Topical Bible: Word of God: Called: Word of Life

◄ Word of God: Called: Word of Life ►

Jump to: Nave's • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Word of Life" is a profound designation for the Word of God, emphasizing its vital and life-giving nature. This concept is rooted in the Christian understanding of Scripture as not merely a collection of writings but as the living and active communication of God to humanity. The "Word of Life" is a title that underscores the transformative power of God's Word, which brings spiritual life and renewal to those who receive it.

Biblical Foundation

The phrase "Word of Life" is prominently found in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle John. In 1 John 1:1 , John writes, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of life." Here, John testifies to the tangible reality of the Word, which he and the other apostles experienced firsthand. This passage highlights the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the living Word, who embodies the message of life.

The Gospel of John further elaborates on this concept. In John 1:1-4 , it is written, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men." This passage identifies Jesus as the divine Logos, the preexistent Word through whom all creation came into being. The life inherent in the Word is the source of spiritual illumination for humanity.

The Life-Giving Nature of the Word

The Word of God, as the "Word of Life," is not only a reference to Jesus Christ but also to the Scriptures that testify about Him. The Bible is described as living and active, capable of penetrating the human heart and spirit. 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 dynamic quality of the Word underscores its role in bringing spiritual vitality and discernment.

The life-giving power of the Word is also evident in its ability to bring about spiritual rebirth. In 1 Peter 1:23 , believers are reminded, "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." The Word is the seed that, when received in faith, germinates and produces new life in the believer.

Practical Implications

For Christians, the "Word of Life" is central to their faith and practice. It is through engagement with the Scriptures that believers encounter the living Christ and are nourished spiritually. The Word serves as a guide, providing wisdom and direction for daily living. Psalm 119:105 affirms, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Moreover, the Word of Life is a source of hope and assurance. In Philippians 2:16 , Paul exhorts the believers to hold fast to the word of life, "as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain." This holding forth of the Word is both a personal commitment and a communal witness, reflecting the transformative impact of the Word on individuals and the church as a whole.

In summary, the "Word of Life" is a multifaceted term that encapsulates the essence of God's communication to humanity through Jesus Christ and the Scriptures. It is a source of spiritual life, guidance, and hope, central to the Christian faith and experience.

Nave's Topical Index

Philippians 2:16
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

1985. episkopos -- a superintendent, an overseer
... an end-marker concluding a race) -- properly, an ; a man called by God to literally ...
Word Origin from epi and skopos Definition a superintendent, an overseer ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1985.htm - 8k

Library

The Word as a Means of Grace
... went everywhere preaching the Word." The Church called and sent ... be sent?" 1 Corinthians
1:21: "It pleased God by the ... by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xvii the word as.htm

Exhortation to Abandon the Impious Mysteries of Idolatry for the ...
... of old, and worthy of power, he has been called by me ... God) and of our well-being,
this very Word has now appeared as man, He alone being both, both God and man ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter i exhortation to abandon the.htm

The Corruption of Man, his Conversion to God, and the Manner ...
... For God has most earnestly and truly declared in His Word what is acceptable
to Him, namely, that those who are called should come unto Him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/synod of dort/the corruption of man his.htm

Prayer and God's Work
... becometh holiness, teaching the young women by word and life ... it that in order to
have so-called revivals, we ... spiritual, holy and in communion with God, that he ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/vii prayer and gods work.htm

A Manifestation of God in Answer to Prayer
... word." The Christians wanted to hear God's Word declared with ... recognized that the
apostles were the servants of God. ... the apostles to be the called servants of ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 7 a manifestation of.htm

Origen's Commentary on the Gospel of John
... Christ. The Word of God is Not a Mere Attribute of God, But a Separate Person.
What is Meant When He is Called the Word. 24. Christ ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/

The Speaking Voice
... It is the nature of God to speak. The second Person of the Holy Trinity is called
the Word. The Bible is the inevitable outcome of God's continuous speech. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tozer/the pursuit of god/vi the speaking voice.htm

Creation and the Fall
... The presence and love of the Word had called them into being; inevitably, therefore
when they lost the knowledge of God, they lost existence with it ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 1 creation and the.htm

The Preparatory Service; Sometimes Called the Confessional Service ...
... This is the closing part of the preparatory service, which is called Confession
and Absolution. ... It is the Word of God, that still remits and retains, that ...
/.../chapter xvi the preparatory service.htm

The Entrance to the Life of Full Obedience
... The king dared count upon men who held their life not dear to them when the
king's word called for it. It is such obedience God wants. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/the school of obedience/v the entrance to the.htm