Theology 7: God’s Word Is Written

God’s Word Is Written

Ephesians 2:19-20, “You are… built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”

God uses a specific word in the Bible to refer to his Word: “scripture” or “γραφή” in the Greek. This means “that which is written.” God gives us his word as something written. Jesus and the apostles always appealed to the “scriptures” of the Old Testament, to what was written. Christians base their life, worship, theology, and hope on what is written, not on emotions, feelings, or thoughts.

We assume emotions and feelings are simple. Is that true? The American Psychological Association (APA) defines ‘emotion’ like this: “a complex reaction pattern, involving experiential, behavioral, and physiological elements.” Woah. The person we know the least is often ourselves. There’s a good chance that 1) we don’t actually know why we feel a certain way, or 2) we misidentify the cause of our emotions. Trusting in emotions or thoughts is like standing on shifting sand.  

Thank goodness God doesn’t give us sand for a foundation. He gives us the rock of God’s Word as our foundation. This does not change but rather gives us the unchanging promise of eternal life. No matter what our emotions, feelings, or thoughts might be at a particular time, no matter what waves might crash against us in our lives, God’s Word and God’s promises do not change. You have forgiveness, life, and salvation through faith in Jesus. Stand on God’s Word!