The Word of God: Unraveling the Mystery Behind Jesus and the Bible

In the endless debate over the identity of Jesus and the significance of the Bible, many question whether Jesus is the direct and immediate word of God or if the Bible is the ultimate source. This article aims to delve into these questions by exploring the divine nature of Jesus, the Bible, and the historical and spiritual context surrounding them.

Classical Interpretations of the Word of God

The phrase "the Word of God" is often associated with Jesus, as seen in the opening verses of the Gospel of John: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made." (John 1:1-3)

The Truth Behind "Dabar": More Than Just Words

Delving deeper into the Hebrew term "dabar," which literally means "the statement" or "the speech," we find a rich theological and linguistic foundation. In the creation narrative, God said, "Let there be light," and it was so (Genesis 1:3). This act of divine speech demonstrates the power of "dabar" in bringing about creation itself.

The Preeminence of Jesus in the Bible

Colossians 1:15-16 speaks about Jesus being the preeminent one: "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him." This passage highlights Jesus' role in creation and as the ultimate manifestation of God's word.

The tradition states that the first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah, were written by God himself. The Oral Haggadah, a historical text, claims that these books were written by Yahovah 2000 years before the creation story. According to this narrative, God used fire to guide Moses in writing the Torah, along with possible assistance from angels.

Understanding the Bible: A Relic of Divine Guidance

The Bible, while considered a sacred text, was not originally called by this name. It was a collection of writings used by early Israelites to guide their spiritual and moral lives. The Bible serves as a profound repository of divine guidance and holds the stories and teachings of God as experienced by the ancient Israelites.

The Bible: A Tool for Guidance, Not Dogma

Central to this understanding is the assertion that the Bible does not prescribe specific denominations such as Baptist, Catholic, or Presbyterian. Man’s usage of the Bible to define these denominations came much later and often serves as a means for control and division. The Bible provides a framework for understanding God and living a moral life, but it leaves room for individual interpretation and understanding.

The Role of Jesus in Spiritual Awakening

Yeshua of Nazareth was a significant figure in this regard. His teachings and actions awakened people to the true nature of God and their relationship with the divine. Yeshua taught that we can reconnect with our divine nature and the Supreme Being through devotional loving service. His direct challenge to the religious establishment and his subsequent crucifixion highlight the profound impact of his message.

As Robert Young once said, "the word of God is made void by the traditions of men." This quote emphasizes how human traditions and interpretations can dilute the original message. Over time, the teachings of Yeshua have been misunderstood, misinterpreted, and even corrupted. This makes it essential to delve into the original texts and teachings without the interference of modern societal and religious biases.

Conclusion

Whether Jesus is the direct and immediate word of God or the Bible serves as the ultimate source, both offer profound insights into the nature of God and our relationship with the divine. It is crucial to approach these texts with an open mind and to seek a deeper understanding of their true meaning rather than accepting preconceived notions or dogmas.