Healing Rays of Righteousness

For the past few years I have been hearing more frequently the phrase “ancient scriptures” when the speaker is making reference to or quoting the biblical texts. I do not know whether the speaker is using this phrase intentionally or because it is currently the more popular language among bible teachers. Either way, its usage gives me troubling concern.

Whenever I hear the word “ancient” I hear and visualize something very old and having outlived its usefulness; something lifeless, breathless and having no power; something antique and preserved for memories sake or tourist attraction; something I do not need for successful living in the modern culture.

For me to think and visualize biblical writings as “ancient scriptures” robs me of the thrilling and relevant teachings for living in today’s culture, and of the enabling wisdom and power they speak into my life.

So, with my questioning concern, I did a quick study of the words used in the Bible to describe these writings and to the dictionary to better understand their relevancy for today’s world.

Job 32:8 – “But it is the spirit in a person, the breath (inspiration) of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.”
2 Timothy 3:16, 17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed (inspiration) and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,”
2 Peter 1:21 – “For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though
human, spoke from God as they were carried along (moved) by the Holy Spirit.”

The word “inspire” means “to inhale; to breathe upon; to breathe life into.” The word “inspiration” means “the act of breathing in; inhalation.” And the word “moved” means “to progress in sequence, as in the development of a literary or musical composition; to prompt (someone) to some action; actuate”

From these several definitive sources, I am led to understand that the origin of these biblical words from ancient years are all God-breathed, and all have his almighty, eternal, abundant life and power breathed into them for all generations. Furthermore, it is only by the breath of the Almighty that we receive and are given understanding of these words.

Yes, some of biblical texts that were written by men inspired and moved by God, where written for a particular time and situation, and are clearly so stated. And yes, Jesus said that his coming fulfilled some of the earlier words from God. But most importantly, he claimed to bring God’s greater and clearer revelations and understandings to the earlier written inspirations and Holy Spirit promptings in men.

So for me and my fellow believers in Christ, please speak to us about the “Living Word” of God; or honestly clarify your intentions in choosing to use the characterization “ancient scriptures” when referencing God’s recorded messages. For I have experienced the following biblical characterization to be true and believe it will remain true until the end of time.

“For the word of God is alive and active.
Sharper than any double-edged sword,
it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow;
it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

“For the word of God is alive and powerful.
It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword,
cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow.
It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)

“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – July 10, 2019
http://www.geigler13.wordpress.com