Once the foundation – Christ the Rock – has been laid in our lives, we build on that foundation by hearing and doing the Word of God; diligently studying and applying in our lives the teaching of God’s Word. This is why Paul told the elders of the church at Ephesus:
“And now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up.” (Acts 20:32)
It is God’s Word, and God’s Word alone – as we hear it and do it, as we study it and apply it – that is able to build up within us a strong, secure edifice of faith, laid upon the foundation of Christ Himself.
This brings us to a subject of supreme importance in the Christian faith: the relationship between Christ and the Bible, and, hence, the relationship of each Christian to the Bible.
Throughout its pages the Bible declares itself to be the “Word of God.” On the other hand, in a number of passages the same title – “the Word” or “the Word of God” – is given to Jesus Christ Himself.
For example:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father (John 1:14).
“He [Christ] was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.” (Rev. 19:13)
This identity of name reveals an identity of nature. The Bible is the Word of God, and Christ is the Word of God. Each alike is a divine, authoritative, perfect revelation of God. Each agrees perfectly with the other. The Bible perfectly reveals Christ; Christ perfectly fulfils the Bible. The Bible is the written Word of God; Christ is the personal Word of God. Before His incarnation Christ was the eternal Word with the Father. In His incarnation Christ is the Word made flesh. The same Holy Spirit that reveals God through His written Word also reveals God in the Word made flesh, Jesus of Nazareth.
Lord Jesus, I realize that I am so happy with the revelation of You as my personal Lord and Saviour, but I ask you to give me much more love for Your Word, which is as powerful, saving and healing as Yourself; for You and Your Word are one Lord. Thank You for that! Amen.
