At Christmas: The Enduring Word of the Lord Manifested
Isaac Megbolugbe
December 22, 2024
Introduction
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ during this Christmas season, we are reminded of the enduring nature of God’s Word. In a world where truth is often relative and fleeting, the Bible stands as a testament to the unwavering dependability of God’s promises. This article explores the significance of Jesus Christ as the manifestation of God’s enduring Word, providing comfort, guidance, and hope to believers.
Enduring Nature of God’s Word
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ during this Christmas season, we are reminded of the enduring nature of God’s Word. Throughout history, humanity has been prone to embracing fleeting versions of truth, often tailored to suit individual desires. However, the Bible points to a singular, unchanging truth: the one true God, and one way to salvation – the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
The prophet Isaiah aptly describes humanity’s fallibility, likening us to temporal, withering grass and fading flowers (Isaiah 40:6-7). Our perceptions, understanding, and interpretations are inherently flawed, susceptible to the influences of our surroundings, experiences, and biases. Yet, amidst this uncertainty, Isaiah affirms the unwavering dependability of God’s Word: “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8).
The person of Jesus Christ is the manifestation of God’s enduring Word. As John 1:1 declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus is the Truth incarnate, the fulfillment of all God’s promises. His birth, life, death, and resurrection demonstrate the unwavering commitment of God to His people.
The Comfort of God’s Unchanging Word
In a world where truth is often relative and fleeting, knowing Jesus is the Word and the fulfillment of all God’s promises brings immense comfort. We can trust God’s Word because it is rooted in the unchanging nature of Jesus Christ. When faced with conflicting views and perspectives, we can confidently turn to Scripture, knowing that its truths are timeless and unshakeable.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember the enduring Word of the Lord, manifested in Jesus Christ. May we remain steadfast in our commitment to God’s unchanging truth, even when surrounded by the whims of human opinion. As Isaiah’s prophecy reminds us, God’s Word stands firm, a dependable foundation, a safe refuge, and a secured hope. May the enduring Word of the Lord, manifested in Jesus Christ, be our guiding light this Christmas season and beyond.
Consequences of Rejecting God’s Word
Rejecting God’s Word can have severe consequences, both spiritually and practically. Here are some potential consequences:
Spiritual Consequences: (1) Separation from God: Rejecting God’s Word can lead to a separation from Him, causing spiritual darkness and disconnection. (2) Spiritual Blindness: Disregarding God’s Word can result in spiritual blindness, making it difficult to discern truth from falsehood. (3) Loss of Spiritual Guidance: Rejecting God’s Word can lead to a lack of spiritual guidance, causing individuals to stumble and make poor decisions. (4) Increased Vulnerability to Sin: Disregarding God’s Word can increase vulnerability to sin, as individuals may not have a clear understanding of right and wrong.
Practical Consequences: (1) Moral Decay: Rejecting God’s Word can lead to moral decay, as individuals may not have a clear understanding of moral absolutes. (2) Destruction of Relationships*: Disregarding God’s Word can lead to the destruction of relationships, as individuals may not have a clear understanding of how to love and respect others. (3) Emotional Turmoil: Rejecting God’s Word can lead to emotional turmoil, as individuals may struggle with anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. (4) Physical Consequences: Disregarding God’s Word can also lead to physical consequences, such as poor health, addiction, and other destructive behaviors.
Eternal Consequences: (1) Eternal Separation from God: Rejecting God’s Word can ultimately lead to eternal separation from Him, resulting in eternal damnation. (2) Loss of Eternal Life: Disregarding God’s Word can result in the loss of eternal life, as individuals may not have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It’s essential to note that these consequences can be avoided by accepting and following God’s Word. By embracing His teachings, individuals can experience spiritual growth, practical wisdom, and eternal life.
How Fulfillment of God’s Promises Comfort Believers
Knowing that Jesus is the Word, and the fulfillment of all God’s promises brings immense comfort to believers in several ways:
Unwavering Trust: (1) Reliability: Jesus, as the Word, is the ultimate expression of God’s character, nature, and promises. This means that believers can trust Him completely, knowing that He is the embodiment of God’s faithfulness. (2) Consistency: Jesus’ teachings, life, death, and resurrection demonstrate God’s consistent love, mercy, and justice. This consistency reassures believers that God’s promises are dependable and unwavering.
Eternal Security: (1) Salvation: Jesus’ fulfillment of God’s promises ensures believers’ salvation. They can rest assured that their sins are forgiven, and they have eternal life through faith in Him. (2) Eternal Life: As the fulfillment of God’s promises, Jesus secures believers’ eternal destiny. They can face the future with confidence, knowing that they will spend eternity with God.
Present Hope: (1) Guidance: Jesus, as the Word, provides believers with guidance and wisdom for navigating life’s challenges. They can trust His teachings and promises to help them make decisions and face uncertainty. (2) Comfort: Knowing that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises brings comfort in times of sorrow, pain, or hardship. Believers can find solace in His presence, promises, and love.
Unshakeable Foundation: (1) Rock-solid Foundation: Jesus, as the Word, is the rock-solid foundation upon which believers can build their lives. They can trust that His promises will withstand the tests of time, trials, and temptations. (2) Unshakeable Hope: Knowing that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises gives believers an unshakeable hope. They can face the future with confidence, knowing that God’s plans and promises will prevail.
In summary, knowing Jesus is the Word and the fulfillment of all God’s promises brings comfort to believers by providing an unwavering trust, eternal security, present hope, and an unshakeable foundation. This knowledge reassures them that God’s promises are dependable, consistent, and eternal, giving them confidence to face life’s challenges and uncertainties.
Sustained Faithfulness to God’s Word
Remaining faithful to God’s unchanging Word requires intentional effort, discipline, and a deep commitment to biblical truth. Here are some ways believers can remain faithful:
Cultivate a Deep Understanding of Scripture: (1) Regular Bible study: Engage in consistent, in-depth Bible study to grasp the context, meaning, and application of God’s Word. (2) Scriptural literacy: Familiarize yourself with the entirety of Scripture, including its historical, cultural, and theological contexts. (3) Biblical interpretation: Learn sound principles of biblical interpretation to accurately understand and apply God’s Word.
Develop a Strong Spiritual Foundation: (1) Prayer and devotion: Establish a consistent prayer life and devotion to God, seeking His guidance and wisdom. (2) Worship and community: Participate in regular worship services and engage with a community of believers to foster spiritual growth and accountability. (3) Spiritual disciplines*: Practice spiritual disciplines like fasting, meditation, and service to cultivate a deeper relationship with God.
Engage with Diverse Perspectives: (1) Exposure to different views: Engage with various Christian traditions, theologians, and perspectives to broaden your understanding and appreciate the richness of biblical interpretation. (2) Critical thinking: Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate different perspectives, identifying areas of agreement and disagreement. (3) Charitable dialogue: Engage in respectful, charitable dialogue with those holding differing views, seeking to understand their perspectives and share your own.
Stay Grounded in Biblical Truth: (1) Biblical authority: Affirm the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, recognizing it as the ultimate source of truth. (2) Doctrinal clarity: Develop a clear understanding of essential Christian doctrines and be prepared to articulate them. (3) Theological humility*: Recognize the limitations of human understanding and approach theological discussions with humility.
Seek Guidance and Accountability: (1) Spiritual mentors: Seek guidance from spiritual mentors, pastors, or theologians who can provide wisdom and accountability. (2) Accountability partnerships*: Establish relationships with fellow believers who can provide support, encouragement, and accountability. (3) Church involvement: Participate in a local church, where you can receive teaching, guidance, and accountability. By implementing these strategies, believers can remain faithful to God’s unchanging Word, even in the face of conflicting opinions and perspectives.
Concluding Remarks
In conclusion, the birth of Jesus Christ serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of God’s Word. As the manifestation of God’s promises, Jesus brings comfort, guidance, and hope to believers. By embracing His teachings and promises, we can experience spiritual growth, practical wisdom, and eternal life. As we celebrate Christmas, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to God’s unchanging truth, even when surrounded by the whims of human opinion. May the enduring Word of the Lord, manifested in Jesus Christ, be our guiding light this Christmas season and beyond.
Isaac Megbolugbe, Director of GIVA Ministries International, 2024 Marquis Organization’s Class of Top Executives in the United States of America and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He is re
sident in the United States of America.
