Understanding the "Word of God"

lorijanehawkins
Jun 21, 2021
4 min read

Updated: May 27

A worn Holy Bible rests beneath a decorative sword, symbolizing the power and authority of the word of God.

Understanding the "Word of God": A Biblical Exploration

The concept of the "Word of God" represents one of the most profound and multifaceted themes in Christian theology. This phrase appears throughout Scripture with varying meanings and applications, each revealing different aspects of how God communicates with humanity. Understanding these distinctions enriches our comprehension of divine revelation and its role in the believer's life.

The Dual Nature of God's Word

The phrase "Word of God" encompasses both Jesus Christ as the living Word and Scripture as the written Word11. This dual understanding is not contradictory but complementary, revealing the comprehensive nature of God's communication with humanity.

Jesus Christ: The Living Logos

The Gospel of John establishes the foundational understanding of Jesus as the Word: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God"1 2. The Greek term logos (λόγος) used here carries profound theological significance, meaning "the expression of a thought" or "the total message of God to man"11.

Jesus is described as "the exact imprint of God's nature" and "the radiance of the glory of God"1. This designation as the Word means He is the definitive revelation of who God is and what God is like. When we observe Jesus—His words, actions, and character—the mysteries about God's nature become clear1.

The writer of Hebrews emphasizes this truth: "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son"1. Jesus represents the culmination and completion of God's revelatory communication to humanity.

Scripture: The Written Word

The same Greek term logos also refers to the written revelation of God found in Scripture11. This written Word serves as the authoritative record of God's communication throughout history. The Bible claims divine authorship, being "God-breathed" (Greek theopneustos), meaning the Holy Spirit guided the human authors while preserving their personalities and writing styles6.

Scripture possesses inherent authority because it represents God's own voice. Jesus Himself affirmed this authority, stating that "Scripture cannot be broken"6. The written Word serves as the final authority in all matters of faith and life, deriving its power from God Himself.

The Distinction Between Logos and Rhema

Understanding the difference between logos and rhema provides deeper insight into how God's Word functions in believers' lives3 11.

Logos represents the comprehensive, eternal counsel of God—the complete revelation and overarching message. It appears 330 times in the Greek New Testament and encompasses God's total communication to humanity2.

Rhema, conversely, refers to specific, spoken utterances or targeted messages from God3. A "Rhema Word" often describes an inspired, particular Scripture or message that addresses a believer's immediate need. This term emphasizes the immediacy and personal application of God's communication.

When Jesus responded to Satan's temptation, He used rhema: "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word [rhema] that proceeds from the mouth of God"11. This demonstrates the practical necessity of God's specific words in spiritual warfare and daily living.

The Living and Active Nature of God's Word

Hebrews 4:12 reveals the dynamic quality of God's Word: "For 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"10 13. This passage emphasizes that God's Word is not merely historical text but possesses present, transformative power.

The Word of God functions as spirit and life. Jesus declared, "The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life"10. This spiritual dimension means God's Word transcends mere intellectual understanding, working at the deepest levels of human existence to bring transformation and renewal.

Multiple Channels of Divine Communication

God's communication extends beyond written Scripture to include various channels11:

Creation itself serves as a testimony to God's existence and character (Psalm 19:1)
Ancient prophets delivered specific messages throughout biblical history (Hosea 12:10; Hebrews 1:1)
The Holy Spirit continues to guide and communicate with believers (John 16:13; Acts 16:6)
Jesus Christ represents the ultimate personal revelation of God (John 14:9)

This comprehensive approach demonstrates that God is actively communicating with humanity through multiple means, all working together to reveal His character and will.

Practical Application and Authority

The Word of God demands not merely intellectual acknowledgment but practical obedience. Jesus emphasized this principle: "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it"12. True blessing comes from both hearing and applying God's Word to daily life.

Scripture serves as the believer's spiritual weapon in confronting spiritual challenges. Paul instructs believers to "take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word [rhema] of God"11. This metaphor illustrates the practical necessity of knowing and applying specific biblical truths in spiritual warfare.

The Word also functions as guidance and illumination: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path"13. In a world filled with uncertainty and moral confusion, God's Word provides reliable direction and clarity.

The Eternal and Trustworthy Nature

Unlike human words that may prove unreliable, God's Word possesses eternal permanence. Jesus declared, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away"5. This promise assures believers that God's Word remains constant despite changing circumstances and cultural shifts.

The trustworthy nature of God's Word provides stability in an uncertain world. "For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does"12. This reliability makes Scripture a dependable foundation for faith and decision-making.

Reference Sources Cited

Strong's Concordance
Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words (Copyright 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
N.T. Wright - on inspiration and the word of God
Rob McAlpine - "Post Charismatic?" book