The Authority of the Word by J. H. Parsons

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Aug 29, 1911

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 38, No. 34.

The Authority of the Word

By J. H. Parsons

In these days when the Word of God is trampled underfoot by many kinds of isms, some even claiming to be the reincarnation of Christ, it might be well to call attention to God's estimate of His Word.

In Ps. 138:2 we read, "For Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy name." As God's name signifies His character, He must therefore desire to have us understand that His Word is to be considered the most sacred and vital thing in the universe.

And it is so held beyond our understanding, by God Himself; because it is the very essence of His character. He can not change it, because He can not deny Himself (2 Tim. 2:13), and because He is "the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." James 1:17.

It is the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 16:19.

It is life or death, according to our choosing (Deut. 30:15, 16),—life through the Son of God (1 John 5:11-13), obtained by belief on His name; and His name is the "Word of God." Rev. 19:13; John 1:1-14.

It is also the bread of life (John 6:48), and must be spiritually eaten as such in order to obtain eternal life. John 6:53, 54. No one has eternal life inherent in himself except he is born from above (John 3:5),—"born of water and of the Spirit," literally washed in the water of the Word. Eph. 5:26.

It is "living, and active," and "quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart." Heb. 4:12.

It is our judge in the last day; for the Father judges no man (John 5:22), and the Son judges no man (John 12:47), but the "Word of God" only, "the same shall judge him in the last day." John 12:48.

Then who are they who "have turned aside unto vain talking, desiring to be teachers of the law, tho they understand neither what they say, nor whereof they confidently affirm"? (1 Tim. 1:6, 7) or they who darken "counsel by words without knowledge?" Where were they, the Lord asks, when the Word of God "laid the foundations of the earth?" Job 38:2, 4.

"I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see."

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." Rev. 3:18, 22.