God's Precious Word

      Mankind has truly been blessed by God with the gift of His precious word. Our appreciation for the Scriptures should be expressed as we daily study God's word. The people of Berea demonstrated the attitude which should be possessed by every Christian, in that "they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11) Our personal Bible study should produce a sincere desire for obedience. (Romans 1:5) It matters not how smart a man may become he is still ignorant if he does not know and obey the word of God. We never outgrow our need for God and His revelation. What a mistake people make by not knowing the Scriptures or the power of God. "Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." (Matthew 22:29)

      God's word is precious because it is the world's greatest book. There are many reasons why the Bible is the world’s greatest book. The Bible is not just another book. The Bible is God's truth. "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17) The Bible is the timeliest and most useful book ever penned. It tells man how to live on earth and how to go to heaven when he dies. There have been many people who have been opposed to the Bible. The foes of the precious word of God have come and gone but the Bible still remains the best seller from year to year. Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. (Matthew 24:35) 

      God's word is precious because it is given by inspiration. The very words of the Bible were given by God. We can read and believe the Bible without having to fear that any part of it is untrue or uninspired. Peter said, "...holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:21) God empowered holy men to write this book we know as the Bible. Paul taught the same truth about the inspired scriptures. He said, "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 Timothy 3:16-17) The apostles and prophets delivered the message they had re­ceived from God. Do not doubt God's word. Believe and obey His truth.

      God's word is precious because it is complete without any addition or subtraction. Many add to and take away from God's word. God warned against such tampering with His truth. Through the apostle John He said, "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Revelation 22:18-19) By inspiration of God Paul also gave warnings against changing God's precious word. "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9) Dealing with the word of God is a serious matter because heaven and hell are involved. A false gospel leads to condemnation instead of salvation!

      God's word is precious because it is God's powerful salvation message. God's truth has the power to save all who will believe and obey it. Paul said, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." (Romans 1:16) If one is to be made free from sin, he must know the truth because it is the truth which makes you free. "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32) Not only will the truth save a soul, but it will keep him in the pathway of righteousness. This great truth is taught in the powerful 19th Psalm. The Psalmist said, "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward." (Psalm 19:7-11)

      God's word is precious and it must be obeyed. We read, "Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:14) The Bible is a book for all purposes. It provides comfort for one in sorrow; encouragement for one who is in despair;  it provides strength for one who is weak and gives hope to the one who is lost. The Bible can meet our every need. God's precious word also has an answer to all our religious questions. The scriptures tell us how to live and how to die. They show us where man came from, his purpose for being here, and where he is going when he dies. The Bible is man's roadmap from earth to heaven. It is this same word which will judge us in the last day. "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." (John 12:48) We should believe the word of God and make it our daily companion. God's precious word should be obeyed and we should allow it govern our lives.

      The Bible tells man how to be saved. Salvation comes only to those who believe. If you are to be saved you MUST BELIEVE in Jesus. Jesus claims to be the Son of God; the only religious authority of God on earth. (Matthew 28:18) He said, "I am the Way, and the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father but by me." (John 14:6) Without faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6)

      Those who are saved MUST REPENT of all sins. The scriptures teach that repentance is necessary for all people. (Acts 17:30) Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of action. One who would follow Jesus must get out of the sinning business. It will be clear to all those who know him, that he is now different. (Matthew 3: 8)

      Those who are saved MUST CONFESS the name of Christ. People who believe in Jesus and have repented of their sins will be asked to confess publicly the name of Christ. (Romans 10:9-10) Then, with this accomplished, a person is ready to be baptized into Christ.