Wonderful Words of Life

April 10, 2016 (Sunday)
Christian publisher Fleming H. Revell wanted a song that would emphasize the vital importance of studying the Word of God, so he asked Philip Bliss if he could come up with a song to fit, suggesting the key text, John 6:67-68. In the passage, many who had followed Christ were drifting away (vs. 66). The Lord turned to His disciples and asked, “Do you also want to go away?” And Peter made this reply on behalf of the other men:
Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (cf. Jn. 5:24).
Words of eternal life…words of life. That is an apt description of the whole Bible. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). And as Hebrews declares, “The word of God is living and powerful” (Heb. 4:12; cf. I Thess. 2:13). “[God’s] word is a lamp to [our] feet and a light to [our] path” (Ps. 119:105). In the keeping of its principles and precepts “there is great reward” (Ps. 19:11).
Mr. Bliss duly produced a song, as requested, calling it Wonderful Words of Life. (Above paragraphs from “wordwisehymns.com”).