“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:12-13).
Refusing to hear God’s word is a colossal mistake of a lifetime which has horrific, eternal consequences. This mistake was made in Moses’ day. The foolish choice of apostasy has been repeated continuously throughout history.
The immense folly of apostasy is most clearly seen when placed against the backdrop of the vital spiritual force of God’s word.
The word of God is living. It is able to give life from God. It never ages or wanes in vitality. God’s word is ever-living, ever-appropriate, ever-applicable; never is it obsolete or out of date. To hear God’s word and not respond in obedient faith is the choose certain death.
The word of God is powerful. It is constantly working, ever capable of achieving its purpose; it is efficient. God’s word never returns to Him a failure, unequipped to accomplish what He intends for it to do (Isaiah 55:11). Its scapel-sharp edge never goes dull. Resisting it and its many blessings is to choose eternal condemnation.
The word of God is piercing. It is able to penetrate to the very depth of a human’s being. It can convict the tender heart and transform the receptive heart. God’s word addresses matters of the heart in ways nothing else can. To refuse to comply with God’s will when His word convicts you is to embrace hardness of heart, rebellion, and death.
The word of God is discerning. It is able to sift out and analyze the evidence; it can distinguish the subtle and hidden matters of your soul. God’s word is a perfect critic of your heart’s thoughts and intentions. Insincere lip service does not fool God; it only deceives the speaker. The deceitfulness of sin is a sure road to eternal spiritual catastrophe.
Unlike the word of man, God’s word is infinite in power, all-seeing in discernment, and able to penetrate any human subterfuge.
Here are additional reasons why we must give the more earnest heed to God’s word.
