Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

‘Sword’ (continues) It is the book that reveals 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. The Bible 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 are disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good is 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, devotionally, and 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. The Bible 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 stand forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward any amount of labour, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

‘Dividing asunder of soul and spirit.’ Piercing through the body and laying open the innermost recesses of the soul (feelings, passions, desires, appetites) and mind (thoughts and intents of the innermost being). We must examine ourselves against God’s Word (1Cor. 11:28, 31-32; 1Jn. 1:7; Col. 2:6-7; 3:5-10; Rom. 6:14-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:16-26) to ensure that no sin occupies or controls our thoughts, emotions or actions. We cannot just claim to be saints without living in faith and obedience (11:6; Rom. 1:6; Jam. 1:6-8, 22-26).

‘Creature’ [Greek: ktisis] created thing. Every thought, desire and intent of every creature of God are constantly under His eyes.

Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

‘Sword’ [Greek: machaira] translates as sword, 29 times (4:12; 11:34, 37; Eph. 6:17; Matt. 10:34; 26:47-55; Mark 14:43-48; Luke 21:24; 22:36-52; John 18:10-11; Acts 12:2; 16:27; Rom. 8:35; 13:4; Rev. 6:4; 13:10, 13:14).

Twelve symbols of the Word of God: A hammer to convict (Jer. 23:29). A fire to refine (Jer. 23:29). A mirror to reflect (Jas. 1:23). Seed to multiply (1Pet. 1:23). A laver to cleanse (Eph. 5:26). A lamp to guide (Ps. 119:105). Rain and snow to refresh (Isa. 55:10). A sword to cut (4:12; Eph. 6:17). A bow for revenge (Hab. 3:9). Gold to enrich (Ps. 19:7-10). Power to create faith (Rom. 10:17) and eternal life (1Pet. 1:23). Food to nourish: Milk for babes (1Pet. 2:2); Bread for the hungry (Matt. 4:4); Meat for people (5:11-14); Honey for dessert (Ps. 19:10).

The Bible is not an amulet, a charm, a fetish, or a book that will work wonders by its very presence. It is a book that will work wonders in every life, here and hereafter, if acted upon and obeyed in faith and sincerity. It is God’s inspired revelation of the origin and destiny of all things, written in the most simple human language possible so that the most unlearned can understand and obey its teachings. It is self-interpreting and covers every subject of human knowledge and needs now and forever.

As a literary composition, the Bible is the most remarkable book ever made. It is a divine library of 66 books, some of considerable size, and others no larger than a tract. These books include various forms of literature – history, biography, poetry, proverbial sayings, hymns, letters, directions for elaborate ritualistic worship, laws, parables, riddles, allegories, prophecy, drama, and others. They embrace all manner of literary styles in human expression.

To be continued…