For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:18-19 NASB
Our Lord’s view of the scriptures was more than a way to know the Father, it was a guide and direction for life. His high view of scripture is captured in His opening teaching on the mount. Jesus Christ discovered life and purpose from the scriptures. His life was a depiction of the Word, He lived the Word. If the Word was not what it said it was, then He would not be who said He was.
Christ's Opinion of the Scripture (v18)
While men debate how much of the Word of God is inspired and to what degree it is inspired, Jesus DECLARES it is inspired down to the “smallest stroke or letter". He did not see the scriptures as coming from the mind of man but the hand of God. II Timothy 3:16-17 says,All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
Jesus saw the scriptures as carrying the context and course of all of history for humankind that would be revealed “until all is accomplished” as written. This means that there is much power or authority in scripture. The scriptures will be the standard upon which all of mankind will be judged. There is no higher authority. For a person to ignore the direction and claims of the Word of God, he must declare that there is a higher authority that allows him to live apart from the scriptures. Jesus clearly displays that the Word of God is the final court in all matters of men and eternity.
Christ so identified with Scripture that He is one and the same. John wrote that Jesus not only fulfills the Word of God but literally is the Word of God revealed. John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." He is the final revelation of the Word which is by Him, for Him, and about Him. In a clear and powerful way, the writer of Hebrews displays that Jesus is the continuation and manifestation of the Word of God. For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will. (Hebrews 2:1-4) Scripture and Christ cannot be separated.
The preciousness of the Word of god cannot be measured this side of heaven for the life, ministry, comfort and salvation of man. It is ours to read, believe, apply and teach to all men. It is our authority and the revelation without which we would not know God or Christ.
Scripture to Claim:
I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways. I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word. Psalms 119:14-16 NASB
