The word of God is unlike our words of assertion, protest and self-justification that are eventually dissipated among a welter of words. The word that endures is also a word that divides, for if by our words we convince ourselves that our projects, plans and ambitions are durable, such words deceive us and will be severed by the word that endures beyond all our words. Biblical testimony reminds us of our exposure to another word otherwise than our own. The hidden words of our hearts too, are open to scrutiny. Beyond the perennial oscillation of clarity and ambiguity concerning our expressions of truth and goodness, the word of God discerns and judges our way. We can never stand on our own ground and assume it is stable or enduring. History and human experience tell us it is not. Scripture confirms this continually.
The word of God divides our thoughts and exposes our mortality within any human illusion of adequate self-standing (Heb. 4).
The Word, the risen Christ and the sword of his mouth (Rev. 1 & 2), is the only source of enduring words and aspirations that can inform our intentions and decisions with veracity. This same (s)word is a necessary preface to our experience of grace. The gospel tells us no less.
Also for your interest, a new website article: Why Christian Scripture is Christian ScriptureDid Scripture precede the Church or did the Church precede Scripture? If Scripture preceded the Church, then Scripture is the definitive point of reference for the Church. If the Church preceded Scripture, then the Church is the definitive interpreter of Scripture. So which preceded which?
Other articles for your interest and use
Dr Stephen Curkpatrick
Churches of Christ Theological College
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