Whole Bible Instruction: Value the Word

Number eight on the hit parade of 12 biblical guidelines for practical application of God's Word is Value the Word. Bruce S. Bertram from The Word of God Ministries and http://www.wholebible.com discusses what "jots" and "tittles" mean and how they relate to our valuation of the Word.

Jesus encourages us with this eighth guideline when He speaks of jots and tittles in Matthew 5:18. Every tiny part of His Law is still in effect. He said clearly that none of it was going away. We need to value everything, even the tiniest letter. A jot or a tittle is a small part of Hebrew letters, like the dot on an i or the cross of a t. The ESV calls them an "iota" and "dot." When Jesus speaks of small things like this in Matthew 5:18, He is comparing them to the tiniest parts of God's Word.

It seems clear from a plain reading of the Word that God said what He meant and meant what He said. We don't have to go through a lengthy bunch of grammatical gymnastics to get His point. Oh, sometimes it helps to clarify a word or two here and there. But if we are responsible in comparing Scripture with Scripture and maybe comparing translations, along with judicious use of the concordance, we'll generally be fine. Mostly we need to read it and heed it. But we do need to remember that every part of every one of our Father's words is important. Our best bet is to shoot for "greatest" in the kingdom and devote ourselves to a serious understanding and application of every tiny piece.

For more information our books Whole Bible Christianity: Blessings Pressed Down and Overflowing, Nicolaitan: Lords of Hypocrisy and Whole Bible Prophecy: Horror and Hope are available on Amazon.