The Bible is more than literature, history or the chronicles of a nation. It is the written WORD of GOD to all people. Wesleyans believe in the authority of God’s Word, both the Old and New Testaments. They are inspired, infallible and superior to all human authority.
God’s Word didn’t originate with any human person, but persons spoke and wrote as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21). Although written by different persons and at different times throughout history, the Word has been transmitted to us without corruption of any essential truth.
While God has revealed himself in part through his creation and human conscience (Psalm 19:1-6, Romans 1:20), he chose to reveal his love, infinite mercy and glorious plan of salvation through the Holy Scriptures. Both the Old and New Testaments reveal that eternal life is offered ultimately through Christ, the only mediator between God and humanity.
The Word of God is eternal. The prophet Isaiah proclaims, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8). In this ever-changing world, this is good news! We need the unchanging Word of God. It’s a sure thing, steadfast, true and dependable. We can trust and live by it for it will never pass away.
The Apostle Paul in writing to Timothy shares the purpose and power of God’s Word:
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:14-17).
The purpose and power of God’s Word is for all people, at all times in every circumstance, offering life, truth and equipping us to live fully for God.
The Word gives life
Scripture has been given to “make us (you) wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). We believe the Scriptures contain “all things necessary to salvation”[1] and provide the way to live by faith and following Christ in obedience.
The purpose of God’s Word is to reveal the life offered to us in Christ. It’s sometimes called God’s love letter to us, pointing us to God’s love demonstrated by Jesus Christ on the cross. His death and resurrection provide our salvation from sin in this life and the assurance of eternal life for all who believe.
Psalm 119 declares his Word brings blessing and purity, requires meditation, demands obedience and gives guidance and hope that’s eternal.
The Word reveals truth
The power of God’s Word lies in the truth it proclaims. Because Scripture is inspired and God-breathed, it’s useful for teaching, training and guiding us in truth. It becomes the tool to reprove, convict or rebuke so we might know and follow God’s will.
Psalm 119:105 declares that “Your word is a lamp for my feet, and a light on my path.” God’s Word awakens us to our motives and attitudes, revealing what’s truly in our heart and mind. It’s “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” (Hebrews 4:12).
The words of Scripture are given for the moments when we need direction, correction and training. But it can also bring comfort, stating God’s promises and reminding us who we are in Christ. Scripture reveals truth for all generations to follow.
The Word equips for every good work
Paul shares the function of God’s Word in 2 Timothy 3:17: “so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” When we read the Bible, God speaks directly to us by his Holy Spirit, revealing what is right and pleasing to God. He may want to teach us something, correct a decision or action, or equip us to become more like Christ. Within the body of Christ, God’s Word teaches us how to love and build each other up in the faith.
King David knew the preciousness of God’s Word when he declared, “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:10-11).
When God’s Word gets into our hearts and minds, it becomes our strength and weapon when facing temptation to sin or do evil. Remember when Jesus was tempted by the devil? He used the Word of God to defeat the enemy and so should we (Matthew 4:4)!
Because we are equipped and empowered by the Word, we must spend time in Scripture each day — join a Bible study group, memorize and meditate on Scripture, and practice journaling so we can live by one book … the Bible.
Scripture is God-breathed, revealing to us God’s will, which has the authority to direct our lives. The power of the Word is that it can transform us. While some books inform and others reform, only the Bible can transform. Wesleyans believe in the power of God’s Word to lead us to life in Christ.
Dr. Thomas Armiger is a General Superintendent Emeritus of The Wesleyan Church.
Questions for reflection and conversation
- God chose to reveal his love, infinite mercy and glorious plan of salvation through the Holy Scriptures. How does God’s Word provide you with confidence, security and peace in your daily walk?
- “When God’s Word gets into our hearts and minds, it becomes our strength and weapon when facing the temptation to sin or do evil.” In what instances has God’s Word been your strength and weapon when facing temptation? How did it feel to have victory through the power of God’s Word?
- Because we are equipped and empowered by the Word, we must spend time in Scripture each day. What does your daily time in Scripture look like? Are there ways that you can improve your time in God’s Word to make it more effective and meaningful?
- What are some specific ways that you have experienced the transformational power of God’as Word in your life?
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
“The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church 2022,” used by the permission of Wesleyan Publishing House: Fishers, Indiana.
[1] “The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church 2022,” 16.
