Dear Ones:
There is an inseparable bond and unity between the objective word, the Bible, and the living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ. In essence, John brings them together in his gospel by declaring: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…(and we beheld His glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) Why is it so important that we consider Christ as the Living Word, and then, to turn to the Bible as the word of God, of Christ? Certainly part of the answer has to do with the essence of Christ as the creator, and the expression of His power and authority in speaking. “And God said, ‘Let there be light.'” (Gen. 1:3) The objective word of God, the inspired Scriptures, are the expression of the One who is full of grace and TRUTH. It is this distinguishing attribute that makes the Bible stand forth as the objective basis of true faith. It is for this reason that God has miraculously designed it, preserved it, and confirmed it , so that all can truly, honestly see and grasp the Divine, that which is of heaven.
Why did God say to Joshua, “…This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein?” (Joshua 1:8) It is because God’s word is the indispensable truth revelation of God , and takes precedence over all the thoughts, philosophies, and imaginations, of man. “For My thoughts are NOT your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” saith the Lord.” (Is. 55:8) Herein is the great divide, the separation between that which is of God and that which is of man. The difference….one is from heaven. The other is from the heart and mind of sinful, fallen man. There are promises that come with the Word of God, promises of success, profitableness…the certainty that God is IN His word, and that He will use that word to accomplish His purposes. “So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but is SHALL ACCOMPLISH that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Is. 55:11) God works ACCORDING to His word, and through His declared word.
How many people have picked up a Gideon Bible which was placed in a hotel, read a portion of it, and come to a saving knowledge of Christ? How is this so? Paul writes, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom. 10:17) It is as God takes the inspired objective words of the Bible, and speaks to our hearts, that faith is born. It is true that God speaks to us through His creation. But the shortest path to know Him is through the written word, believing Him to speak. “Speak and make me listen, Thou Guardian of my soul.”
One of the greatest blessings of our lives is the wonderful knowledge and conviction, that God is speaking to us through His word…and He will always ACT according to what He declares. The one who “delights in the law of the Lord, …and meditates in it day and night,” shall be like a tree…bearing fruit, and “whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Ps. 1:3) Why? Because God speaks through His word to the heart, and this, to create faith. O Father, give us a hunger and thirst after Thee, and the purpose to seek Thee, and find Thee in Thy word.
Love, Dad