By Riley Nelson Richmond Hill Church of Christ
Last week we began a discussion of the relevancy of God’s word. We saw how that sin is still a problem in our world just as it was when the Bible was penned. As long as sin remains, God’s word is relevant.
The bible reveals to man the way of salvation. God’s word is all sufficient for man, 2 Peter 1:3– According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: the Bible teaches true science, history, self-help, relationships (husband – wife, children- parents, mankind with mankind). Yet that is not its purpose. The Bible reveals that God desires all men to be saved from sin and explains all God has done to make it possible (1 Tim. 2:4, John 3:16). God’s plan of salvation is revealed in the Word of God.
As we study through the book of Acts we find where people desired to obey God, but they were not sure how to go about it. On the day of Pentecost many who were listening to Peter’s sermon asked what to do. “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:36, 37). Peter told them what they had to do; “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:28, 29).
Some wonder about the calling talked about in this passage, but again the Bible supplies the answer, “Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thess. 2:14). You see the word of God is just as relevant today as when it was penned. We still need to know what to do about the sin we have in our life. The words of Jesus ring loud and clear, “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away” (Mark 13:31). God’s word is relevant and must be obeyed.