The Authority and Power of the Bible (Part 2)

Today’s reading is a continuation of Section 2 of the Lausanne Covenant - The Authority and Power of the Bible. Read Here.

We also affirm the power of God’s word to accomplish his purpose of salvation.

The Power of the Bible

Our human words can often be weak, easily forgotten, and have little real effect. But when God speaks, he acts. His Word always accomplishes his purpose (Isaiah 55:11). It is powerful. It was by his Word alone that God brought creation into being (Genesis 1:3; Psalm 33:6, 9).

What is true of creation is just as true of salvation. The gospel itself is ‘the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith’ (Romans 1:16). We cannot save ourselves by our own wisdom. Instead, it pleases God ‘through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe’ (1 Corinthians 1:21). This means that real spiritual transformation comes not through human skill but through God’s powerful Word at work.

This is not to say that we should separate the power of God’s Word from the power of God’s Spirit. The Holy Spirit uses the Word, speaking and acting through it (1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 1:5). Scripture itself uses rich metaphors for the power of the Word in the hand of the Spirit: the Word is like ‘fire’ and a ‘hammer’ that can break even the hardest heart (Jeremiah 23:29), a ‘sword’ that cuts to the deepest thoughts and intentions (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12), and ‘seed’ that brings new life when it is planted in receptive hearts (1 Peter 1:23; James 1:21).

Those of us who preach, teach, or share the gospel personally should be encouraged and continue to use Scripture faithfully and with humility.

Reflection:

Do you trust God’s Word to accomplish his purposes through you, even when your own words feel weak?

Prayer:

Lord, use your powerful Word through me. Let it bring life, convict hearts, and glorify your name.