“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.” (Hebrews 4:12)
That word, ‘quick’ used in the King James Version, is a word to mean — ‘living’. For our best understanding today, we might say; “For the Word of God is living and powerful.”
What an incredible proclamation to make about any book! No other work of literature, no matter how well written, will ever receive a testimony such as this. Powerful because it is living, it has life; living, because it is the breath of God!
These words are not a figure of speech, but are a revelation of the very nature of the Word of God to work change within persons and situations at any time and any place.
The day the LORD saved me, February 1, 1978, I had received in the mail a Gospel Tract from a friend. Earlier in the day, I had been reading some in the Bible trying to understand some things it was saying. I was confused, so when this Tract came in the mail, I was hopeful that it might help me to gain understanding. However, I was still having some difficulty.
It was as I was reading a verse in the Tract, which said, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20), that someone began to knock at my door!
In my frame of mind, I literally thought God was at my door! Truly, He was, as He had sent two precious Christians to my house to speak with me about spiritual things. They brought with them the breath of God, the Holy Spirit and the Word!
The result of that encounter was that I came to faith in Christ, which gave me the breath of God to dwell in me forever, the Holy Spirit and the living, powerful Word. Since that night I have witnessed the Word of God used in prayer bring conviction, salvation, cleansing from sin, correction, guidance, healing, restoration of relationships, and spiritual growth to thousands of people.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Here is yet another great word about the Word of God, living and powerful:
“Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” (Jeremiah 23:29)
The Word of God powerfully applied through much continuous prayer will break the heart hardened against God. God’s Word is like a hammer! Keep using it! Keep praying it! There is a world of people who need rescuing, and time is short. Come on, Church, Pray the Word!