WORD OF GOD
The Fullness of Revelation
The phrase “the Word of God” holds various meanings within the Bible, depending on the context in which it is used:
The Spoken Word of God
1. The Decrees of God: The creation narrative in Genesis showcases God’s power through His spoken word, as seen in “Let there be light” (Gen 1:3). Similarly, “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host” (Ps 33:6). These decrees represent God’s authoritative command in creation.
2. The Words Spoken to Humans: Throughout the Old Testament, God communicates directly with individuals. For example, He speaks to Adam and Eve (Gen 2:16-17, 3:9-19), Cain (Gen 4:9-15), Noah (Gen 6:13-21, 7:1-4, 8:15-17), Abraham and Sarah (Gen 18), and Moses, providing guidance and commandments.
3. The Words Spoken Through Prophets: God also conveyed His messages through prophets, who received divine revelations and visions. They then relayed these messages to the people (Deut 18:18-20).
The Incarnate Word of God
4. Jesus Christ: In the New Testament, the Gospel of John identifies Jesus Christ as the eternal “Word of God” made flesh (Jn 1:1,14). This concept is further emphasized in Revelation: “He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God” (Rev 19:13).
The Written Word of God
5. The Bible: The sacred scriptures, composed by divinely inspired authors, are referred to as the written Word of God. God instructed Moses and others to document His words (Ex 17:14, 34:27). Jesus Himself affirmed the Scriptures as the “word of God” (Mt 15:6).
The Word of God, whether spoken, incarnate, or written, embodies the fullness of divine revelation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “In giving us his Son, his only Word (for he possesses no other), he spoke everything to us at once in this sole Word” (CCC 65). The words of Jesus, as the incarnate Word, are eternal and unchanging, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Mt 24:35). Furthermore, the written Word of God in the Scriptures is reliable and authoritative: “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16).
REVELATION
As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace the Word of God in all its forms. Whether spoken through the prophets, incarnate in Jesus Christ, or documented in the Scriptures, God’s Word is essential for our spiritual nourishment and growth. Jesus reminds us, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Mt 4:4). Let us, therefore, open our hearts and minds to fully receive and live out the divine revelation given to us in Christ and through His sacred Word.