The word of God
Heb. 4:12
Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
The word of God is
- Living
- Active
- Sharp
- Able to judge
1. The word of God is living
We also see the same argument in 1 Peter 1:23. It is living. The LORD Jesus also said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Mat. 24:35). The word of God is alive because God is alive.
2. The word of God is active
Isaiah 55:11 says, “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” The gospel saves us (Rom. 1:16-17), and the word of God works in the minds ofbelievers (1 Thes. 2:13). It builds us up, and give us the inheritance among all who are sanctified (Acts 20:32). It is something that cannot and should not be ignored.
3. The word of God is sharp
It is sharper than a two-edged sword. In other passages, it compares it with fire or hammer. Because it is sharp like a double-edged sword, it can pierce and divide the soul from spirit and joints from marrow. What this means is that, it can pierce even the hardest of hearts and can cut through the hardest minds.
4. The word of God knows the thoughts and intentions of the heart
We do not know what others think. We might also hide our sins today. But the word of God knows it all, even our intentions.
As such, when we hear the word of God, it works in us. When the people heard what Stephen had to say, they became enraged. When they heard Peter speak, they were cut to the heart and said, “What should we do?” (Acts 2:37).
What about you? Whatever you think, God knows. When the people asked what they should do, Peter answered, “Repent, and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). We should also live our lives according to God’s word.
