We find the Bible assuming itself to be the Word of God in the special terms that it uses to describe itself. In this blog series’ second installment, we consider three of these terms: the “Holy Scriptures”, the “Word of God”, and the “Word of the Lord”.
2. The Holy Scriptures
Twice we find the Bible called the “holy Scriptures.” Paul wrote to Timothy.
And how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15).
In this instance, Paul used the Greek word gramma to refer to the Scriptures.
Paul used the word gramma when he wrote to the church at Rome.
The gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures (Romans 1:2).
3. The Word of God
“The Word of God” is a title that is used in both Testaments to speak of the sacred writings. This expression emphasizes the nature of the Bible as the revelation of God in written form. In Matthew 15:6, this expression is used specifically of the Law of Moses. Jesus said.
So, for the sake of your tradition, you make void the word of God (Matthew 15:6).
In Mark 7:13, “the Word of God” is used of Moses’ command regarding honoring father and mother.
Thus making void the word of God through your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many things like this (Mark 7:13).
In John 10:35, Jesus used the phrase is used of the entire Old Testament.
If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came — and the Scripture cannot be broken — (John 10:35).
Finally, in Hebrews 4:12, the phrase “Word of God” is used of all Scripture. In this context it seems to refer to both testaments.
Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
4. The Word of the Lord
In various portions of the Bible, God’s Word is referred to as the “Word of the Lord.” Peter wrote.
For, “All flesh is like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever” (1 Peter 2:24,25).
Mathew says
March 16, 2012 at 5:01 amPraise the Lord! Wonderful! Paul says, ” I do not FRUSTRATE (pl. CHECK Gen.38:9 WEB. Excellent!) the grace of God , the word of God (Gal.2:21). Christ is not dead in vain for us. Hallelujah! Our God frustrates, disappoints the counsel of Ahithophels. Our God is the Wonderful Counselor!
Spring has sprung up and the lucid lesson that Spring finally teaches us is Isa.40:8. Lord, give us this day our daily word. Amen.
poor and needy one
Mathew
Debi C.--Portland, Oregon says
March 16, 2012 at 5:51 amI have always loved that scripture, Hebrews 4:12.
I have always loved reading, “Thus sayeth the Lord:” and things like that. I have always been fascinated with how the Word of God was put together not only by the pen, but by publishers and book binders. It is just fascinating to me that if it weren’t for William Tyndale, we would not have the Word of God in our present English language.
God has given me the gift of memorizing and reciting the whole book of Ephesians, I am up to chapter 4 in the book of James, and I am beginning to memorize the second letter to Timothy.
I count it a gift and a blessing to have God’s word in my heart, mind and on the tip of my tongue. Now, to always put those words into practice, and to have them part of the fabric of my character and personality. 🙂
Debi
Frank Zimmerman says
March 17, 2012 at 2:47 amThy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee, also let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Good job!! FZ
Frank Zimmerman says
March 17, 2012 at 2:49 amAlso, Warren Wiersbe always said that when the child of God looks into the word of God he sees the Son of God, then the child of God by the Spirit of God is transformed into the son of God for the Glory of God. SANTIFICATION. FZ
Mathew says
March 17, 2012 at 7:59 amYes, I remember listening to his gentle,simple teaching on Back to the Bible. Is he still alive?
It is an ongoing process. I like the river stones. I stop & stare at them to spot out one in my image. They say Time + Matter + Chance = Man. If that equation is true, I should have stumbled upon one, like me or you or at least a perfect sphere to play with by this time. I have ransacked the Columbia gorge, but I was busted, my vain search for a bust at least. It was a cruel blow.
But take one of them to a sculptor, the dance begins!
Once I was sitting by my classmate in a Lecture when he nudged me and handed me an amazing picture drawn with his long nail, a thumb-nail sketch. It was real me!
So be not deceived. It takes a Sculptor!
Scripture sculpts us fearfully and wonderfully. But fearful OR Wonderful depends on your decisions. It IS a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a living God (Heb.10:27, 31). Stay, dwell illuminated by the grace and glory of God.
Poor and needy one,
mathew
Dave says
March 16, 2012 at 6:23 amThe Devil is trying very hard to reduce God’s Word to a mere “take it or leave it” book, instead of the inspired written word of the Almighty God and His Son.
For me this is clearly typified by the “man of illegality” in 2 Thess 2 who is even now in the act of unseating the Lord and establishing himself in God’s place. This only happens in the lives and assemblies of those who don’t “love the truth”.
The Devil quotes scripture too (Matt 4) and he is “transformed into an angel of light. Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works” 2 Cor 11).
In this last hour, we should “search the scriptures daily” so that we cannot be deceived by mere manmade doctrines which are easily discerned and identified by those who love the Truth.
Linda says
March 16, 2012 at 6:50 amIn Mark 7:14, we also can be confused by traditions that have been passed down to us through the church. I used to attend a church that when the pastor died, his wife took over being the pastor. She would teach on the equality of the sexes. But after searching the scriptures I have not found where there were any women pastors in the early church. It doesn’t seem right to me,so I no longer attend that church.
Be careful to know the word, the Lord is coming soon.
Frank Zimmerman says
March 17, 2012 at 2:51 amYep, a woman biblically is not allowed by scripture to usurp authority over the man.FZ She can do many many things but not that. FZ
david m says
March 17, 2012 at 7:32 amyes, but if God sends someone out with His message, they should go and give that message regardless of their gender. For example, the samaritan woman that Jesus met at Jacob’s well.
Mathew says
March 16, 2012 at 8:37 amSister, be not deceived. You have only ONE life. Invest it for the truth. God has abolished the Dynastic Ministry and inaugurated the Dynamic Ministry. Please carefully read Hebrews. ” Wherefore come out from among them..2Cor.6:17. Also Rev.18:4. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling..(Phi.2:12). But hold the right tradition, Paul says 2Thes.2:15 & 3:6. God bless you. Grace and mercy be with you all.
Poor and needy one,
mathew
Mathew says
March 17, 2012 at 6:45 amDan.2:11 Only such can handle “the king’s matter”! …except the gods whose dwelling is not with flesh. The flesh/spirit duel! We have the cliche ‘Dare to be a Daniel’…but an excellent spirit was in him (Dan.6:3). Paul speaks of “approving things that are excellent, and also ” of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus My Lord.” Phi.1:10; 3:8. First APPROVE then APPREHEND. Interestingly, Mark 5 has a tomb dweller. In the Catholic college I studied, they had an organization Legion of Mary, by the way, Mary was one of the 120 that spoke in other tongues in the upper room Acts.1:14!!!), they allegedly pray for the dead and have rites at the tomb. So my question is whether he was a Catholic or has this story something to do with them? Help please. Help, Lord, you are a revealer of secrets.
Scripture cannot be broken, but I have to be broken into” fine flour ” for the offering, living sacrifice (Rom.12:1; 15:16). He is the Breaker (Micah.2:13) and his word is the HAMMER (Jer.23:29). But these days people are trying to hammer (Jer.50:23; Rev.18), wrest (2Pet.3:16) the HAMMER. It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks Acts.9:5. SCRIPTURE CANNOT BE BROKEN.
Lord, make me, break me, BREAK UP MY FALLOW (Jer.4:3), UNHOLY GROUND into ‘fine flour’ that I be an acceptable living sacrifice to thee. Amen.
poor and needy one,
mathew
Mathew says
March 17, 2012 at 9:00 amThese are SLEEPLESS TROUBLED times indeed. Enigmatic times. Frantic, feverish search for Green Solutions to kaleidoscopic crises. The world is at Daniel Chapter.2! Tell me the dream, I’ll give you the meaning. The meaning is TRUTH and the dream sure. Make no mistake, sure and certain, we are beset with problems galore, be it feminism, women’s liberation, liberation of Afghanistan, clean energy, green empowerment….endless. Endless maladies necessitate, endless GREEN solutions – The Ministry after the Power of an endless life (Heb.7:16). Jesus is the Green Tree (Luke.23:31) He is the Green pasture, in these days of severe drought(Ps.23). He is the Green bed (Song.1:16). He is, only he sells the Green oil to lube our creaking, squeaking wheels of life, history. The world is in Nebu’s predicament. It takes a purposed Daniel to quell the ills of the times. He is at the door, knocking (Rev.3:18-) Grace be with you all.
Poor and needy one,
mathew
steve morrow says
March 17, 2012 at 8:39 am1 Corinthians 15:34 Awake to RIGHTEOUSNESS and sin not for some have not the knowledge of GOD I speak this to your shame
Galatians 1:6 I marvel that you are so soon removed from HIM that called you into the grace of CHRIST unto another gospel
Galatians 1:7 Which is not another but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel of CHRIST
Galatians 1:8 But though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you let him be accursed
Galatians 1:9 As we said before so I now say again if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that you have received let him be accursed
Galatians 1:12 For I neither received it of man neither was I taught it but by the revelation of JESUS CHRIST
Loving the LORD JESUS CHRIST
Mathew says
March 17, 2012 at 9:29 amI have a sneaking suspicion that I found the CULPRIT “A N O T H E R ” on the front cover of a black, mormon book given to me by my mormon neighbor! Can you help me please?
The Hindu answer for the endless quest for the GOD PARTICLE, so to speak, is ” Neti, neti…”. I am told that this Sanskrit word means ‘not this’. Just pit the Biblical “BEHOLD”s alongside this and be jaw-fallen sooner than later! Hallelujah. Grace be with you all.
Poor and needy one,
mathew
steve morrow says
March 17, 2012 at 11:11 pmO LORD JESUS we come to you in prayer that the FATHER may hear us
help us LORD give us understanding and instruction and guidance
Is your message partial LORD
John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of HIM and declare unto you that GOD is light and in HIM is no darkness at all
Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them
Luke 4:4 And JESUS answered him saying it is written MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE BUT BY EVERY WORD OF GOD
Psalm 119:129 Thy testimonies are wonderful therefore doth my soul keep them
Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp and the law is light and reproofs of instruction are the way of life
Psalm 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness and thy law is truth
Proverbs 8:20 I lead in the way of righteousness in the midst of the paths of judgement
Proverbs 8:8 All the words of my mouth are righteousness there is nothing froward or perverse in them
Proverbs 8:7 For my mouth shall speak truth and wickedness is an abomination to MY lips
John 14:6 JESUS saith unto him I am the way the truth and the life no man cometh unto the FATHER but by ME
Psalm 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light it giveth understanding to the simple
John 8:12 Then spake JESUS again unto them saying I am the light of the world he that followeth ME shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life
O LORD GOD what is hypocrisy and being double minded
Does one who teaches that 1&2 Timothy and Titus are pastoral letters and then teaches parts of them are not valid are they not hypocrits are they not double minded
Matthew 15:7-9 You hypocrites well did Isaiah prophesy of you saying (8) THIS PEOPLE DRAWETH NIGH UNTO ME WITH THEIR MOUTH AND HONOR ME WITH THEIR LIPS BUT THEIR HEARTS ARE FAR FROM ME (9) BUT IN VAIN THEY DO WORSHIP ME TEACHING FOR DOCTRINES THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN
James 1:6&7 But let him ask in faith nothing wavering for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed (7) for let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the LORD
Is it double minded LORD for some to claim you as LORD and not do what you say HELP US LORD JESUS TO BE YOUR PEOPLE
Luke 6:46 And why call you ME LORD LORD and do not the things which I say
2 Samuel 22:28 And the afflicted people thou wilt save but thine eyes are on haughty that thou mayest bring them down
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall
Proverbs 15:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life but perverseness therein is a breach in spirit
1 Timothy 1:3&4 If any man teach otherwise and consent not to wholesome words even the words of our LORD JESUS CHRIST and to the doctrine which is according to godliness
(4) He is proud knowing nothing…….
Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil pride and arrogancy and the evil way and the froward mouth do I hate
Luke 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him saying dost not thou fear GOD seeing thou art in the same condemnation
Luke 12:4 And I say unto you MY friends be not afraid of them that kill the body and after that have no no more that they can do
Luke 12:5 But I will forewarn you whom you shall fear fear HIM which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell yea I say unto you fear HIM
Acts 5:9 Then Peter said unto her how is it that you have agreed together to tempt the spirit of the LORD behold the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door and shall carry thee out
1 Corinthians 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the LORDS body
1 Corinthians 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you and many sleep
2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of GOD
Loving the LORD JESUS
Mathew says
March 18, 2012 at 4:20 amThese are the times when people have neither fear of God nor regard for men. Like Ananias (gracious) and Sapphira (beautiful) or in spite of them, these people TEMPT the Lord, do the forbidden thing, they consent NOT to the wholesome (brand name) but hanker after the cheap generics. Agreement is a key factor ( Amos.3:3), even in Language! Yet they agree together to TEMPT the Spirit of truth and not to TRUST! For this cause they are weaklings, unskilled, sickly, impotent (cf. the only Potentate 1Tim.6:15) and many sleep the sleep of death (Ps.13:3), crucify again (JN.8:37)putting the Spirit of glory to an open shame (Heb.6:6). Sleeper cells, veritable spiritual suicide bombers( cf.1Tim.4:16). Neither WALL nor DOOR, (Song.8:8), hot nor cold – Lukewarm, I will spew thee..(Rev.3:16)
“Wherefore.. Awake. Arise. Shine Eph.5:14; let the Sun of Righteousness rise upon thee with HEALING (Mal.4:1-2),not shame and stink, but glory shall arise upon thee (Isa.60:1-2)
What meanest thou, O sleeper. arise ..(Jonah.1:6)
I have many, many dear ‘sisters’ in this state in front of me, behind me, on the right, left, Lord illumine their hearts this morning. Let the angel of the Lord open their prisons to ALL the words of this life for your glory. Amen
Poor and needy one,
mathew
Mathew says
March 18, 2012 at 5:11 amI like the UPS motto: ” SYNCHRONIZING THE WORLD OF COMMERCE” – spiritual commerce! Watch a video where there is no Sound – Lip synchronization. Hypocrites,serpentine forked tongues – double-tongued, divided hearts. Only the Holy Spirit, the spirit of grace can fill the Heart- Lip divide, vain worshippers.
Have you ever thought, wondered why, of the relevance of the CLOVEN tongues on the Day of Pentecost? The subtle serpent made us all hypocrites, made us double-tongued, double actors. But Jesus overcame Death by death. Same way He fused the two flickering filaments of our tongues with cloven tongues. He led Captivity captive. He, The Lion of the Tribe of Judah, caught & crushed the adversary, the prowling lion. Death IS devoured in victory. Hallelujah! Lord, make us men of One thing, ” this One thing I do..(Phi.3:13), we still need the Holy Ghost and fire to fuse our split personalities. This morning synchronize us, pour out the spirit without measure, deal out to every sister, to every divine messenger and quicken us again for your glory. Amen.
Poor and needy one,
mathew
Antonio Torres says
March 18, 2012 at 11:20 amThere is no doubt that the Word of God is described in many ways in the Holy Bible.
My favorites are the Purity of God’s Word as described in Psalms 12:6, 30:5, 119:140. Signifying the Word as undiluted, solid, clear, refined, one hundred percent flawless, real and alive.
Also Jesus references it in Luke 4:4 to fight off temptation and describes it as a necessity to have life and as a seed in Luke 8:11 to be planted in our hearts so that we can bear good fruit. More importantly Jesus indicates that not only are we to know it, but to do his Word Luke 8:21.
In Romans 10:17 Paul describes it as a builder of our faith in God by hearing the Word and in 1Timothy 4:5 the Word is used for sanctification 2Timothy 2:9 The Word is not Bound and brings us freedom and into life on earth and eternal life in heaven.
Most of all the beauty of God’s Word and its manifestation is described in John 1:1, 1:14 as Jesus himself, And the Word became Flesh. Substantiated by Revelation 19:13.
Those that are serious about God’s Word and are ready to die for it, God’s promise is found in Revelation 20:4, those that die for the Word of God reign with Christ a Thousand Years. Hallelujah Praise his Holy Name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich says
March 18, 2012 at 7:16 pmThy 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.
Rich says
March 18, 2012 at 7:17 pmNuff said!!!
Mathew says
March 18, 2012 at 8:09 pmNow is come salvation. We are in the war zone. Precariously progressing. And they overcame him by the blood ( THE BETTER, THE SPEAKING BLOOD! ) of the Lamb, and by the word…..; and they loved NOT their lives unto the death. To die is gain. Looking unto Jesus the Author & Finisher of our faith. Know, Reckon, Yield, Serve, Walk – walk circumspectly. We too can, YES WE CAN. Grace be with you all.
Poor and needy one,
mathew
steve morrow says
March 19, 2012 at 6:39 amHebrews 2:1 For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard so that we do not drift away from it
Hebrews 13:8 JESUS CHRIST the same yesterday and today and forever
James 4: Submit yourselves therefore to GOD resist the devil and he will flee from you
Psalm 34:11 Come you children listen to ME I will teach you the fear of the LORD
Deuteronomy 5:29 Oh that they had such a heart in them that they would fear ME and keep all MY commandments always that it may be well with them and with their sons forever
2 Chronicles 19:7 Now then let the fear of the LORD be upon you be very careful what you do for the LORD our GOD will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe
Acts 9:31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace being built up and going on in the fear of the LORD and in the comfort of the holy spirit and continued to increase
Isaiah 11:1-3 Then a shoot will spring up from the root of Jesse and a branch from his roots will bear fruit (2) the spirit of the LORD will rest on HIM the spirit of wisdom and understanding the spirit of counsel and strength the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD (3) and HE will delight in the fear of the LORD and HE will not judge by what HIS eyes see nor make a decision by what HIS ears hear also 4 & 5
Proverbs 1:29 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD (1:30) they would not accept MY counsel they spurned all MY reproof (1:31) so they shall eat of the fruit of their own way and be satiated with their own devices (1:32) for the waywardness of the naive will kill them and the complacency of fools will destroy them (1:33) but he who listens to ME shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil
Ephesians 5:21 And be subject to one another in the fear of CHRIST
Acts 13:26 Brethren sons of Abrahams family and those among you who fear GOD to us the message of this salvation has been sent
Bradlee says
April 10, 2012 at 10:40 pmYou say:
Finally, in Hebrews 4:12, the phrase “Word of God” is used of all Scripture. In this context it seems to refer to both testaments.
Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
The Word of God is Jesus Christ…
A book cannot judge your thoughts, excuse me, it’s a book only.
Jesus judges our thoughts, not some book on a shelf, please, open your eyes to the truth.
John 1:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Yet, at that time, excuse me, there was NO NEW TESTAMENT UNTIL 397 A.D.
Though collections of sacred writings, varying in extent, existed in the various local Churches of Christendom, the canon or official list of Scripture was only compiled by the Church toward the end of the fourth century—at Hippo in 393, Carthage in 397, whence it was sent to Rome for confirmation in 419. The Bible may be called the notebook of the Church, and she has always claimed to be the guardian, exponent, and interpreter of it. .