The Power of the Word

“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” James 1:21. It is possible to have heard this word and rejoiced over it, thinking that it was fulfilled in one’s life; but when the trial came, it did not hold. One was just as human as before—without the rest we partake of if the word we hear is mixed with faith. The promise concerning the salvation of one’s soul was not fulfilled; one did not become spiritual. The Word had been implanted, but it had not melted together with the hearer. The steadfastness of faith was lacking. 1 Peter 5:9.

“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. We are made free if we acknowledge the truth. The Word has to be received in meekness; it has to be kept in a good and pure heart. Luke 8:15. It is the task of the Word to pierce and divide between soul and spirit and joints and marrow. Hebrews 4:12. Death will enter in if we fulfill Jesus’ word by carrying it out (John 8:31); then salvation from our nature can begin. Romans 5:10.

There are only a few people who accept this salvation, because it requires so much. All impurity and all iniquity have to be cleansed away. The rich young man was confronted with the requirement of selling everything and giving it all away. Matthew 19:21. We have to be redeemed from among men if we want to be the firstfruits of God and the Lamb (Revelation 14:4), because the way is narrow and the gate is strait. Matthew 7:13-14. If we refuse to pay the price, it will hinder us from becoming spiritual.

John the Baptist was the greatest in the old covenant, but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Matthew 11:11. Such is the greatness of the glory of having our soul saved and our spirit made alive.

“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved!” Jeremiah 8:20. This should awaken us to the fact—and we should consider—that we can go through such “seasons” in our lives without gaining either salvation, transformation, or the knowledge of the power of the Word. Romans 12:2. This great salvation is to occur during the short time we have in the days of our flesh. Jesus’ coming is near, and His reward is with Him to give to everyone according to his work. Revelation 22:12. Our works will be holy and righteous if we seriously believe God’s Word, and God will richly anoint us with His Spirit and His power. The old soul-life will cease, and we will live a new life on resurrection ground.