The Engrafted Word
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. (Jas. 1:21 KJV)
In the words above James admonishes us to receive with weakness the engrafted word, which is able to save our souls. What a description of the operations of the Word of God!
The ten commandments were engraved on two tablets of stones with the finger of God. This is symbolic of the Spirit of God engraving God’s Word upon our hearts today (2 Cor. 3:3 KJV). The Word of God is engraved on the human heart just as the Word was engraved on two tablets of stone. The two tablets are the two parts of the heart – the spirit and the soul!
The engrafted Word is similar to the engraved word but with a slightly different perspective. The Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (BDAG) describes this engrafting as “the word is permanently established in the individual and like inborn assets functions in an exceptional manner.”
The engrafted (implanted) word describes the permanent establishing of the Word in our hearts by God. This occurs at the new birth when we are born of the Word and are imparted with the divine nature in our spirits (inborn).
The Word of God was implanted in you at conversion! You are an offspring of the Word! God instructs you then to feed continuously on the Word in order to allow that Seed to grow to maturity!
MEDITATE
As you meditate, you give the Spirit the opportunity to engrave the Word more deeply into your heart and make it become one with you. Meditation is your key to the life of the Word!
APPLY THE WORD
God’s Word is implanted inside of you as a believer. What a truth for us to take a hold of! God’s very nature is implanted inside of you, so know who you are!
PRAY
Thank the Lord for giving to you the gift of His Word.
Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 326). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
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