What Is The Power Of Words In Faith And Condemnation?
As we come to the closing of John Chapter 12, Jesus cries out. Was it a shout for all to hear? Where did He cry out from? John has just written that Jesus had withdrawn from the crowd—then John eloquently proceeds with the discussion of Isaiah’s prophecies and how they are fulfilled. He showed us the barriers to faith amongst the crowds—even those who wanted to believe but feared the authorities. Then, John ends the chapter with these words of Jesus; yet, John does not set up the scene as he has before. He does not tell us where Jesus was when He cried out, nor does John reveal to whom Jesus cries out. Perhaps, that is the case because John wants us to see that this is a truth that is so relevant for you and I as well as those who heard it first. Truth is truth, whether I believe it or not. The earth was round, even when most men believed it to be flat. So what was this truth that Jesus cried out?
“44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12).
HOW DOES THE WORD LEAD TO CONDEMNATION FOR MANKIND?
The rejection of God’s word is that which ultimately condemns man. The same word that brings hope and salvation is the same word that condemns those who reject the gospel. “12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4).
THE PROMISE OF GOD’S WORD MADE FLESH
God’s promise—His word on which He stood firm was that He would provide the means of man’s salvation. That was the promise He made to Adam and Eve and throughout history. His word was the gospel story. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 The same was in the beginning with God….14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth…16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace” (John 1). Jesus was that very promise. From the beginning, this was God’s plan for man’s salvation to all who would believe in His promise by faith in Him. In the old testament they were looking forward to the Savior’s arrival by faith and for us we believe in faith in the completed work of Christ.
FAITH COMES FROM HEARING AND BELIEVING GOD’S WORD
The word of God is that two edged sword that can lead either to salvation or to condemnation depending upon whether ones accepts this truth by faith or rejects the truth of God’s word.“8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10).
WHAT DOES THE WORD MEAN TO THE BELIEVER ALONG THIS JOURNEY?
Believing faith depends upon our acceptance or rejection of the gospel. For those of us who are saved, the word is also that which shines the light upon our path throughout our journey as well. We must read and cherish the scriptures. God uses people along our path to help to illuminate scriptures. He uses preachers. Sometimes He uses strangers we meet. Sometimes He uses friends. When we study our scripture and we pray for enlightenment; God always honors that prayer. Along this journey, I have been so blessed with God Graciously providing the right teachers at the right times. Sometimes the Holy Spirit has used the words of a friend, a stranger or a preacher to reveal truth to my heart while opening my heart to hear truth. Sometimes through words and sometimes through silence, the other person’s words touch my heart. They may or may not even realize the effects of their words. Yet, they trigger something inside my heart, a thought process lead by the Holy Spirit that brings light and truth to my spirit. Like an angel of light, their words touch my heart—that is God’s wondrous Grace interconnecting us. He displays His love, His word and His truth through others around us—drawing us back to Him. It may be an act of kindness or even a moment of silence; yet, God uses all of it. He uses the sorrows, the love the words of others to guide the heart who seeks Him and helps that heart to find Him.
CONCLUDING THOUGHT: Let our words today point others toward Him and let our hearts be open to hear His word through others today as well.
The song I chose for you today is The Word is Alive
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.