16 – Efficacy

EFFICACY

§ 16. The efficacy of the Bible is that property by which the Bible has indissolubly united¹ with the true and genuine sense² expressed in its words the power of the Holy Spirit,³ who has made it for all times the ordinary means by which he operates⁴ on and in the hearts and minds of those who properly hear and read it.⁵

1. The efficacy of the Bible is that property by which the Bible has indissolubly united

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.

I Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

2. with the true and genuine sense

Ephesians 3:3–4 How that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ.

Acts 8:30–31, 34 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandeth thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. (34) And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

3. expressed in its words the power of the Holy Spirit,

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

I Thessalonians 1:5 For our Gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

4. who has made it for all times the ordinary means by which he operates

Psalm 19:8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Psalm 119:105, 130 Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (130) The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

II Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure Word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the Day-star arise in your hearts.

II Timothy 3:16–17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

5. on and in the hearts and minds of those who properly hear and read it.

Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Ephesians 3:3–4 How that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ).

John 7:17 If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.