The Bible is described by using symbols- do you know what they are?
A. A Mirror.
“For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror …” (Jas. 1:23–25 NASB). This illustrates the revealing power of the Word.
B. A Critic.
“For the word of God … is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). “The Greek of Heb. 4:12 reads, ‘The Word of God is … a critic of the thoughts and intents of the heart.’ ”21
C. Seed.
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever” (1 Pt. 1:23). (See also: Lk. 8:5–15, note especially v. 11, “The seed is the word of God”; Is. 55:10, 11; Jas. 1:18.) This symbol suggests the generative power of the Word. It is a life-giving Word.
D. Laver and Water.
“That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word …” (Eph. 5:26). “Unto him that loved us, and washed us from ours sins in his own blood” (Rev. 1:5b). (Also: Ps. 119:9; Jn. 15:3.) The laver stood between the worshipper and the tabernacle, providing a means of cleansing. The same Word that reveals one’s defilement, also provides a means of cleansing.
E. A Lamp and Light.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Ps. 119:105). (See also v. 130.) “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light …” (Prv. 6:23). These symbols speak of the illuminating, guiding influence of the Word in a darkened world. The Word is that “… more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place” (2 Pt. 1:19).
F. A Fire.
“Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord.…” (Jer. 23:29); “Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay” (Jer. 20:9). As the word “fire” is used here it seems to suggest a consuming impulse and energy. “My heart was not within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue” (Ps. 39:3).
G. A Hammer.
“Is not my word … like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” (Jer. 23:29). This figure suggests the power of the Word, constantly applied, that will eventually break the heart that is as hard as a rock.
H. A Sword.
“And take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God …” (Eph. 6:17). “For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.…” (Heb. 4:12). This is the believer’s one offensive weapon in his contest with the “principalities” and “powers” and “rulers of the darkness of this world … [and] spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12).
I. Food.
“I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Jb. 23:12b).
1. Milk. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby …” (1 Pt. 2:2). (See 1 Cor. 3:1, 2).
2. Bread. “… Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Mt. 4:4).
3. Meat.
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Heb. 5:12–14).
4. Honey. “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Ps. 119:103).
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Ps. 119:105). (See also v. 130.) “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light …” (Prv. 6:23). These symbols speak of the illuminating, guiding influence of the Word in a darkened world. The Word is that “… more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place” (2 Pt. 1:19).
F. A Fire.
“Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord.…” (Jer. 23:29); “Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay” (Jer. 20:9). As the word “fire” is used here it seems to suggest a consuming impulse and energy. “My heart was not within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue” (Ps. 39:3).
G. A Hammer.
“Is not my word … like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” (Jer. 23:29). This figure suggests the power of the Word, constantly applied, that will eventually break the heart that is as hard as a rock.
H. A Sword.
“And take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God …” (Eph. 6:17). “For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.…” (Heb. 4:12). This is the believer’s one offensive weapon in his contest with the “principalities” and “powers” and “rulers of the darkness of this world … [and] spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12).
I. Food.
“I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Jb. 23:12b).
1. Milk. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby …” (1 Pt. 2:2). (See 1 Cor. 3:1, 2).
2. Bread. “… Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Mt. 4:4).
3. Meat.
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Heb. 5:12–14).
4. Honey. “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Ps. 119:103).
