Extending Hope: God's Part (Part VI)

A Power Unto Salvation
Just how powerful is the lasting record that God has given to mankind? Consider what Paul says in the beginning chapter of his letter to the Romans: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek" (Romans 1:16). The word of God has the power to save my soul.

As Peter preached to the multitude of Jews on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), what was it that caused them to cry out to the apostles, "Men and brethren what shall we do?" It was the words that Peter spoke through inspiration of the Holy Spirit, for it says "when they heard this, they were cut to the heart . . .". (Acts 2:37). Those were some powerful words that Peter spoke.

Later, when the doors of the kingdom were opened to the Gentiles, Cornelius was told by an angel of God that Peter would tell him "words by which you and all your household will be saved" (Acts 11:14). It was the power of the Word of God that led to their salvation.

In Acts 28, as Paul was speaking to the leaders of the Jews in Rome, he told them, "Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” (Acts 28:28). What salvation was this that they would hear? Verses 30-31 tell us: "Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him."

But is the written word as powerful as those words spoken by the apostles? Absolutely, and the Scriptures bear witness of this. In 2 Timothy 3:15, Paul told Timothy that his knowledge of the Holy Scriptures (those things that were written) were "able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

Consider how Jesus responded to Satan as he was being tempted in Matthew 4. How did Jesus answer each and every temptation thrown His way? "It is written . . ." And what was the end result? "Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him" (Matthew 4:11). You see, Jesus knew the power of God's Word, whether spoken or written. If an "it is written" is powerful enough to make the devil flee, how much more is its power to save my soul from the clutches of the devil?