How can Jesus and the Bible both be the Word of God?

Answer

The term “word of God” is frequently mentioned in the Bible and can carry a slightly different significance depending on the context and the specific Hebrew or Greek term used. In John 1:1-2, it is stated, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” In this passage, “Word” is a title for the Lord Jesus. The term translated as “Word” is logos, which essentially means “the expression of a thought.” Logos can be understood as the complete message of God to humanity (Acts 11:1;1 Thessalonians 2:13). Jesus embodies that entire message, which is why He is referred to as the “Logos” or “Word” of God (Colossians 1:19;Colossians 2:9).

The term Logos is also commonly used when describing the written message of God (John 17:17;1 Timothy 4:5;Revelation 1:2;Colossians 1:25). Hebrews 4:12 affirms, “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.” Jesus established a connection between the written Word of God and Himself, as He is the focal point of the written Word: “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me” « Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. », (John 5:39).

Another Greek term used for “word” is rhema. Rhema pertains to the actual spoken or written words of God «and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers ofIn the world to come, (Hebrews 6:5). When Jesus was being tempted by Satan, He answered, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word [rhema] that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). We are told in Ephesians 6:17 to “take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word [rhema] of God.” Jesus demonstrated we need the actual recorded words of God to overcome Satan’s attacks.

The phrase “word of God” means more than the printed words on a page. God is a communicator and has been speaking into the human realm since the beginning. He speaks through His creation (Psalm 19:1), through ancient prophets (Hosea 12:10;Hebrews 1:1), through the Holy Spirit (John 16:13;Acts 16:6), through Scripture (Hebrews 4:12), and through the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ John 14:9, we can enhance our understanding of God by actively listening to His various forms of communication.