We shall commence our study on Biblical doctrine by considering first the Doctrine of the Word of God. Although the focus of our study is God’s Word in written form, there is need for us to know what is meant by the phrase “the Word of God” as there are several meanings taken by this phrase in the Bible.
1. The Word of God as the Person of Jesus Christ
The Bible sometimes refers the Son of God as “the Word of God”. We can see this in John 1:1, 14; 1 John 1:1; Rev 19:13.
2. The word of God as speech by God
These are God’s decrees that cause events to happen or cause things to come into being as seen in Genesis 1. Psalm 33:6 says that “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
And by the breath of His mouth all their host.”
3. God’s words of personal address
God sometimes communicates directly to people. We find these instances in the Bible. At the very beginning of creation, God spoke to Adam (Gen 2: 16-17; 3:16-19). When He gave the Ten Commandments He gave a personal address to the Israelites (Ex 20:1-3). Also, we find God the Father speaking at the baptism of Jesus Christ (Mt 3:17).
4. God’s word as speech through human lips
God spoke through Moses to speak to Israel (Deut 18:18-20). God put His word in the mouth of Jeremiah (Jer 1:9). You can also look at these passages (Jer 1:7; Ex 4:12; Num 22:38; 1 Sam 15:3, 18, 23; 1 Kings 20:36; 2 Chr 20:20; 25:15-16). God’s words spoken through human lips were considered to be just as authoritative and just as true as God’s word of personal address.
5. God’s word in written form (the Bible)
In addition to the above four forms of God’s word, we have the word of God in written form (the Bible). We find several instances in the Bible where God’s words were put in written form. We see some of this in Ex 31:18; 32:16; 34:1,2; Deut 31:24-26; 1 Cor 14:37; 2 Pet 3:2.
It is essential to note that the word of God in written form has several benefits over the other types of forms. It’s reliable, permanent, and accessible. The other forms of the word of God are not suitable as the primary basis for the study of theology. For example we don’t hear God’s words of decree and thus cannot study them directly. God’s words of personal address are uncommon. Assuming they are common in our days, there is no certainty that our understanding and memory of it will be completely accurate.
From the foregoing we see that the most profitable way of studying God’s words is as written in the Bible. It is His written word that He has asked us to study (Psalm 1:1-2). It is the Word of God in the written Scripture that is “God breathed” and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16).

God bless you.