God’s word may be called the “living word” because it is able both to bring to life, and to sustain the life of, those who receive it.
This life-producing influence of the word may be exerted through several channels. The written word itself, housed in the book we call the Bible, has the power both to convict and to convert those who read and respond in obedience to its instruction. It contains information which can make us “wise unto salvation.”
“Salvation,” however, must not be thought of as merely a state of forgiveness. Salvation is a maturing relationship with God, something we’re instructed to “work out” (Philippians 2:12). It is a transformation that is evidence of the word of God living in us. It is a living condition in which the word has been translated into the language of changed hearts and lives of those who have received it.
Indeed, some may merely read the Bible and discover the solution to their problems. Others may be persuaded by the preaching of the word. But the lost world needs to see the power of the gospel displayed clearly in the love, joy, peace, and sureness of purpose that characterizes those who have been recipients of this Good News, and whose quality of life is a reflection of its transforming power!
Jesus didn’t just come to SPEAK the word. He came AS THE living word OF God! All the blessings of the term “gospel{“ are perfectly embodied in Him.
So it should be with those who claim to be His disciples. The changed lives of saved sinners is the translation of the Bible that the watching world is most likely to read, and believe.
May God help us to become His “living epistles!” That’s what it means to “adorn the doctrine” (Titus 2:10) and to live a life worthy of your calling.
- Raleigh Batty; via THE SOWER, a weekly publication of the Arthur church of Christ, Arthur, IL. Ron Bartanen, who serves as minister and editor, may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com
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