Rediscovering the True Word of God: Beyond Religion and Doctrine

In a world where spirituality often gets entangled with organized religion, many of us find ourselves asking: what does it really mean to hear and obey the word of God? For centuries, people have been told that hearing the word of God means attending church, listening to someone read the Bible, or consuming religious content online. While these practices are common, they don’t capture the true essence of what it means to connect with God. Let's take a deeper look at what the word of God truly is—and what it isn’t.

The Word of God: Not the Bible

When people hear the phrase “the word of God,” they often think of the Bible. Many believe that to hear the word, one must listen to someone read scripture or go to church, where they can engage with religious teachings. However, it’s crucial to differentiate between the Bible (a sacred text) and the actual word of God.

The Bible, while true and beautiful, is not the Word of God. God’s word transcends a book; it is a living and active force. The true word of God comes directly from God Himself and calls for a spiritual connection that goes beyond simply reading scripture or listening to sermons. It is about aligning oneself with God’s will and obeying His guidance.

Religion vs. Spirituality: The Control Factor

One of the challenges we face today is understanding how organized religion has influenced our perception of God’s word. There are over 30,000 different Christian denominations, each with its own doctrine. This division raises the question: if God’s word is meant to unify and guide, why do so many interpretations exist?

The reality is that religion has often used the Bible as a means of control. By positioning the Bible as the word of God, institutions have created structures that dictate what people should believe, how they should behave, and even which denomination they should belong to. This can be a way to maintain influence, but it often distances people from an authentic connection with God.

Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it." Notice that this doesn’t mean obeying scripture or religious dogma—it means following God Himself. True spirituality is about seeking God’s voice directly, not just following rules and rituals established by humans.

The Eternal Refuge: God’s Unchanging Nature

The Bible also tells us, “As for God, his way is perfect; the Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” This is the essence of the true word of God—a flawless refuge that is eternally available to us. When we seek refuge in God, we are embracing His word, which has always been and always will be perfect and unchanging.

Throughout history, God has made His word manifest to humanity. The arrival of Jesus Christ on Earth was this manifestation, a literal representation of God. Jesus came not as a mighty ruler, but in a humble, hidden manner, revealing the true nature of God. He was the way, the truth, and the life—a spiritual truth that went beyond human understanding and religious frameworks.

The Hidden Mystery of God

One of the reasons God came in this humble form was to prevent the world from being condemned for its unbelief. He entered a world that did not believe in Him, and His mission was to reveal God’s truth in a way that only those who truly sought Him would understand. This is why Jesus’ message often defied religious expectations of the time. He wasn’t there to conform to human ideas or religious structures but to fulfill a spiritual purpose.

Unfortunately, today’s religious debates often focus on doctrines and terminology that would not exist without the Bible. For instance, the concept of the “Son of God” is something people only recognize because it’s written in scripture. Without the Bible, people wouldn’t even debate about the "son of God". It’s important to remember that God’s refuge has always been available—long before any religious text or doctrine.

The Spiritual Truth: God Is the Refuge

Jesus’ message was simple: God Himself is our refuge. The kingdom of God was not about rituals, temples, or religious structures; it was about being reconciled to God. This truth was revealed through Jesus, but God’s nature and refuge have existed since the time of Abraham and beyond.

We often forget that God is not limited by time, space, or our understanding. He is Spirit, and His presence can be experienced in multiple places at once. He can dwell in heaven while also manifesting on Earth. The mystery of how He does this is beyond human comprehension, and that’s the beauty of faith.

Rediscovering the True Word of God

So, what does it mean to hear and obey the word of God today? It means stepping beyond the boundaries of organized religion and seeking a direct, spiritual connection with God. It’s about moving past doctrines and denominations that seek to control and divide and instead opening our hearts to God’s eternal truth and His love.

The Bible, while a valuable resource, is not the Word of God. It is a history book and beautiful account of our brothers and sisters in fellowship with God, but the real word of God is the living, active presence of God in our lives. We must seek this presence, listen, and obey—not out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire to connect with Him.

In doing so, we can rediscover the true meaning of faith, beyond the trappings of religion. We can find eternal refuge and life in God Himself, whose ways are perfect and unchanging, and who invites us into a spiritual relationship that is available to all who seek Him.