We must respect things that have great power. For example, those who work with electricity learn to be very careful. Electric hazards cause more than 4,000 injuries and more than 300 deaths in the workplace each year. Nearly 800 people die from household electrocutions each year. Those who want to work with or around electricity must have great respect for its power.
As Christians, we must learn to respect the power of God’s word. The spoken word of deity has awesome power. God spoke the physical universe into existence. “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth… Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast” (Ps. 33:6, 8-9). Notice: the natural response to God’s creative power is to “fear” and “stand in awe” of Him.
The spoken words of Jesus had amazing power. The Centurion’s servant was healed at the Lord’s word (Matt. 8:7-13). The physical elements obeyed His voice (Mark 4:38-41). Lazarus rose from his grave at the Lord’s command to “come forth” (John 11:43-44).
Were we living then, we would have marveled along with the rest of the witnesses of this great power. However, we must realize that God’s written word is just as powerful.
The Written Word is Sufficient. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). What other book is needed if all Scripture makes us complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work? God’s written word may not answer every possible question we have (Deut. 29:29), but it gives us everything we need. God’s word saves the lost (Rom. 1:16), provides guidance for our lives (Ps. 119:105), and gives us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). God’s written word has the power to get the job done.
The sufficiency of the written word is seen in the repeated warnings against adding to or taking away from the Scriptures. “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you” (Deut. 4:2; c.f. Prov. 30:5-6; Rev. 22:18-19). We must have respect for the sufficiency of the written word.
The Written Word is Relevant. Some reject the Bible as an outdated book of myths and stories. It may have served a purpose when man was ignorant of the workings of the universe, but we have grown in our knowledge and we need something modern to guide our lives.
The needs of man have not changed. The questions, struggles, and problems of mankind are universal – transcending time and culture. If people would take the time to read the Bible, they would discover that it addresses and offers solutions to problems we are facing today. The Bible may not give the answers people want, but it gives the answers we need.
The Written Word is Punitive. Not only does the Bible draw lines between right and wrong, but it also states the consequences for doing wrong.
It is possible to violate man’s laws without paying a penalty. We can walk away free if we don’t get caught or convicted. However, God’s law can’t be broken without consequences. It doesn’t matter whether we break the law through ignorance or willful rebellion, there is a price to pay. How do we know this is true? There are immediate consequences to breaking God’s natural laws. Whether we are careless, foolish, or just in the wrong place at the wrong time, we can easily do things that result in injury or death. This is why good parents diligently teach their children about the dangers around them. “Don’t play in the street!” “Don’t pet stray dogs!” “Don’t stick things in electrical outlets!” Nature doesn’t show mercy.
Are we as diligent to warn our children about violating God’s written word? Although they are not immediate, there are severe consequences to breaking God’s moral and righteous laws. Adam and Eve were driven from the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:24). Nadab and Abihu were consumed by God’s fire (Lev. 10:1-2). Uzza was struck dead for touching the ark (1 Chron. 13:7-10). King Uzziah became a leper for taking on the role of a priest (2 Chron. 26:16-21). The children of Israel perished in the wilderness (1 Cor. 10:1-10). Why? “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come” (v. 11). These events serve as warnings to us. There are severe consequences to violating God’s written word.
Jesus promised, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him - the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). Our eternal fate depends on the choices we make regarding God’s written word. We must learn to respect its power.