The Word of God – The Final Authority
Image © 2011, Timothy Lee. Used with permission.
John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
The Lord Jesus’ ministry can be characterized by conflicting receptions: some believed on Him, some did not. Some welcomed Him and His teachings at the expense of their own lives. Many lost their lives because they believed in the Lord Jesus. Yet others welcomed Him but kept their faith secret. Nicodemus was one man who kept his faith hidden. Yet there were others who outrightly (either passively or actively) rejected the Saviour of this world. The Lord Jesus made it clear that He did not condemn sinners when they rejected Him, but the words that they spoke condemned them.
When the word of God is spoken, there is life to be received, blessing to be obtained, and strength to be increased. Conversely, death, cursing and weakness await anyone who rejects the word of God. Notice three important lessons about the nature of the Word of God.
The Word of God has inherent authority
The word inherent means an inseparable and permanent quality. Authority is in the word of God and the Word of God is authority. When it is spoken, it is the “voice of Him that sitteth on the throne of Heaven.” It is similar to a rule that is enacted in a country or a rule ordered by a king. Likewise, the message in Scripture is the power and therefore, it demands compliance to it because the words and the message bear the will of God.
The Word of God has the authority to be the judge of men.
The Lord Jesus says this, “The words that I have spoken, the same shall judge him.” Men will have to stand before the Word of God and have their works, attitudes and character judged (to be discerned and discriminated). One may ask, “How does the Word of God have the authority to judge men, since it is only but paper and ink?” The reason that the word of God has authority is because they are the very words that came from the breath and being of God. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16). Therefore, what is spoken, is authoritative.
The Word of God will be the final judge.
The Lord Jesus said in this verse that His word will be the judge at the end of this world, or the last day. In Jewish thought, the last day is an important day whereby everyone will pass before God the Judge, and the fate of the wicked will be decided. In Jewish teachings, books which record the deeds of people that will be reviewed will be opened and judgment will be passed. God’s Word will be the standard by which the sentence will be meted out at that day.
Dear Christian, do you realise that your works will be judged too, not at the Great White Throne but at the Judgment seat of Christ? The Judge will not be your pastor, parents, teachers or government officials but God Who will use His Word as the final standard. May we make the Bible our guide, principle, life and living and may we truly have the mind of Christ. Christian, the Word of God is our final judge, therefore read it, love it, obey it and treasure it.
Lord, may I cherish Thy Word this year and beyond, and may its precious words be my light in this darkened world of sin.
Evangelist-Pastor Johnny Tan
Ambassador Baptist Church