Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Word of Christ" is a significant designation for the Scriptures, emphasizing the divine authority and the centrality of Jesus Christ in the Christian faith. This title underscores the belief that the teachings and revelations contained within the Bible are not merely human words but are inspired by Christ Himself, who is the living Word of God.
Biblical FoundationThe phrase "Word of Christ" is explicitly mentioned in
Colossians 3:16, where the Apostle Paul exhorts believers: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God" . This passage highlights the transformative power of Christ's word, encouraging believers to internalize and live out its teachings.
Christ as the Living WordThe concept of the "Word of Christ" is deeply rooted in the understanding of Jesus as the Logos, or the Word, as described in
John 1:1-14. Here, the Apostle John presents Christ as the pre-existent Word through whom all things were made and who became flesh to dwell among humanity. This foundational truth affirms that the Scriptures, as the Word of Christ, are a reflection of His eternal wisdom and purpose.
Authority and InspirationThe Scriptures, as the Word of Christ, carry divine authority. In
2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" . This passage affirms that the entirety of Scripture is inspired by God, with Christ as the ultimate source and authority.
Role in the Believer's LifeThe Word of Christ is central to the life of a believer, serving as a guide for faith and practice.
Hebrews 4:12 describes the word of God as "living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart" . This dynamic nature of the Word of Christ enables it to penetrate deeply into the human heart, bringing conviction, transformation, and spiritual growth.
Teaching and AdmonitionThe Word of Christ is also essential for teaching and admonition within the Christian community. As seen in
Colossians 3:16, believers are encouraged to use the Scriptures to instruct and encourage one another, fostering a community grounded in wisdom and gratitude. This communal aspect of the Word of Christ emphasizes its role in building up the body of Christ and promoting unity and maturity among believers.
ConclusionThe designation of the Scriptures as the "Word of Christ" highlights their divine origin, authority, and centrality in the Christian faith. As believers engage with the Word of Christ, they are invited into a deeper relationship with Jesus, the living Word, and are equipped to live out their faith in a manner that reflects His teachings and character.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
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 by the ... and undefiled, having conceived the word of the ...
/.../chapter c in what sense christ.htm
Moses Rightly Called a Divine Legislator, And, Though Inferior to ...
... Book I Chapter XXVI."Moses Rightly Called a Divine ... who have been caught by the Word,
is legislative ... in Moses, as shown from the Scriptures themselves, we may ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxvi moses rightly called a.htm
On the Person of the Father and the Son
... of the Son himself, which the word the" implies. ... On this account the Father is called
"unbegotten" and ... God is often attributed in the Scriptures peculiarly and ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 5 on the person.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
The Scriptures Reveal Eternal Life through Jesus Christ
... you would receive the testimony that the scriptures give of ... think you are wronged
when that is called in question ... though you know the truth of the word, yet the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture iv the scriptures reveal.htm
Jesus Christ was not a Mere Man, Begotten from Joseph in the ...
... For I have shown from the Scriptures, [3673] that ... is as to everything, and absolutely,
called God, or ... and King Eternal, and the Incarnate Word, proclaimed by ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xix jesus christ was not.htm
What the Scriptures Principally Teach: the Ruin and Recovery of ...
... him, as ordinarily the dialect of those called Antinomians is. ... fast even the very
words of the Scriptures and be ... like, to the casting off of the word of truth ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture vi what the scriptures.htm
The Word as a Means of Grace
... a "spirit of light." On the other hand, the Word is called a "Word of wisdom ... 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
The Treasure Hid in the Scriptures is Christ; the True Exposition ...
... the dead, proving to them from the Scriptures themselves "that ... taken ought of any
man's hand," he called the Lord ... are not as many, who corrupt the Word of God ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxvi the treasure hid in.htm
How the Word is the Maker of all Things, and Even the Holy Spirit ...
... a servant of Christ Jesus, a called Apostle, separated ... before by His prophets in
Holy Scriptures, concerning His ... His ministers, and having their word to speak ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/6 how the word is.htm
Resources
Where do the Hebrew Scriptures prophesy the death and resurrection of the Messiah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is sola scriptura? | GotQuestions.orgShould Catholic tradition have equal or greater authority than the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgScriptures: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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