The Scripture as a means of grace

Hebrews 13:9  Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.

If we are not to be carried away by varied and strange teachings it is reasonable to conclude that we should be grounded in singular and familiar teaching.  Singular in that there is one source.  Familiar in that we should be well acquainted with that source.  For Christians the singular and familiar source is the Bible – the Word of God.  In Reformed settings we often talk of the ordinances of the church (baptism and the Lord’s Supper) as means of grace  in that they spiritually strengthen those who participate in them.  Here we read the author of Hebrews considering the Word of God itself a means of grace.  We are strengthened and sustained by the Word (Deut. 8:3; Mat. 4:4).  Remember that as you consider the great gift God has given us in His Word.