What do we mean by “the Word of God”?
- The Word of God as a Person: Jesus Christ
- Revelation 19:13 – He is called “the Word of God.”
- John 1:1, 14 – The Word was with God, was God, and became flesh.
- The Word of God as Speech by God
a. God’s decrees- Genesis 1 – Creation by His spoken word.
- Psalm 33:6 – By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.
- Hebrews 1:3 – He upholds all things by the word of His power.
- Genesis 2:16–17 – God speaks directly to Adam.
- Exodus 20:1–3 – God speaks the Ten Commandments to Moses and the people.
- Matthew 3:17 – The Father’s voice at Jesus’ baptism: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
- God raises up prophets to speak for Him.
- They carry His authority (Deuteronomy 18:18–20).
- Jeremiah 1:9 – God puts His words in the prophet’s mouth.
- Exodus 31:18 – God Himself writes the tablets.
- Deuteronomy 31:9–13 – Moses writes the law and commands it to be read.
- Joshua 24:26 – Joshua adds words to the book of the law.
- John 14:26 – The Holy Spirit will remind the disciples of everything Jesus said (leading to the written Gospels and letters).
Focus of this study
- Written form is more reliable for handing down across generations than spoken form alone. Reliability increases; authority is neither greater nor less.
- The Bible is the practical center for discussion, study, and teaching.
- God can still speak today, but those words are not our primary source for doctrine or study, even when they are accurate.
- 2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.
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