Without question, the most dynamic spiritual force in the Church is the Spirit-inspired and illumined Word of God, the Holy Scriptures. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we affirm our deep belief in the creative, convicting, converting, and calling power of the Word of God. To understand the wonderful blessing of conversion and calling, we will need to critically evaluate the place of the Word of God in the Church.

This module highlights the dynamic power of the Word of God to both convert the lost and secure the called into the full will of God. We begin with a discussion of how the Bible understands itself to be in fact the very Word of God, inspired by the "breath of God," the Holy Spirit. Through his ministry through the Holy Scriptures, we understand that the Word of God plays a pivotal role in the regeneration of the lost person; through the Word, the Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Word of God converts us; it is a Word that brings new life, and that is synonymous with the Gospel of Jesus. It is the Word which causes us to be "born again," to experience the washing of regeneration, and renewal of the Holy Spirit, producing in those who believe very concrete signs of God's renewing power. Finally, we see how this Word calls us out of darkness into new life in Christ. We explore the concept of metanoia, that is, repentance toward God, and to faith (pistis). The Word of God produces faith in Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior who saves, delivers, and rescues the believer from the penalty, power, and presence of sin.