Intro: There are seven monosyllabic words which appear oftentimes in the Bible. Though insignificant to many casual readers, they actually convey some if the greatest truths of God. These are BUT, GO, LO, HO, WOE, NO, and SO.
1. BUT = indicates a contrast or a comparison (used 3,994 times): “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: BUT he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (I John 2:17). Everything in this present evil world will pass away except words of God (Matt. 24:35) and all believers in Christ (I John 2:17). Even diamonds which are said to be “forever” will melt on the day of the Lord (II Pet. 3:10).
2. GO = indicates a transfer or travel from one place to another (used 1,492 times): “GO ye therefore and teach all nations, baptising them…” (Matt. 28:19). Christ’s disciples are commanded to go, preach, and teach the saving Gospel of Christ to a lost, condemned and dying mankind. Let us respond like the prophet Isaiah (Isa. 6:8).
3. LO = indicates a calling or catching of attention (used 159 times): “Then said I, LO, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God” (Heb. 10:7). [cf. Behold] The words “LO, I come,” make angels celebrate, terrorize devils, and gladden believers because Christ lovingly came to fulfill the OT prophecies, and to be the sacrifice for our sins. If Christ had not come, there would be: NO – Salvation, Forgiveness, Resurrection, Hope, Peace, Heaven and ONLY – Sin, Confusion, Condemnation, and Hell. “LO” gives hope to the sinner. Christians need to draw men’s attention to the fact that Christ has come, died, was buried, and rose again the third day for the sins of mankind, and that eternal life is available. Let us draw men’s attention to the Person and work of Christ and not to our churches!
4. HO = indicates surprise, triumph, or an invitation (used 4 times): “HO, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money: come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” (Isa. 55:1). “HO” is a word of invitation to a full and free salvation that is without money involved and without charge to us; yet paid with a great price by Christ. (I Cor. 6:20). Christ paid the full price for our redemption from the “slave market” of sin (I Pet. 1:18-19). If we know this, we dare not neglect God’s gift of salvation (Heb. 2:3).
5. WOE = indicates an affliction, calamity, or curse (used 106 times): ‘Yea, WOE is unto me if I preach not the gospel” (I Cor. 9:16). Millions will die and perish in Hell due to ignorance of God’s truth. They need someone to forewarn them (Ezek. 3:18). If you are really saved, you’ll want to see others saved. If you personally know Christ, you’ll want others to know Him. If Heaven is real to you, you’ll want others to go there. If you know Hell is real, you will do all to fully alert people about it. If you really know the power of the Gospel, you’ll say what Paul said in Rom. 1:14-16.
6. NO = indicates the absence of something (used 1,393 times): “There is therefore now NO condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). The declaration NO CONDEMNATION is good news to a condemned, Hell-bound sinner. Why is there no more condemnation? Because “the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isa. 53:6 cf. John 5:24). Romans 8 begins with no condemnation in verse 1 and ends with no separation in verses 8:38-39.
7. SO = indicates a great or exceeding degree (used 1,689 times): “For God SO loved the world that he gave…” (John 3:16). “SO” describes the greatness of God’s love to mankind (I John 3:1). GOD’S PART = Loving and Giving; MAN’S PART = Believing and Receiving. God has already done His part. Will you do your part now by receiving Christ?
Conclusion: Friend, does your life and testimony reflect the messages of these seven simple words? If you’re saved, live for Christ and reveal the meaning of these little Bible words in your life. If you are unsaved or unsure, get right with God and trust Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Be saved today!
