Ch 2 - The Word of God

(This is one post of a large series where I will copy down the key points of each chapter as I read through Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology. I will be copying many lines word-for-word and also shortening and summarizing some points in my own words. I hope that this can be useful for others as a quick reference but it is not meant to in any way substitute the personal study and investigation of the Bible and these important topics.)

What are the different forms of the Word of God?

A. The Word of God as a Person: Jesus Christ

The Son of God is sometimes referred to as "the Word of God"

Revelation 19:13

John 1:1

John 1:14

While this usage is not common, it does indicate that among the members of the Trinity it is especially God the Son who in his person as well as in his words has the role of communicating the character of God to us and of expressing the will of God for us.

B."The Word of God" as Speech by God

1. God's Decrees.

A decree of God is a word of God that causes something to happen.

Creation is best example. Genesis 1:3, Genesis 1:24

Psalm 33:6

Not only the original creation but also the continuing existence of all things, for Hebrews 1:3 tells us that Christ is continually "upholding the universe by his word of power."

2. God's Words of Personal Address.

Sometimes God communicates with people on earth by speaking directly to them.

Examples: To Adam - Genesis 2:16-17, Genesis 3:16-19; In Giving Ten Commandments - Exodus 20:1-3; At Jesus' Baptism- Matthew 3:17

In these and others, it was clear to the hearers that these were the actual words of God; they were hearing God's very voice, and they were therefore hearing words that had absolute divine authority and that were absolutely trustworthy.

Actual words of God and also "human" words in that they are spoken in ordinary human language that is immediately understandable. But that does not limit their divine character or authority in any way.

3. God's Words as Speech Through Human Lips.

Frequently in Scripture God raises up prophets through who he speaks.

Although these are human words, spoken in ordinary human language by ordinary human beings, the authority and truthfulness of these words is in no way diminished: they are still completely God's words as well.

Examples: Deuteronomy 18:18-20 to Moses; to Jeremiah - "Then the Lord put forth his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, 'Behold, I have put my words in your mouth' " (Jer. 1:9); Also, God tells Jeremiah, "Whatever I command you you shall speak" (Jer. 1:7)

See Also: Ex. 4:12, Num. 22:38, 1 Sam. 15:3, 18, 23; 1 Kings 20:36; 2 Chron. 20:20; 2 Chron. 25:15-16, Isa. 30:12-14; Jer. 6:10-12; Jer. 36:29-31

Anyone who claimed to be speaking for the Lord but who had not received a message from him was severely punished - Ezekiel 13:1-7; Deut. 18:20-22

4. God's Words in Written Form (the Bible).

We find in Scripture several instances where God's words were put in written form.

First - Two tablets of stone on which were written the Ten Commandments.

Exodus 31:18

Exodus 32:16

Exodus 34:1

Further writing was done by Moses (Deut. 31:9-13) and Joshua (Joshua 24:26). God commanded Isaiah, "And now, go write it before them on a tablet, and inscribe it in a book, that it may be for the time to come as a witness for ever" (Isa. 30:8). Also God told Jeremiah, "Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you" (Jer. 30:2).

Jesus promises his disciples that the Holy Spirit would bring to their remembrance the words which he, Jesus, had spoken (John 14:26; John 16:12-13).

Paul can say that the very words he writes to the Corinthians are "a command of the Lord" (1 Cor. 14:37; 2 Peter 3:2)

The reliability, permanence, and accessibility of the form in which God's words are preserved are all greatly enhanced when they are written down. Yet there is no indication that their authority or truthfulness is diminished.

C. The Focus of Our Study

The focus of this study is on the written form of God's Word, the Bible. This is the form that is available for study, for public inspection, for repeated examination, and as a basis for mutual discussion. It tells us about and points us to the Word of God as a person, Jesus Christ.

The Bible is the most profitable for us to study and it is what God commands us to study. (Psalm 1:1-2; Joshua 1:8)

It is the Word of God in the form of written Scriptures that is "God-breathed" and "useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16, NIV).

Do you think you would pay more attention if God spoke to you from heaven or through a prophet rather than through the written Scriptures? Would you believe or obey more readily and often? Do you think your present level of response to the written words of Scripture is an appropriate one? What can you do to improve your attitude toward Scripture?

Considering the many different ways and frequency that God speaks to us, it is an awesome privilege and gift he's given us, and it also demonstrates his delight in relationship with us.