We began last week to look at foundational Scriptures which deal with the importance of God's word, and our responsibility to it. Let us continue in this endeavour, with a view toward better serving God through a solid understanding and application of His word.

HEBREWS 4:12
"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

In the eyes of the uninformed, the word of God is a dead and outdated collection of writings. It is argued that a message delivered some 2000 years ago cannot possibly be relevent in today's society. The Hebrew writer, in contrast, tells us that the word is "...living and powerful..." It's message may be rejected by men, but it will never become obsolete. For those who come to the Scriptures are able to purify their souls "...in obeying the truth...having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever." (1 Peter 1:22-23)

As much as we do not like pain, it often serves as a warning signal. Without the sensation of pain, we could do great harm to our bodies without being aware (ie. what if you couldn't feel the burning of a hot stove?) In like manner, our spirits have the capacity to feel pain, which serves to warn us. The word of God is able to cut our heart, provoking us to action. In Acts 2:37, as Peter preached at Pentecost, we are told that the hearers "...were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Men and brethren, what shall we do?'" In Acts 7:54, after hearing Stephen's stern rebuke, the men of the Jewish council "...were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth," and proceeded to stone him. When the word of God cuts our heart, we will be roused to some form of action, either obedience or rebellion. It is our choice.

2 PETER 1:20-21
"...knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."

As we discussed in last week's article, the Scriptures declare to be the word of God. Paul wrote, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God..." (2 Timothy 3:16) It is 'God-breathed'. The apostle Peter further speaks to the inspiration of the Scriptures, telling us that it by no means came from man. When we read the words of Peter, they are not the thoughts of Peter, but rather the thoughts of God. When we read Paul's letters, the message is not from the mind of Paul, but from the mind of God.

Paul wrote, "And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." (1 Corinthians 2:4-5) Paul was not interested in people listening to his own thoughts and wisdom, but he wanted people to establish their faith upon God's wisdom, as revealed through His word. Again, Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "...as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.' But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual." (1 Corinthians 2:9-13)

By a close examination of the Scriptures, it is evident that the character of each writer came forth in the letters written. As I have a style of writing which is distinct from other writers, so it was with the Bible writers. And yet, the word did not come by "...private interpretation..." or "...by the will of man." The Spirit of God employed each man's personality as He "moved" them to speak the word of God.

The word of God is so wonderful! Through His word, God beckons us to return unto Him. By the apostles and prophets, He has revealed a message which will stir our spirits, either to salvation or damnation. May we respond to the will of God in faithful obedience, to the salvation of our souls.

More of Fundamental Scriptures next week.