“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” -John 3:16-17
The Word of God is a living book, and this is an amazing thing. Just like a fruitful tree you can never strip bare; God’s Word continues to provide and provide. The scriptures give and grow in every season of life; as they take on new meaning, cement to you continuing truths, and provide direction in times of trouble. The Word of God found in the Bible is an amazing thing.
Take for example the text above, “For God so loved the world….” This is likely the most well-known scripture in all of Christendom. You would think after a while it would become plain and dull what being so widely shared. Not so, it remains a beacon of hope to the world. To the lost sinner, this scripture is hope. It is proof positive that God loved us and gave His Son for us. If you come to repentance through faith, the text takes on new meaning. Now it is known to you personally that the Son is the Savior and that without Him we/you would have been forever lost. The reality of God’s love and the passion of His Christ is revealed unto us in the moment the sins we committed are washed away. This glorious operation brought to pass by simple faith. Only believing in Jesus. Then as we press on it is manifested that when God said saved, he meant saved. Saved not only from our committed sins, but the very thing that causes us to commit them in the first place. A complete salvation from all sin. Again, through His Son Jesus, operating via the gift of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit witnessing to you daily that God loves you and you love God. The earnest of the covenant promise. A sanctified life. It is not long after you are sanctified that you realize, if God saved me, if Jesus died for me, and if I am redeemed; that same Jesus called me. Called me to be a disciple of Him. A disciple learns of Jesus, prays to Jesus, and is willing to be in subjection to His commandments. This is a Christian, a follower of Christ. If Christ laid down his life, how much more I to do the same? Here we continue to glean from the fruitful vine of scripture. In this we realize that we are indeed ambassadors for Christ and carry the same wonderful message to the world; that God loved it and gave His Son to save it. To save His people from their sin.
The scripture opens to us in abundance. There is nothing like the Word of God. Whatever you read, watch, listen too, take instruction from; it is built on the need to continue to push new material to retain viewership. The Word of God is forever settled in heaven. There is nothing new, and yet it is new every morning! It is timeless, and yet timely. Praise God! What a precious gift the Bible is to us. How it can mold you, shape you, direct you. When coupled with prayer, obedience, and the Holy Spirit; His Word can change lives. If we are dedicated to it; and the level of our devotion will determine the depth of our dedication.
