W.H.T. writes us as follows:
On page 271 of “Scripture Truth” I notice the phrase, “the Bible, the word of God,” and again on page 286 the term “The word of God” is apparently applied to the Bible.
1. Am I right in saying that the “Word of God” is a title of dignity and glory applied to the Lord Jesus, and that it is this adorable Person spoken of in the following (amongst others) scriptures: — John 1: 1; Hebrews 4:1212For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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. (Hebrews 4:12) and 13; Hebrews 11:33Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3); Revelation 1:22Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. (Revelation 1:2) and 9; Revelation 6:99And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: (Revelation 6:9); Revelation 20:44And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4)?
2. Is there any scriptural authority for calling the Holy Scriptures or any part thereof the “Word of God”?
3. What do people mean by the term when they apply it to the Scriptures?
4. Assuming the title belongs to the Lord Jesus alone, would it not be in some degree derogatory to Him to apply it to the Scriptures as well?
We hold the Bible to be the very word of God; in it is communicated to men in human language the whole truth as to God, as He has been pleased to reveal Himself, and blessed indeed are they who have ears to hear.
In the case of the words of the Lord this will not be questioned, for we read, “He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God,” and again, “I have given unto them the words which Thou gavest me” (John 3:3434For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. (John 3:34) and 17:8).
When we come to the testimony of the apostles we find that their words were not the words of man’s wisdom, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth (1 Cor. 2:1313Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (1 Corinthians 2:13)), and what they wrote was the commandments of the Lord (14:37).
In the Old Testament we have the “Thus saith the Lord” of Moses and the prophets, and the Lord spoke of the written commandments of Moses as “the word of God” (Mark 7:1313Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. (Mark 7:13)); and the prophecies are distinctly said to be the words of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:1616Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. (Acts 1:16); Heb. 3:7; 4:77Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, (Hebrews 3:7)
7Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. (Hebrews 4:7), &c.).
There are, then, the distinct and direct words of God, which come under the head of revelation, and there is also the record of the lives and sayings of men, which were given by inspiration of God; but these latter are not merely historical writings, like the uninspired writings of men, and they cannot be judged by the same standard; but in them God makes known His ways with men, and therein is made manifest for our learning, what men are as departed from God, and what God is in His mercy and justice, His grace and righteousness towards men. The Old and New Testaments are both needed for this, and that we might have them “holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:2121For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:21)), and every scripture is God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:1616All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16)), and so we rightly speak of the Bible as the word of God.
The expression the “word of God” occurs about forty times in the New Testament, and in most instances describes God’s testimony as to the Lord Jesus Christ, in Whom is the whole revelation of the truth of God; this was committed to His servants, this they preached and for it they suffered gladly. This is all contained in the Scripture.
Several of the passages quoted in your letter do not refer to the Lord personally, but to this testimony of God. Revelation 1:22Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. (Revelation 1:2) and 9 relates to that which is going forth in this present day of Grace; and Revelation 6:9; 20:49And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: (Revelation 6:9)
4And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4) to that which will go forth during the interval following the rapture of the Church and the coming of the Lord to His Kingdom.
Revelation 19:1313And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. (Revelation 19:13) presents the Lord personally as the One in and through whom God’s righteous judgment is displayed in the overthrow of all that is opposed to God.
John 1:11In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) stands alone. “The Word” occurs there as a title of Deity which none but the Son could claim; He is the full and perfect expression of all that God is, whether in creation, redemption or judgment. He could not be this were He not God, for only One who is Himself God can make God known to men; but the Word, who was in the beginning, who was with God and was God, was made flesh and dwelt among us for this purpose.