Topical Bible: Scriptures: The Word of God

◄ Scriptures: The Word of God ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Scriptures, commonly referred to as the Word of God, hold a central place in Christian faith and practice. They are considered divinely inspired texts that reveal God's will, character, and plan for humanity. The Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments, is the primary source of these Scriptures.

Divine Inspiration and Authority

The concept of divine inspiration is foundational to understanding the Scriptures as the Word of God. According to 2 Timothy 3:16 , "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness." This verse underscores the belief that the Scriptures are not merely human writings but are breathed out by God, carrying His authority and truth.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the inspiration and interpretation of the Scriptures. In 2 Peter 1:20-21 , it is written, "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever brought about through human initiative, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." This passage highlights the Spirit's involvement in guiding the authors of the Bible, ensuring that their writings align with God's truth.

The Old Testament

The Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Scriptures, consists of the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. It begins with the creation narrative in Genesis and includes historical accounts, poetry, wisdom literature, and prophetic writings. Jesus Himself affirmed the authority of the Old Testament, stating in Matthew 5:17 , "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them."

The New Testament

The New Testament contains the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Epistles, and the Book of Revelation. It centers on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the early Church. The New Testament writings are seen as the fulfillment and continuation of the Old Testament promises. Hebrews 1:1-2 declares, "On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. But in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe."

The Power and Purpose of the Word

The Scriptures are described as living and active, with the power to transform lives. Hebrews 4:12 states, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart." This verse emphasizes the penetrating and discerning nature of God's Word, capable of reaching the deepest parts of human existence.

The Role of Scripture in the Believer's Life

For believers, the Scriptures serve as a guide for faith and conduct. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." This metaphor illustrates the guiding and illuminating role of the Scriptures in navigating life's journey. Additionally, the Word of God is essential for spiritual growth and maturity, as noted in 1 Peter 2:2 : "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation."

The Eternal Nature of the Word

The Scriptures are seen as eternal and unchanging, reflecting the nature of God Himself. Isaiah 40:8 affirms, "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." This enduring quality assures believers of the reliability and permanence of God's promises and commands.

In summary, the Scriptures, as the Word of God, are central to the Christian faith, providing divine revelation, guidance, and authority for believers throughout the ages.

Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 30:2
Thus speaks the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write you all the words that I have spoken to you in a book.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

1321. didasko -- to teach
... In the NT, 1321 ("teach") nearly always refers to teaching the Scriptures
(the written Word of God). The key role of Scripture is ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1321.htm - 9k

2315. theopneustos -- God-breathed, ie inspired by God
... expresses the sacred nature of the Scriptures (their divine origin ... that of speech
(every inflected word-form, "reflex ... 2315 () is better rendered ' by God' as the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2315.htm - 8k

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... what a mistake to take our belief in God and call ... Christ, the living word, is our
sufficiency ... On the distinction between (belief), and in the Scriptures see Js ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

3547. nomodidaskalos -- a teacher of the law
... learned (scholarly) in the Hebrew Scriptures (OT), they had ... a highly accomplished
teacher of God's law, ie ... Word Origin from nomos and didaskalos Definition a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3547.htm - 8k

Library

On the Rule of Religion, the Word of God, and the Scriptures in ...
... DISPUTATION V ON THE RULE OF RELIGION, THE WORD OF GOD, AND THE SCRIPTURES
IN PARTICULAR. As religion is the duty of man towards ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation v on the rule.htm

How Does it Appear that the Scriptures are the Word of God?
... Question 4: How does it appear that the Scriptures are the Word of God?
Answer: The Scriptures manifest themselves to be the Word ...
/.../anonymous/the westminster larger catechism/question 4 0 how does it.htm

Of the Scriptures
... word of God,"for he is the very substance of the written and preached word. And
then he is the certainty and assurance of it, the Scriptures testify of him ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture v of the scriptures.htm

Jesus Christ was not a Mere Man, Begotten from Joseph in the ...
... beyond all men who ever lived, God, and Lord ... and King Eternal, and the Incarnate
Word, proclaimed by ... Now, the Scriptures would not have testified these things ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xix jesus christ was not.htm

The Revelations of God.
... gauging everything by the senses, and by reason, not by faith the only true standard;
and that when you read the word of God in the sacred Scriptures with the ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/section iv the revelations of god.htm

On the Authority and Certainty of the Holy Scriptures
... The authority of the word of God, which is comprised in the Scriptures of the Old
and New Testament, lies both in the veracity of the whole narration, and of ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation vi on the authority.htm

Introduction
... But the general neglect of the Bible verifies the Scriptures and affords ... is treated
demonstrates that human nature is exactly what God's Word represents it to ...
/.../pink/the divine inspiration of the bible/introduction.htm

How the Valentinians Pervert the Scriptures to Support their Own ...
... some specimens of what they attempt to accommodate out of the Scriptures to their ...
was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God; the same ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter viii how the valentinians pervert.htm

Whosoever Confesses that one God is the Author of Both Testaments ...
... and [it consists in] reading [the word of God] without falsification, and a lawful
and diligent exposition in harmony with the Scriptures, both without danger ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxiii whosoever confesses that one.htm

Two Famous Versions of the Scriptures
... Must the little ones, therefore, grow up in ignorance of the Word of God? This was
impossible. Here in the heathen city of Alexandria the Scriptures would be ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter vii two famous versions.htm