SOUNDING OUT:
Whose Word?

  Without question the Bible is the most important and influential book in the history of the world. That is because it is the Word of God. The recognition that the Bible is the Word of God is vital if one is to establish and enjoy a relationship with its Author.

  The Psalmist declared, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11) Jesus calling on the Word for the same purpose repelled the devil’s attack boldly and emphatically saying, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4b) Paul praised the Thessalonian believers because they too recognized whose Word Paul spoke, saying, “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” (I Thessalonians 2:13

  A vital key to the effectual working of the Word is understanding and believing Whose Word it is. If it’s God’s Word then He will bring it to pass. If it is the word of men then it is no more special than any other word of man. Although God employed men in conveying His Word and will to His people, the ultimate source of the divine document is Almighty God, Himself.

  Although men spoke the Word of God, they knew it did not originate with themselves. Paul reminded Timothy that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (II Timothy 3:16a) David said, “The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.” (2 Samuel 23:2) Jesus confirmed that David got his information from God and spoke by the spirit in Acts 1:16. Paul said that when he and the other apostles spoke they spoke “not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth…..” (1 Corinthians 2:13) Paul specifically stated he got it by revelation. (Galatians 1:12) Peter also recognized that “holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (II Peter 1:21)

  The Bible also states in various places that God is not a man that He should lie. We can absolutely count on the Word of God because it is God’s Word. Recognizing that simple aspect of the truth encourages believing and allows God to work effectually in our lives.