MANIFESTED HIS WORD THROUGH PREACHING
By John C. Carpenter
The apostle Paul wrote to Titus, whom Paul described as his own
son in the faith, these words: Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and
the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the
world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment
of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ our Saviour (Titus 1:1-4). In verse 3 above, what is this word that Paul is referring to? Is it the bible, or is it something
else, or somone else?
THE WORD OF TRUTH, THE GOSPEL OF YOUR SALVATION
In verse 1, Paul refers to the acknowleding of the
truth. What is this truth that is to be acknowledged? Look what Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ
by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God
our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual
blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be
holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according
to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whomwe have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward
us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed
in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are
in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the
purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted
in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye
believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased
possession, unto the praise of his glory (Ephesians 1:1-14). In verse 13, the word gospel is translated from the Greek word euaggelion,
which means to announce good news, to declare, bring glad or good tidings, or to bring a good message.
Look at the order and
flow of Paul's words to believers in Ephesus. It is God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph 1:3) who hath blessed us [all believers
in Christ] with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Eph 1:3), who hath chosen us in him before the foundation of
the world (Eph 1:4), who has predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ (Eph 1:5), who hath made us accepted in
the beloved (Eph 1:6), who has provided us redemption through his blood (Eph 1:7), who has provided us the forgiveness of sin (Eph
1:7), who hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence (Eph 1:8), who has made known unto us the mystery of his will (Eph 1:9),who in the dispensation of the fulness of the might gather together in one all things in Christ (Eph 1:10), who by whom we have obtained
an inheritance (Eph 1:11), and who predestinated (Eph 1:11) all those [believers] who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted,
after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. It is God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has caused
all believers in Christ to first hear the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation, and afterwords to trust in Christ for salvation.
In this context, the word of truth is not a reference to the bible, the scriptures, or the word, as many call it, but is a reference
to the word, message, or utterance of the truth of the gospel message [or good news] of our salvation [which is available only through
faith in Christ].
Writing to the believers in the church at Colossae, Paul also indentified the word of truth as the gospel.
Paul wrote, We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in
Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before
in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also
in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth (Colossians 1:3-6).
The apostle Paul wrote Timothy,I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;Preach the word [of truth, the gospel]; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers,
having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things,
endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry (2 Timothy 4:1-5).
Paul also wrote the church
of God which is at Corinth, For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach [the word of truth, the gospel,
and] Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews
and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:22-24). Paul also wrote believers in Corinth, For Christ
sent me not to baptize, but to preach the [word of truth, the] gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be
made of none effect (1 Corinthians 1:17). Later, Paul added, But we preach Christ [the Word of God] crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock,
and unto the Greeks foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:23).
HIS NAME IS CALLED THE WORD OF GOD
Many refer to the bible as the
word, but scriptures tell us over and over again that the Word refers either to the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation, or
to Jesus Christ. In some cases, the Greek word rhema [which refers to the operation of the Holy Spirit] is periodically translated
as the word, but this is beyond the scope of this article.
[For more about the Word of God, see TCH Article The Word Of Truth,
The Gospel; TCH Mini-Study The Sword Of The Spirit, Which Is The Word Of God; TCH Mini-Study Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth; TCH
Mini-Study Preach The Word; and TCH Mini-Study The Worlds Were Framed By The Word Of God].
Even John, the revelator, clearly
referring to Jesus Christ, described Christ as the Word of God: And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat
upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his
head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood:
and his name is called The Word [Greek, logos, a reference to Christ, not the bible] of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed
him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite
the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:11-16).
The book
of John was probably written by John, the evangelist. Through the apostle John, God the Father explained, In the beginning was the
Word [Greek, logos, in this context, a reference to Jesus Christ, and not to the bible], and the Word [Greek, logos, refers to Jesus
Christ] was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was
not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men (John 1:1-4).
In the book of Hebrews, we
read, Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
For unto us [believers] was the gospel preached, as well as unto them [the Jews]: but the word [of truth, the gospel] preached [to
them] did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them [those Jews] that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into
rest [from works of the law for salvation], as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the
works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did
rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth
that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Again, he limiteth a certain
day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. For if
Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people
of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore
to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper
than any twoedged 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 (Hebrews 4:1-13).
Many constantly refer to the bible as the Word of God
and are under the impression that it is the bible that it is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword and pierces 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.But, the author of the book of Hebrews makes it clear that the Word is referring to Jesus Christ. The Word is described as male: there
any creature that is not manifest in his sight, and all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
In the context of these verses, the Word of God is none other than the Son of God and the Christ, Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
YOU
WILL NOT COME TO ME THAT YE MIGHT HAVE LIFE
The scriptures clearly teach that the bible, or scripture, is not the source of our
salvation, but that the only source of salvation is Jesus Christ. In speaking to Jewish leaders (John 5:18), the Lord clarified the
true and only source of our salvation with these words: the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye haveneither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word [Greek, logos, in this context, word is a reference
to Jesus Christ, and not the bible] abiding in you: for whom he hath sent [that is, Jesus Christ], him ye believe not. Search the
scriptures; for in them ye [mistakenly] think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me [Jesus Christ]. And ye will
not come to me, that ye might have life. I receive not honour from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I
am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive (John 5:37-43).
In
verse John 5:38, Jesus refers to Himself as the word when he said ye have not his [God the Father's] word [Greek, logos, a reference
to Jesus Christ and the gospel of Christ, and not the bible] abiding in you, for whom he [God the Father] has sent [Jesus Christ],
him [Jesus Christ] ye believe not. According to Christ, the Jews did not have the Father's word [Christ and the message of the gospel,
not the bible] abiding in them, nor did they believe that He has already come the first time to earth [which the Jews still believe
unto this day]; and neither do all others who refuse to acknowledge and accept Christ as the Son of God and the Christ. In these verses
written by John, Christ clearly teaches that we do not receive eternal life from the bible or scriptures, but the role and purpose
of the scriptures is to testify of Jesus Christ, from whom we do receive eternal life. As the Lord said ye will not come to me, that
ye might have life.
In our subject verses above, when Paul says that God the Father hath in due times manifested his word [Greek,logos, Christ and the gospel message] through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour,
Paul is referring not to the bible or holy scriptures, but to Jesus Christ and the word of truth, the gospel of salvation available
to those who come to a saving faith in Christ.
Later in his letter, after referring to manifesting the word through preaching,
Paul adds these uplifting instructions to Titus: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation [of faith through Christ and the gospel
message] hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and
godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Who gave himself for us [a reference to the gospel message], that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a
peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. Put
them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no
man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient,
deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness
and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved
us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 2:11- 3:7).
It is God
manifesting His Word [of truth, the gospel] through preaching that makes Paul's final words possible: The great God and our Saviour
Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us [according to the word of truth, the gospel message], that he might redeem us from all iniquity,
and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according
to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus
Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
In the
book of Acts, even the apostle Peter referred specifically to the word of truth, the gospel. We read, But there rose up certain of
the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and
said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should
hear the word of the gospel, and believe [unto eternal life] (Acts 15:5-7).
According to Paul, hearing the preaching of the gospel
message or word [and not the bible] is what results in our redemption, purification, salvation, regeneration, renewal, justification,
and being made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. AMEN.
THE CHRISTIAN HERALD
A
Judeo-Christian Bible Study
"For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of
the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your
conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator [Greek, mesites, a go between, an internunciator,
a reconciler, intercessor] of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under
the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must
also of necessity be the death of the testator”
(Hebrews 9:13-16).
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the
earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven,
and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread
to the eater: So shall my word [Hebrew, dabar; the speaking, movement, and operation of the Holy Spirit, not the bible] be that goeth
forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the
thing whereto I sent it”
(Isaiah 55:8-11).
FOR WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in
me that beareth not
fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit,
he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through
the
word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the
branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine;
no more can ye,
except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in
me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth
much fruit: for without
me ye can do nothing”
(John 15:1-5).
