Is There No Evidence Existing for the Power of the Word?

I have been reading John Owen's discourse entitled, "The Reason of Faith." He argues why faith is reasonable in that God expresses His mind in the Scripture. Since God reveals His mind in the Scripture, men are therefore to believe in this revelation. The chapter I just completed was a real encouragement and strengthened my faith in Jesus Christ. What proof does the believer have that the Bible is from God? Well, ultimately there is no scientific proof, (even scientific proof does not make it effectual), but Owen does give some evidences to believers of how we may know the Bible to be from God.

1. The Bible brings conviction over sin "on those who expected it not, who desired it not, and who would avoid it if by any means possible they could." Think about this in your own life and this will prove the power that accompanies the Bible. We love sin. We love ourselves. How strong and efficacious is the Word of God then that it points us away from our sin and ourself! Many men are comfortable in their sin, and find enjoyment in their secret lusts. The Bible causes men to enjoy God! Hear this from Owen,

Where it gives disquietment, all the world cannot give it peace; and where it speaks peace, there is none who can give it trouble.

When the word of God moves on us, pointing us to Christ, it does so with such power that nothing can conquer our affections.

2. It is the light shining in the dark place. The entire world is dark, eternally separated from life with God because of sin. The Word is the avenue where men may come to the knowledge of God and truly live. Owen continues,

And the minds of men are naturally in darkness; there is a blindness upon them that they cannot see nor discern spiritual things, no, not when they are externally proposed unto them...With respect unto both these kinds of darkness the Scripture is a light, and accompanied with a spiritual illuminating efficacy.

The world is filled with vanity, evil, and confusion, but the Word comes to the mind as a light shining in the darkness. It opens up our understanding and conforms us to the image of the new man, Jesus Christ.

3. It evidences itself by the awe that it puts on the minds of men who hate the Scriptures and who hate God. We must understand, all those who are outside of Jesus Christ hate God and hate the Word. But, these men and women will rarely utterly reject and absolutely refuse to give small countenance to God and His Word. There is a slight respect for these in the despisers. This is "because of that testimony for himself which he keeps alive in them whether they will or no." They know in their conscience that this Word is from God, though they hate it and despise it. Though they wish they could break free of His rule, they still understand that the Bible manifests itself to be the Word of God.

4. It evidences its power by providing strong consolations "in the deepest and most unrelievable distresses." Men and women suffering for the Christian faith have been locked up in dungeons, beat and stripped, spit on, ridiculed, but...

in these and the like distresses doth the word of God, by its divine power and efficacy, break through all interposing difficulties, all dark and discouraging circumstances, supporting, refreshing, and comforting such poor distressed suffers, yea, commonly filling them under overwhelming calamities with "joy unspeakable and full of glory."

How can this word give that much consolation in such insurmountable circumstances? It is because it comes from the Holy Spirit, who comforts believers in sufferings. It is from God. This is the power of the Word.

Are you allowing the Word to transform your thoughts, affections, desires, emotions, and reflections? Know, believers, we have a true word from God in Jesus Christ. Your Bible is that Word from God showing you the power that is in the Gospel. Take, read; and when you do believe that it is the power of God unto salvation!