Why is it so important to be in God’s Word? It isn’t just another book that is out there to read or enjoy. In fact, sometimes slugging through the major and minor prophets can be tough. God’s Word sometimes hurts as the commandments and demands toward perfection cut us deep, revealing how little we actually want to do to please the Lord.
And yet there are those beautiful passages that lyrically flow with the grace of the Almighty. His mercy and forgiveness are an endless fountain, healing our wounded hearts, soothing damaged consciences with real peace. How wonderful are the Gospel accounts describing what Jesus has done for us on the cross! How blessed are the passages from prophets and apostles who explain so succinctly how our Lord’s sacrifice is given to us in baptismal waters, in sacramental bread and wine, in words of forgiveness offered by pastor and neighbour. These parts of Holy Scripture lighten our hearts and give us peace!
How does God’s Word do all this? Its because the Bible is like no other book on earth. It is God’s Word, and as Dr Martin Luther explains in his Large Catechism (which you can find in the Book of Concord), God’s Word is actually where God truly lives and resides. The Bible is God’s Sanctuary!
“God’s Word is the sanctuary above all sanctuaries. Yes, it is the only one we Christians know and have. Though we had the bones of all the saints or all holy and consecrated garments upon a heap, still that would not help us at all. All that stuff is a dead thing that can sanctify no one. But God’s Word is the treasure that sanctifies everything (I Timothy 4:5). By the Word even all the saints themselves were sanctified (I Corinthians 6:11). Whenever God’s Word is taught, preached, heard, read, or meditated upon, then the person, day, and work are sanctified. This is not because of the outward work, but because of the Word, which makes saints of us all. Therefore, I constantly say that all our life and work must be guided by God’s Word, if it is to be God-pleasing or holy. Where this is done, this commandment is in force and being fulfilled.” (Large Catechism, Pt I, Third Commandment, paragraphs 91-2).
If you just stop and think about it for a moment: How do we know Baptism does such great things to us? How do we know that the Lord’s Supper gives us Jesus’ body and blood for our forgiveness? How do we know the words of a Pastor’s Absolution or the forgiveness from a neighbour that I have repented to is actually true? All of these things are given us in God’s Holy Word! The Bible is the most holy thing which enables these sacraments to bless us and make us God’s holy people!
Indeed, God’s Word “is a lamp to [our] feet and a light to [our] path,” (Psalm 119:105 ESV). God shows us the path of eternal life! It is not found in our works; far too often we fall and fail the will of our Lord. The path to eternal life is Jesus! To see him, to hear his words, to revel in his mercy and forgiveness, this is the path which leads to eternity, and it is only found in the Holy Bible! This is why we Christians read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest these Words for by them we receive Jesus!
In Christ’s Service,
Rev Joel V. Kuhl, Pastor
And yet there are those beautiful passages that lyrically flow with the grace of the Almighty. His mercy and forgiveness are an endless fountain, healing our wounded hearts, soothing damaged consciences with real peace. How wonderful are the Gospel accounts describing what Jesus has done for us on the cross! How blessed are the passages from prophets and apostles who explain so succinctly how our Lord’s sacrifice is given to us in baptismal waters, in sacramental bread and wine, in words of forgiveness offered by pastor and neighbour. These parts of Holy Scripture lighten our hearts and give us peace!
How does God’s Word do all this? Its because the Bible is like no other book on earth. It is God’s Word, and as Dr Martin Luther explains in his Large Catechism (which you can find in the Book of Concord), God’s Word is actually where God truly lives and resides. The Bible is God’s Sanctuary!
“God’s Word is the sanctuary above all sanctuaries. Yes, it is the only one we Christians know and have. Though we had the bones of all the saints or all holy and consecrated garments upon a heap, still that would not help us at all. All that stuff is a dead thing that can sanctify no one. But God’s Word is the treasure that sanctifies everything (I Timothy 4:5). By the Word even all the saints themselves were sanctified (I Corinthians 6:11). Whenever God’s Word is taught, preached, heard, read, or meditated upon, then the person, day, and work are sanctified. This is not because of the outward work, but because of the Word, which makes saints of us all. Therefore, I constantly say that all our life and work must be guided by God’s Word, if it is to be God-pleasing or holy. Where this is done, this commandment is in force and being fulfilled.” (Large Catechism, Pt I, Third Commandment, paragraphs 91-2).
If you just stop and think about it for a moment: How do we know Baptism does such great things to us? How do we know that the Lord’s Supper gives us Jesus’ body and blood for our forgiveness? How do we know the words of a Pastor’s Absolution or the forgiveness from a neighbour that I have repented to is actually true? All of these things are given us in God’s Holy Word! The Bible is the most holy thing which enables these sacraments to bless us and make us God’s holy people!
Indeed, God’s Word “is a lamp to [our] feet and a light to [our] path,” (Psalm 119:105 ESV). God shows us the path of eternal life! It is not found in our works; far too often we fall and fail the will of our Lord. The path to eternal life is Jesus! To see him, to hear his words, to revel in his mercy and forgiveness, this is the path which leads to eternity, and it is only found in the Holy Bible! This is why we Christians read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest these Words for by them we receive Jesus!
In Christ’s Service,
Rev Joel V. Kuhl, Pastor
Redeemer Lutheran church
Established 1937