What exactly is the Word of God? We can answer this question by saying that the word of God is what God says. But how do we know He is speaking if we can’t see Him? The answer: “through faith”! It is through faith that we believe that the Bible is the word of God revealed to men. In the Letter to the Romans, the answer is given as follows: “But what does it say? ‘The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,’ that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim.” (Romans 10, 8) Let’s learn more about these words from God!
The Biblical books, both of the Old and New Testament, are attributed to different authors (Moses, King Solomon, the four Evangelists, Paul …), for believers, these were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. That is why all these writings constitute the word of God. But sometimes it is addressed even more directly to men through prophecies or heavenly messengers.
In the old covenant, the word of God was mainly heard by the prophets. They conveyed the divine messages to the kings and the nations for whom they had been established prophets. When they had to speak from God, they began their speeches with: “So sayeth the lord” to mark that what they said wasn’t coming from them, but that it was God speaking.
We can also see, as was the case with Gideon and Jacob, that God sends his word to men through angels. These angels make themselves visible to men and announce the word of God.
The words Jesus said did not come from himself but from the Heavenly Father who inspired them. Indeed, it is written: "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.” (John 1:18) He came to Earth to teach us about God and His kingdom so that those who believe could access it.
The prologue of The Gospel of John presents Jesus as the Word made flesh. Thus, the word of God is not simply the Bible and all that is written therein; it is Jesus, the perfect Son of God. This is why he claims that he is the truth, indeed, as the word of God, he is the perfect truth. Knowing the truth is the answer Jesus gives to get out of the slavery of sin.
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus declares, “(...) “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4). The word of God is therefore food for man. That is why Jesus said again in John 8 that He is the bread of life, that is to say that his body was really sustenance that ensures eternal life for anyone who eats it.
The Word is alive, the word is light. Jesus, in the New Testament, through his word, invites us to follow him. He is the long-awaited Christ, the savior and light of the world, the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, the good shepherd, … many times in the Scriptures, it is said that Jesus returns to remove his church; That is to say, all believers who will have believed and persevered in faith in him.
“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. (Proverbs 30:5)
“Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?” (Jeremiah 23:29)
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.” (John 6:63)
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)