“For no word from God will ever fail.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Luke 1:37-38
If you remember from the last post that in a kingdom, angels are messengers who communicate announcements and commands of the king, then it might be clear that the next post would look at the messages they deliver. So, as we focus on the phrase “Word of God” now, let’s first remember that obvious, but powerful truth: the Kingdom of God is a Kingdom.
In the realm of faith and spirituality, the term “Word of God” often brings to mind sacred texts, ancient scriptures, and revered passages. We’ve often used that term and the Bible interchangeably, so today we see them as two ways of saying the same thing. Saying “Bible” is like saying “Word of God” and saying “Word of God” is like saying “Bible.
However, the idea of “The Word of God” has been around for thousands of years before the Bible was ever produced. In writing this post, my aim is not to downplay the importance, sacredness, or transformational nature of the Bible. Instead, by exploring what the Bible means when it mentions the “Word of God”, I hope to shed light on its powerful role in the Kingdom of God.
Hear ye, hear ye!!
Imagine for a moment the authority and weight carried by the decrees of a king in ancient times. His words were law, his commands were unquestionable, and his pronouncements shaped the course of his kingdom. In much the same way, the Word of God operates as divine decrees from a higher power, setting forth the principles, precepts, and mandates that govern the kingdom of God.
Again, the Kingdom of God is a kingdom. And in a kingdom, there is a king (God), who sits on a throne in a throne room (Heaven), who summons and sends messengers (angels), to deliver the decisions and announcements made with the ultimate authority of that king (a Royal Decree, or the Word of the King)
Here is a quick video that explains the English phrase: By Royal Decree
Although the Bible is full of sacred writings and inspired teachings, it’s important to remember that the Word of God goes beyond just what’s written down. It’s not just a bunch of verses and passages, but the powerful declarations and guidance of the ultimate sovereign ruler – God. Or to paraphrase well know theologian Karl Barth, the Bible contains the Word of God, but alone is not the entirety of the Word of God.
He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
Luke 11:28
What’s the Word?
Just like a king’s rules are firm and can’t be changed in his kingdom, the proclamations of the Word of God are just as powerful. They have the authority of God behind them, guiding believers in their spiritual journey and moral behavior. These decrees help us understand God’s will for humanity, shaping how we live and act.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105
Not only do we have the written Word of God, but we also receive divine revelations in different ways. Throughout history, prophets, wise individuals, and spiritual leaders have been messengers for God, receiving insights and messages that go beyond human comprehension. These revelations, whether spoken or written down, are expressions of the Word of God, providing guidance and enlightenment for believers.
Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me.”
John 7:16
So is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11
That Word has Become Flesh
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
In addition, a key part of the concept of the Word of God is Jesus Christ. According to the Gospel of John, it says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). This statement highlights how Jesus is seen as the Word in human form – the physical representation of God’s message to us.
Jesus, who became that Word in human form and lived among us, not only taught us God’s will and purpose, but embodied it through his teachings, actions, and ultimately, his death and resurrection. He demonstrated God’s love, compassion, and redemption during his time on earth.
By realizing that the Word of God is divine decrees, we not only grasp its lasting significance but also see Jesus Christ not just as a messenger, but as the message itself. Through him, we can comprehend God’s full revelation and receive salvation, redemption, and life without end.
Additional Scriptures and Discussion Questions
Question: What does the phrase “Word of God” traditionally bring to mind for you? How does this blog post challenge or expand your understanding of that concept?
Question: The post discusses the distinction between the Bible and the Word of God. How do you reconcile the idea that the Word of God existed before the Bible was produced?
Question: In what ways does the analogy of a king’s decrees help to illustrate the authority and significance of the Word of God?
Question: What implications does the concept of the Word of God as divine decrees have for our understanding of spiritual authority and obedience?
Question: How does the concept of Jesus Christ as the Word made flesh deepen your understanding of the Word of God?
Question: Consider the verse from Isaiah 55:11, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” How does this verse resonate with you in light of the discussion on the Word of God?
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
Isaiah 40:8
Next week’s Topic: Sin
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Tanner H Griffin 
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