The Bible is the most powerful book ever written. It is the very voice of God for us to hear; the very words of God for us to learn. Consider the magnificent description of the Bible in Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Unlike all other books (authored by humans) the Bible (authored by God) is an active entity. It “does things.” It accomplishes certain purposes that God has directed:
1. We Are Born Again by the Word
“Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” James 1:18
The Word of God is the “birthing” agent in salvation. Jesus said, “Ye must be born again.” That is done with the Word of God; it leads us to the truth of the Gospel that brings salvation.
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23
2. We Are Cleansed by the Word
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” Psalm 119:9
Reading, hearing, and obeying the Word leads to a daily confession of sin. The repeated application of the Word on believers (and on the church) is a cleaning (purifying) agent to keep us clean from the blemishes of sinful behavior.
“That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.” Ephesians 5:26
3. We Are Matured by the Word
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
The Word is more to us than just instructions. It is the nutrition that fuels our life in Christ. It brings us the “joy and rejoicing” of living more and more like Jesus. Growing in the Lord develops our appetite for the Word. This appetite will grow to a craving for the Word.
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” 1 Peter 2:2
4. We Are Sanctified by the Word
“For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” 1 Timothy 4:5
Sanctified means “set apart for God’s use.” That is what every believer is supposed to be. We are not our own—we are purchased by the blood of Jesus. Sanctification expressed in our life is an on-going process. We are to be perpetually becoming more like Christ. This is accomplished by the Word of God changing us from what we are to what He wants us to be. Jesus prayed for us in John 17:17 saying, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
5. We Are Enlightened by the Word
“The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” Psalm 19:8
We are living in dark days. There is a palpable darkness looming around us morally, ethically, and spiritually. The darkness eminates from the deception and errors propogated by the devil and consumed by a sin cursed human race. God’s Word (in its divine purity) provides spiritual light and clarity of understanding. It is the holy beacon of absolute truth. Our pathway is illuminated by the wisdom of God found in the pages of the Bible. Truth shines brightest in the darkness of lies and deception.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105
6. We Are Kept by the Word
“Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalm 17:4
God’s Word warns us about the paths of sin. We make choices every day between right and wrong—what the Bible calls righteousness and wickedness. The Bible presents the contrast as being a choice between obedience to God or sin. Satan is always luring us to the wrong things. By immersing ourselves in the Word of God we are equipped to identify the lies of Satan and make the right choices. Following the principles and examples in Scripture will help protect us from Satan’s temptations.
“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11
The Bible is a “productive” entity; it executes desired objectives. It accomplishes good things in our lives when we read it, learn it, and commit to heeding it. The Bible should never be viewed as a book to outline our religion. No! It is the Book to nourish, equip, and guide us through every aspect of our lives.
“For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:” Proverbs 6:23
