Hebrews 4:12-13

¹²For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ¹³Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

 The Double-Edged Sword

Active, alive, sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating, dividing and judging. These are the words in the passage above used to illustrate the Word of God. These are not words to make you feel comfortable and secure. These are words of battle and warfare. They have ability to divide the undividable (soul and spirit/joints and marrow), and to reveal all that is hidden, including the deepest thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. They are alive, active and penetrating. So why does God use words of battle to describe his Word?

Ephesians 6:10-17 speaks of us putting on the armor of God, not to fight against flesh and blood, but to stand firm against the spiritual forces of evil. As Christians, although called to peace and love with our neighbours, we are currently still in battle against the devil’s schemes. We are called to put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, to fit our feet with the Gospel of peace, to take up the shield of faith, to put on the helmet of salvation and, lastly, to wield the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Here too, the Word of God is a sword (see also Revelation 1:16) and while every piece of armour God gives us is vitally important, notice how the sword is our only offensive weapon, the rest is defensive protection.

Therefore, how much more important that we value this great and only offensive weapon that has been gifted to us. Hebrews 4:12 speaks of the Word being sharper than any double-edged sword. A double-edged sword was a powerful weapon 2000 years ago, but the Word of God was still the sharpest and most effective. Today we have even stronger weapons, capable of unimaginable destruction and death. However, the Word of God, which has been entrusted to you personally, is still much more powerful than these, for it comes from the One who already overcame death and it can bring eternal life to all who hear and receive it, Hallelujah! In Acts 2:37, the people who heard the Word of God (the Gospel) were “cut to the heart”. From this cut to the heart they were able to repent, be baptized and receive eternal life with Christ. Christ’s words are full of spirit and life (John 6:63) and those who use them with a pure heart will see God (Matthew 5:8). Perhaps this piercing of the heart is a consequence of recognizing our sinfulness in relation to God’s absolute goodness, love, mercy and grace. Perhaps through this piercing we are able to relinquish our false crown and bare ourselves fully and honestly in front of the throne of God.