1Peter 1:25 But the word of the Lord endures for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
‘The word of the Lord endures for ever’ nine characteristics are given of the Word of God in Psalm 19: It is perfect (19:7); sure; right (19:8); pure; clean (19:9); eternal; true; altogether righteous and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb (19:10). Six blessings of the Word of God are also given: Converting the soul of those who return to God as the sun returns in the heavens (19:7); making the simple wise; rejoicing the heart (19:8); enlightening the eyes as the sun enlightens all living things on earth; warning the servants (19:11); rewarding the obedient. By living in the Word as the sun does in the heavens, and by keeping watch as observers do the heavenly bodies, one is blessed.
The Word is the book that contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts binding, its histories true, and its decisions immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveller’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword and the Christian’s charter. Here Heaven is opened, and the gates of Hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill your memory, rule your heart, and guide your feet in righteousness and true holiness. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully, meditatively, searchingly, and devotionally. Study it constantly, perseveringly, and industriously. Read it through and through until it becomes part of your being and generates faith that will move mountains. It is a mine of wealth, the source of health, and a world of pleasure. It is given to you in this life, will be opened at the judgment, and will last forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the least to the greatest labour, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.
It is a mirror to reflect (Jas. 1:23); a hammer to convict (Jer. 23:29); a fire to refine (Jer. 23:29); seed to multiply (1Pet. 1:23); water to cleanse (Eph. 5:26; John 15:3); a lamp to guide (Ps. 119:105); and food to nourish, including milk for babes (1Pet. 2:2); bread for the hungry (Matt. 4:4); meat for men (Heb. 5:11-14); and honey for dessert (Ps. 19:10). It is rain and snow to refresh (Isa. 55:10); a sword to cut (Heb. 4:12); a bow to revenge (Hab. 3:9); gold to enrich (Ps. 19:7-10); and power to create life and faith (1Pet. 1:23; Rom. 10:17).
Seven things the Word of God is able to do: Make us wise unto salvation (2Tim. 3:15; Rom. 1:16; Jas. 1:21); produce faith (2Tim. 3:15; Rom. 10:17); make Jesus Christ known (2Tim. 3:15; John 5:39; 1Cor. 15:1-8); build up (Acts 20:32); give inheritance (Acts 20:32); produce profit in doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2Tim. 3:16); make the man of God perfect (2Tim. 3:17). Salvation is always through faith in Jesus Christ, never through works, rituals, water baptism, communion etc. (2Tim. 3:15; Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 3:24-31).
Living the Word 