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Answer
The author of Hebrews informs readers that God’s Word is more than just a historical record of events and people: “For the word of God is living 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” «For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. », (Hebrews 4:12).
In this passage, the Word of God refers to His revelation in a general sense, meaning any method God uses to communicate with humans. Our primary exposure is through His written Word, the Bible. We learn in Scripture that the Word of God is alive and active—it not only lives but works. Let’s explore these two characteristics of God’s revelation to humankind.
The original Greek word translated here as “living” means “to have life” or “alive.” The Word of God is alive because God is a living God «Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. », (Hebrews 3:12). Jesus said, “The very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life” «It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. », (John 6:63, NLT). In the parable of the sower, Jesus compared God’s Word to seed (Matthew 13:1-23). Seed, like the Word, is a living organism that, when spread and planted in fertile soil, can grow and produce fruit.While soil, produces abundant life.
Christians are made alive spiritually and eternally because we are “born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God” «being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. », (1 Peter 1:23). Believers “enter God’s eternal rest” (receive God’s free gift of salvation by grace through faith alone and not by self-effort, Ephesians 2:8-9) through the life-giving power of God’s Word. This truth is the main point the writer of Hebrews has been emphasizing in the preceding verses (Hebrew 4:1-11), that no one can enter God’s true rest except those in whom God’s message has taken deep root and complete control. God does the work of salvation by the power of His Word when we submit to God’s dominion and trust Him to save us through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
The term active in Hebrews 4:12 means “effective, powerful, producing or capable of producing an intended result.” The Word of God is vibrant, dynamic, energizing, and productive. It is not static or idle in the lives of genuine believers. The apostle Paul explained that the Word of God is “at work in you who believe” «For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. », (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
God’s Word is powerful, not only to give life, but also to deliver warningS and bring judgment and punishment to the disobedient: “Is not my Word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?” «Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? », (Jeremiah 23:29, ESV).
God’s living Word is not something to read or listen to passively and then forget. James taught Christians to look “intently into the perfect law that gives freedom” and to focus on it by doing what it says (James 1:23-25). Paul told Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17;NLT). If we let God’s message do its work deep inside, it will change our character and behavior.
Astonishing, life-generating things happen when God’s Word goes forth. It is fully capable of accomplishing its purpose: “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it” «so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. », (Isaiah 55:11, NLT). On the Day of Pentecost, when Peter preached the message of salvation in Jesus Christ, those who heard it “were cut to the heart”«Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? », (Acts 2:37), and approximately three thousand individuals were saved «Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. », (Acts 2:41).
The author of Hebrews described the Word of God as “sharper than any double-edged sword.” Paul called it “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” «And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: », (Ephesians 6:17). This sword imagery also appears in Isaiah 49:2, Revelation 1:16, and Revelation 2:12. As a sharp, double-bladed sword, the Word of God is our definitive offensive weapon against the assaults of a spiritual enemy. When Satan tempted our Lord in the wilderness, Jesus wielded the sword of God’s Word to counter the devil’s attacks «But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. », (Matthew 4:4). His example teaches us to do the same.
The vital power of God’s message exists in its ability to pierce and penetrate the innermost depths of the human soul. It can cut through any obstacle to access and inspect our unspoken thoughts and hidden secrets (Matthew 10:26;Luke 8:17;Luke 12:2;Mark 4:22). It can cross-examine and judge the attitudes of our hearts.
Because the Word of God is living and active, Peter encouraged Christians to pay close attention.
Give attention to it «We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: », (2 Peter 1:19). May we let it be a lamp to guide our feet and a light to illuminate our path through this life «Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path. », (Psalm 119:105).
