Topical Encyclopedia The term "Word of God" holds profound significance within Christian theology, encompassing various dimensions of divine revelation and communication. It is understood as the means by which God reveals Himself to humanity, both through the written Scriptures and the living Word, Jesus Christ.1. The Written Word: Scripture The Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments, is regarded as the written Word of God. It is believed to be divinely inspired, authoritative, and infallible in matters of faith and practice. The Apostle Paul affirms this in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 : "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." The Scriptures serve as the primary source of divine revelation, providing guidance, instruction, and insight into God's character and will. 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 is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." 2. The Living Word: Jesus Christ In addition to the written Word, the term "Word of God" also refers to Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word. The Gospel of John introduces this concept, stating, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). This passage identifies Jesus as the eternal Word, who became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). Jesus, as the living Word, embodies the fullness of God's revelation. He is the ultimate expression of God's nature and purpose, providing a perfect example of obedience and love. Hebrews 1:1-2 emphasizes this, declaring, "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." 3. The Word in Creation and Revelation The Word of God is also associated with the act of creation and ongoing revelation. Genesis 1 records the creative power of God's Word, as He spoke the universe into existence. Psalm 33:6 echoes this, stating, "By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth." Furthermore, the Word of God continues to reveal divine truth and wisdom to believers through the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that the Spirit would guide His followers into all truth (John 16:13), ensuring that the Word remains active and relevant in the life of the Church. 4. The Role of the Word in the Believer's Life For believers, the Word of God is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. It serves as a source of nourishment, strength, and guidance. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," highlighting its role in directing the believer's journey. The Word also plays a crucial role in sanctification, as Jesus prayed for His disciples, "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth" (John 17:17). Through engagement with Scripture, believers are transformed and conformed to the image of Christ. In summary, the Word of God encompasses both the written Scriptures and the person of Jesus Christ, serving as the foundation of Christian faith and practice. It is through the Word that God reveals Himself, instructs His people, and accomplishes His purposes in the world. Topical Bible Verses Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Topicalbible.org 2 Timothy 3:16 1 Thessalonians 2:13 Ephesians 6:17 Revelation 22:19 John 5:39 Hebrews 6:5 Isaiah 34:16 2 Peter 3:16 Greek 2585. kapeleuo -- to make a trade of ... 2585 -- properly, to act as an unscrupulous merchant, ie "a " who profits by " the Word of God" for personal gain. 2585 ("peddler ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2585.htm - 6k 4396. prophetes -- a prophet (an interpreter or forth-teller of ... 1006. bosko -- to feed 2784. kerusso -- to be a herald, proclaim 2315. theopneustos -- God-breathed, ie inspired by God 1321. didasko -- to teach 2318. theosebes -- God-fearing 1682. eloi -- my God 5440. phulakterion -- an outpost, fortification, an amulet 3100. matheteuo -- to be a disciple, to make a disciple Strong's Hebrew 433. eloah -- God, god... Definition: God. Word Origin prol. from el Definition God, god NASB Word Usage God (50), god (6), God's (1). God, god. Probably prolonged ... /hebrew/433.htm - 6k 426. elah -- God, god 3068. Yhvh -- the proper name of the God of Israel 3050. Yah -- the name of the God of Israel 430. elohim -- God, god 410. el -- God, in pl. gods 447. Eliel -- "my God is God," the name of several Israelites 5943. Illay -- "highest," a name of God 511. Elqanah -- "God has created," or "God has taken possession ... 7417a. Rimmon -- a Syrian god Library "And the Word was with God, and the Word was God. " The Word of God How to Keep the Word of God in the Heart. For the Word of God which Saveth and Redeemeth... Prayer and the Word of God The Word of God is in all Things Equal to the Father, from whom it ... The Power of God's Word to Convict Men of Sin. Prayer and the Word of God (Continued) The Word of God in all Its Power. The Word of God. Resources What is the living Word? | GotQuestions.orgIs the Bible truly God's Word? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the Word of God will not return void? | GotQuestions.org Word: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Word of God: Called: Book of the Law Word of God: Called: Book of the Lord Word of God: Called: Good Word of God Word of God: Called: Holy Scriptures Word of God: Called: Law of the Lord Word of God: Called: Oracles of God Word of God: Called: Scriptures Word of God: Called: Scriptures of Truth Word of God: Called: Sword of the Spirit Word of God: Called: Word of Christ Word of God: Called: Word of God Word of God: Called: Word of Life Word of God: Called: Word of Truth Word of God: Compared: To a Two-Edged Sword Word of God: Compared: To Seed Word of God: Conviction of Sin from Reading Word of God: Fulfilled by Jesus Word of God: Not to be Added To, or Taken From Word of God: Not to be Handled Deceitfully Word of God: Searching of, Commanded Word of God: Taught by the Apostles Word of God: Texts of, to be Written on Door-Posts Word of God: The People Stood and Responded by Saying "Amen" Word of God: The Standard of the Judgment Word of God: To be Read Publicly Word of God: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Sanctification (13 Occurrences) Stumblingstone (2 Occurrences) Stumbling-stone (3 Occurrences) Stumbling-block (20 Occurrences) |