A light in the pathway of darkness through Bible Study on the Book of Hebrews

The life-giving Word 1:19b–25

The ever-practical James would never face us with conflict and not go on to point the way forward. He has just been speaking of the word of God as the seed in the womb (18) issuing in birth. Now, he speaks of the word of God as the seed in the soil (21) growing to the (full) salvation of the soul. He has held before us the stimulating prospect of the future crown (12). He wants to help us enter into present salvation (21) and a blessing here and now (25). He has made us aware that our position as Christians is one of conflict, the battle of the two natures within us. But the word is able to save (21), and God’s law is a law of liberty (25). Along these lines, this section grows out of and develops the theme of the preceding verses. Though the conflict lasts while earthly life continues, it may be hard, but it is not fruitless. The key to this desired productivity is the word of God.