November 29: THE MOST IMPORTANT BOOK
Bind up the testimony, Seal the law among my disciples. Isaiah 8:16
There is an ocean of depth in Isaiah’s assignment. The written word of God was preserved for all time. The supernatural Source of this written word sets it apart as a supernatural book, making it the most important book in the world. In Isaiah’s day, the preservation of important documents was achieved by binding the rolled papyri with a tied string, covering the knot with wax or clay, and pressing an identifying seal into it before it dried. In this way the content could be authenticated and protected from violations.
The terms testimony and law are used together in reference to the Holy Scriptures. Each is an essential element of God’s Word. God has supernaturally protected His word for people* in every subsequent age. In this sense, the book is not only supernatural, but miraculous. It has the power to convict and to save, to wound and to heal. An apt metaphor for this amazing Word is a double-edged sword (see Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). One who discerns the import of God’s Word will, in true reverence for Him, accept the challenge to put to death (Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:5) the unbiblical practices of his or her life.
Regardless of the age into which an individual is born, that person will be surrounded by others who actively refuse the reproofs of God’s Holy Word. The resulting lack of discernment for the import of the message causes their influence to be negative, creating a ripple effect of attempts to discredit these two witnesses (Revelation 11:3,7,11). There have always been those who claim to love the Lord, but simultaneously toss aside certain of His commands. But an openness to His correction and discipline has a direct connection with inextinguishable hope for the eternal future (see Hebrews 12:11). As one’s actions are being transformed, outward signals of love for the Redeemer become visible to others. God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
God’s Word covers every important subject, and with the gentle help of His Spirit, each subject can be understood well enough to reshape a man’s decisions and therefore his actions. Whether or not one regards the Holy Spirit of God is a matter of eternal life or death (Matthew 12:31). Know for certain that the Holy Spirit never contradicts the written word. We are told seven times that if a man does according to God’s ways… that man shall live.**
Behold the proud; his soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:4 (see also Romans 1:17; 3:20-22, 27)
*Note: God preserves His word for all people, including those who do Satan’s bidding to destroy it. The French Revolution’s “Reign of Terror” was punctuated by state-sponsored public burnings of Bibles in Paris and throughout France. Many others followed suit across Europe, and the anti-clerical movement manifested in local opposition to church authority in the US. The attempted destruction of the two witnesses and the worldwide Great Awakening which followed was prophesied (see Revelation 11:7-13). The suppression of the Bible actually spurred an unprecedented global effort to translate and distribute the Bible.
**Leviticus 18:5; Nehemiah 9:29; Ezekiel 20:11, 13, 21; Romans 10:5; Galatians 3:12
For further study: Jeremiah 31:31-33; 32:40; Hebrews 7:22; 8:10-11; 10:16; Revelation 7:3; 22:4