Topical Bible: The Scriptures are Called The: Word

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The term "Word" is a significant designation for the Scriptures within the Christian tradition, reflecting the belief that the Bible is the divine communication from God to humanity. This concept is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, where the Scriptures are revered as the authoritative and inspired Word of God.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, the "Word" often refers to the messages delivered by God through His prophets. These messages were considered the direct communication of God's will and purpose. For instance, in Isaiah 55:11 , it is written, "so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it." This passage underscores the power and effectiveness of God's Word, emphasizing its role in fulfilling divine intentions.

New Testament Usage

The New Testament further develops the concept of the "Word" by identifying it with Jesus Christ Himself. In John 1:1 , the apostle John writes, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Here, the "Word" (Greek: Logos) is not only the message of God but is personified in Jesus, who embodies the ultimate revelation of God to humanity.

The apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of the Scriptures as the Word of God. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 , he states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This passage highlights the divine inspiration of the Scriptures and their role in guiding believers in faith and practice.

The Word as Living and Active

The author of Hebrews describes the Word of God as "living and active" in Hebrews 4:12 : "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." This vivid imagery portrays the Word as dynamic and penetrating, capable of reaching the deepest parts of human existence and revealing truth.

The Word in the Life of Believers

For believers, the Word of God is central to spiritual growth and maturity. In Colossians 3:16 , Paul exhorts the church, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." This verse encourages Christians to immerse themselves in the Word, allowing it to shape their lives and communities.

The Word as a Source of Faith

The Scriptures, as the Word of God, are also foundational to the development of faith. Romans 10:17 declares, "Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." This passage underscores the role of the Word in bringing individuals to faith and sustaining them in their spiritual journey.

In summary, the designation of the Scriptures as the "Word" reflects their divine origin, authority, and transformative power in the lives of believers. Through the Word, God communicates His will, reveals His character, and invites humanity into a relationship with Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 1:21-23
Why lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 2:2
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Rule of Religion, the Word of God, and the Scriptures in ...
... so that we now have the infallible word of God in ... These Scriptures are contained
in those books of the ... and the New Testament which are called "canonical:" They ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation v on the rule.htm

Of the Scriptures
... performance, and therefore Christ may be called the truth ... the very substance of the
written and preached word. ... and assurance of it, the Scriptures testify of ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture v of the scriptures.htm

My Brother Eusebius Writes to Me That, when He was at a Meeting of ...
... a meeting of African bishops which had been called for certain ... that I had been led
to turn the Scriptures into Latin ... all of which there is not a word of truth. ...
/.../24 my brother eusebius writes.htm

On the Meanings and Interpretation of the Holy Scriptures
... the very same words in the Scriptures, of which ... From these meanings, that which is
called "the ethiological ... be so restricted, that, if the original word has any ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation ix on the meanings.htm

On the Holy Trinity
... Never to Be Equalled to the Divine Word, Not Even ... is Called Love, and Whether He
Alone is So Called. That the Holy Spirit is in the Scriptures Properly Called ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on the holy trinity/

The Word as a Means of Grace
... the other hand, the Word is called a "Word of wisdom;" also, Psalm 119:130: "The
entrance of thy Words giveth light;" 2 Timothy 3:15: The Scriptures are said ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xvii the word as.htm

Two Famous Versions of the Scriptures
... this made no difference; without the written Word of God ... although their Greek Bible
is still called the 'Septuagint'"that is, 'The Scriptures of the ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter vii two famous versions.htm

In what Sense Christ is [Called] Jacob, and Israel, and Son of Man ...
... by His grace out of the Scriptures, so that ... For [Christ] called one of His disciples"
previously known ... virgin and undefiled, having conceived the word of the ...
/.../chapter c in what sense christ.htm

The Divine Scriptures Compared to a Net.
... for when one is first captured by the Word or seems to ... whole texture of the net in
the Scriptures, and are ... and carry it to what is figuratively called the shore ...
/.../12 the divine scriptures compared.htm

"Hear the Word of the Lord, Ye Rulers of Sodom, Give Ear unto the ...
... because it is not received as God's word. There is a practical heresy in our hearts,
which rather may be called atheism"we do not believe the Scriptures. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon viii hear the word.htm