Christians need not feel compelled to force the theory of evolution into the biblical account of creation. Evolution is not found in the opening chapter of the Bible because that is not the way God created the heavens and the earth. Creation is the result of God’s spoken word. One of the reasons we stand in awe of the creative work of God is because “He spoke, and it was done; He commanded and it stood fast” (Ps. 33:9).
God’s written word is similarly awesome in its power to save souls and change lives.
Paul’s eagerness to preach the gospel in Rome had to do with the fact that the gospel “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (Rm. 1:16). James agrees, exhorting us to lay aside the ways of the world and humbly “receive the word implanted, which is able to save [our] souls” (Jas. 1:21).
Our aim, as Christians, is to be “conformed to the image of [God’s] Son” (Rm. 8:29). Spiritual growth is the result of trusting God and obeying His word (Jas. 1:25). We behold “as in a mirror the glory of the Lord”, and are “transformed into the same image” (2 Cor. 3:18). Intentional listening produces dramatic results when our attention is directed toward the word of God.
The inspired writer of Hebrews extols the word of God as “living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). But, then, an unmistakable connection between the word of God and the Word incarnate (Jn. 1:1) is revealed in the next verse when he adds, “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Heb. 4:13).
Jesus is the embodiment of God’s message to the world. He is the “Savior of the world” (Jn. 4:42). He is “the way, and the truth, and the life…” (Jn. 14:6). His words “are spirit and are life” (Jn. 6:63). His word “will judge [us] at the last day” (Jn. 12:48). But, as powerful as is His word, little lasting good will be done until it is planted in the heart and practiced in the life.