Many times people question the validity of the Bible or treat it as a document written by man. As the old saying goes, if man wanted to have written the Bible, he couldn’t have written it because there is too much described in the Bible that men did not or could not have known. On the other hand, if man could have written the Bible, he wouldn’t have because the Bible is too honest for man. What we do know is the testimony by God that His word was inspired or “God breathed” through men who wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit to pen the words which God ordained as His revelation. No wonder when you go to the place in the Bible where an appreciation for the word of God is not only described but practiced, you’ll find the declaration that God’s word is fixed forever
Psalm 119:89 (ESV) — 89 Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.
It only makes sense because God is from everlasting to everlasting so if He is to record His will for man, His word would also be from everlasting to everlasting.
Psalm 90:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Jesus made the statement that His words will go on, even after things of this present place of living are changed.
Matthew 24:35 (ESV) — 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Isaiah points to the fact that things around us change and decay but God’s word goes on forever.
Isaiah 40:8 (ESV) — 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will
Likewise, Peter describes the work of God in bringing the word of God upon our souls as being born again, but that in keeping with the word of God so that our assurance of the permanence of our salvation is based upon the imperishable living word of God.
1 Peter 1:23 (ESV) — 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;
Consider the value of reading through the 119th Psalm. There are 176 verses, and each section of Psalm 119 is another appreciation for the word of God. Here are a few highlights to peak your interest:
Psalm 119:144 (ESV) — 144 Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.
Psalm 119:152 (ESV) — 152 Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever.
Psalm 119:160 (ESV) — 160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
stand forever.
Psalm 119:105 (ESV) — 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:9–11 (ESV) — 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:25 (ESV) — 25 My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!
Psalm 119:154 (ESV) — 154 Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise!
Psalm 119:107 (ESV) — 107 I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
What I want you to see and appreciate is the fact that God’s word is settled forever in heaven. Too many times people question the validity of Scripture because of the fact that it has been translated from the original languages to what we have today. That is not a problem when you go to the word of God for answers.
Psalm 12:6–7 (ESV) — 6 The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. 7 You, O Lord, will keep them; you will guard us from this generation forever.
God watches over His word and some translations that have appeared in history are no more – they just faded away. Other good translations have gained in appreciation. God’s word has the mark of being the word from God and kept by God. Therefore, to read God’s word, hear God’s word, study God’s word, memorize God’s word, meditate upon God’s word, and of course, obeying God’s word is a way of honoring God Himself.
Psalm 138:1–2 (ESV) — 1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; 2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.
Hebrews 4:12–13 (ESV) — 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
When we forsake God’s word, we are forsaking the great blessing of connecting with the Creator of heaven and earth. But even worse, to turn away from the word of God is demonstrating great disrespect for God Himself.
Psalm 119:165 (ESV) — 165 Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.
God’s word is settled and if you want to be settled, go to the word of God.
Godsped,
Bob Brubaker, Pastor
Christ Community Presbyterian Church
Clearwater, FL
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