of listening to, heeding and studying the Bible.

Jesus completely identified his life and will with that of the Father (8:29), which reveals his complete loyalty to the Word and commandments of GOD. He also said that he disapproved any attitude that disrespected or insinuated something that didn't presuppose full obedience to the entire Word revealed by GOD (Matt. 5:17-19). And thus, in this passage, when he explicitly connects his disciples' love for Him as Savior, to the will of those who keep his commandments, we discover Jesus' intention. If we love the LORD we will also love the Word of the Father.

In John 5:39, our LORD declares that the knowledge of the Scriptures is the way to know Him well. Moreover, soon after his resurrection, he revealed what the Old Testament said of his person (Luke 24:27). These passages are grouped together to teach us that to follow, know and grow in Christ as people who travel with the resurrected LORD, requires a basic commitment of hearing, paying attention to and studying the Bible.

12. The Word of God: purifier of the holy life (James 1:23-25)
The Bible shows us Christ's character, so that we can be transformed into his image and likeness.

To aspire to a pure life isn't to seek perfection, but rather freedom from those things that could reduce the fulness of a powerful life. This text shows the Word of GOD as a means of reflection, a mirror in which we should look at and see ourselves as we are. The calling is not only to pay attention to what we see and accept the Bible's teachings and correction, but if offers us an unwritten lesson. We must avoid the temptation to identify (and judge) others in the Word, analyzing what they should have done, instead of what we need to do. In II Cor. 3:18 the Word of GOD is also compared to a mirror, but the image that's projected is none other than the LORD Jesus himself. The sum of both texts: 1) The Bible shows us the image of Christ, so that 2) we can measure our conduct and character in light of His image, and allow GOD to conform us to Christ's likeness (Rom. 8:29). Other promises to reach purity through the Word of GOD are: Jeremiah 20:9, that speaks to us of the "fire" in the Word, which can cleanse the same one it is burning; and Psalm 119:9, which contains a special promise for he who wants a pure life of holy power. GOD's Word is a powerful agent, that cleanses and liberates.

13. The Word of God, evangelization and expansion (Is.55:10,11)
The spreading of the Scriptures and the development of our human potential come by the Word of God.

Evangelization (the divulgence of the Good News) as much as expansion (intensifying the potential of our life under GOD) is multiplied through the "seed" of GOD's Word. Jesus also described the Word as a "seed" (Luke 8:11); that is, the source of all salvation and spiritual growth given by the Father to humanity. All growth of life inside his love comes by his Word while the human response opens the way to his blessings. Once received, the Word of the divine promise never remains sterile. The power of the Word will permit the promise that it includes to be fulfilled. We should never ask ourselves how faith develops or how we achieve its fruits. Faith comes by "hearing" the Word of GOD (Rom. 10:17); that is to say, receiving it with humility. The fruits of faith make up an assured by-product, whether it may be the salvation of a lost soul or to provide a disciple's need. The Word of GOD will never be fruitless or sterile; The power that gives life resides in it!

14. The Word of God: Read it! Study it! Learn it! (II Tim. 2:15)
God's Word is the only conclusive source of wisdom, knowledge and comprehension of the fundamental realities that wait to free and enrich those who seek their treasures.

The Bible, the inspired Word of GOD, is the only definitive source of wisdom, knowledge and understanding of the supreme truths. It's the same source of the truth that frees (John 8:32) and a gold mine of practical principles (Psalm 19:10), always ready to free and enrich the person who finds its truth and riches. For that reason, throughout the centuries, serious Christians have taken Paul's recommendations that we should work diligently as an exhortation to study GOD's Word. The only way to live a healthy and balanced life is to use well (Greek orthotomounta, literally "draw a plan well") the Word of GOD. The correct application of GOD's Word is the result of studying it diligently. The text exhorts us to go beyond the informal approach to the Bible, and refrain from adapting it to suit our convenience or ideology.

Previously (I Tim. 4:13) Paul had said to Timothy: "Occupy yourself in reading (the Word of GOD)", but here he stresses study as "work" (from the Greek ergon: "work, effort"). Psalm 119:11 exhorts us to learn GOD's Word as a powerful brake to sin. Our study of Bible verses makes us have GOD's "Words" at our full disposal like swords, ready when speaking of Christ and makes us very effective in the spiritual battle.

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THE WORD OF GOD