For the word of God is [living], and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discemer of the thoughts and intents of the heart. [Hebrews 4:12] It is not as though the Lord does not bring peace for, "He is our peace." However, this peace resides only with His elect and not with the world in general. In the world He brings a sword. And what is that sword? It is God's word; which is to say it is Christ, Himself, for He is the Word of God. On what account is Christ, the Word of God, a sword? First, because He divides between truth and error. He is able to make such subtle divisions and distinctions as soul and spirit or joints and marrow. It should not be surprising that those who preach the gospel are considered divisive, though, in truth, it is not them, but thc Word they preach that is divisive. Preaching that does not divide is not the preaching of the Word! Second, He is able to discern the true state of the heart and reveal it. This is why so many fly into a rage at the preaching of the gospel. It strips them of their religious facade and reveals them for what they really are. Such preaching prompted the religious leaders of the Lord's day to crucify Him. We are not to seek to be divisive, nor are we to entertain a divisive spirit. But, if we would preach Christ, we must understand that most often it will be war, not peace in this world.
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