“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12)
Contrary to what many believe, and have been taught falsely, either intentionally for sinful purposes or unintentionally because of a lack of Spiritual discernment, this verse is not intended to say that the double-edged sword, the Word of God, does not only cut our enemies, but the edge that is facing us will also cut us.
This is incorrect.
The Word of God does one of two things, either convicts or destroys.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1)
The duality of that conviction is easily seen by those who have studied to show themselves approved, who witness the truths of the Word to those we meet. It will, and always has, convicted them as it reveals to them who they truly are, sinners in need of a Savior, in need of repentance, and His truths will cause them to call upon the Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of their soul.
“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:44)
Or it will convict them of the hardness of their heart, realizing His words as truth, yet willfully rejecting them for many reasons, and every one of those reasons, excuses they see as viable within themselves, will rest on a foundation of pride. A prideful and haughty spirit that will lead them to eternal destruction.
“And the fortress of the high fort of thy walls shall he bring down, lay low, and bring to the ground, even to the dust.” (Isaiah 25:12)
Here the destroying side of that double-edged sword finds no power that can stand against it. Every false religion, every works-based cult, every person who attempts to use the Word of God out of context for whatever form of gain will fall before the one who wields it properly, solely for the glory of God, who has sought His face, desiring to be able to rightly divide His Word, never for themselves, but only so that the Lord Jesus Christ would be lifted up to the glory of the everlasting Living God.
“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2nd Cor. 2:11)
And this deception that the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit, is intended to cut, to cause any form of suffering to those who are hid in Christ has been believed by far too many throughout the ages.
It is inconceivable to believe that the words of eternal truth would first convict lost sinners, causing us by the grace and mercy of the Most High to become born-again, and then be used to cut us, to cause damage to those who are His righteousness in Christ.
A subtle deceit of our adversary meant to cause those who have been saved by grace through faith to be afraid of Him who loves them and called them to Himself, instead of serving in reverential trust and love, with a loving and willing heart the One who sacrificed all for us.
All are either convicted or destroyed by the Word of God.
We who have been justified are continuously being convicted, sanctified by His Holy Word, by His truths, we die daily, yet find our life in Christ. His truths never condemn us but transform us.
The Sword of the Spirit is to be used in great wisdom, intentionally, and in great humility. The Word of God is never to be used haphazardly, never lightly, they are the words of life, eternal life, or eternal death.
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
You are expected to keep that sword sharp by studying and praying, and to always use it wisely, to either convict or destroy.
