THE SUM TOTAL OF THE WORD

SATURDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2022

The sum total of the Word has a name and we shall find out shortly. Before we come to that, one of the characteristics of the Word is that it is a light that dispels all darkness in which lies the stronghold of evil. This is why if anyone comes to the knowledge of God's Word and applies it to themselves, there comes a superior power that terminates the shackles of the power of darkness, and frees or releases them from bondage it willed to their soul.

Reference: Psalm 119:160 International Standard Version (ISV) "The sum of your word is truth, and each righteous ordinance of yours is everlasting."

The Psalmist affirmed that the words from the mouth of God all add up to the sum total: Truth. His righteous ordinances or decisions are eternal. This is the Psalmist affirming to the supremacy of God's Word because he perceived the truth and inclined his heart to the ordinances contained in it.

The Word of God is absolute truth. It conveys righteous ordinances which are eternal in nature. By righteous ordinances, it means that righteousness is the nature and purpose of God's laws which sum up to divine truth. Righteous ordinances simply mean pure legality. It is the quality or state of being in accordance with supernatural laws and being entirely right. So in essence, righteous ordinances display the quality of being morally right, pure and holy.

Beloved, all of God's Word is true, not a part of it. All His righteous laws are eternal; they don't change over time. They bear instructions that are totally reliable, which means they don't fail when acted upon graciously. They are "Just" regulations that endure forever. This is the reason it is given to men of every generation and nation to apply to their lives, and so, regardless of racial differences and geographical location, the truth remains a universal currency that works. No matter who acts on it, it will deliver notable outcomes in their lives and surely, they confirm their testimony because accurate application of divine truth is void of producing erroneous results.

The sum total of God's truth is summarised, encapsulated, enveloped and revealed in the glorious gospel and its message is known as the Good news. But in the world we live, sin, pride, covetousness and corrupt passions that rule within the hearts of men shut their eyes from perceiving and embracing the gospel truth, and close their hearts to the righteous ordinances in the Word. This is why they are in enmity against the God of the Word. However this is not supposed to be a huge surprise to us as God's own people because the Bible already informed us that Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. So they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don't understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God (2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT).

Also in 2 Thessalonians 2:10, the Bible says, "Satan will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them" (NLT). The only restorative measure to the minds and eyes of unbelievers is salvation, which will lead them to the truth. Once they receive salvation that is in Christ Jesus, then they will know the truth, and the truth will make them free. No wonder Jesus said to the Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32 NKJV). Notice, that they had to believe in Jesus first, and then abide in the Word in order to know and experience the truth.

Now, what does the Psalmist really mean by affirming that God's righteous ordinance is everlasting? It signifies that all of the benefits of divine truth is permanent. The ordinances are source of extraordinary benefits when observed and that's the fascinating part of God's Word. Therefore, we must be cognizant of this fact as well as trust the unlimited possibilities embedded in the gospel truth. Yes, it seems significant that the Spirit of God only inspires and reserves the efficacy of the Word for those who believe and act on it. Therefore don't just believe in the truth, live it out and act on it often so as to enjoy the lasting benefits. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 18:30; Matthew 4:4; John 17:17; 1 John 2:21; John 6:63.

Exuberant Declaration: I believe, acknowledge and testify that the sum total of God's Word is truth; His righteousness is an everlasting righteousness and His lawful ordinances are rewarding, enriching, beneficial, permanent and eternal. Blessed be God!