Paul explains that "the sword of the Spirit is the word of God." in Ephesians 6:17. He also explains that it is a two-edged sword that cuts right to the heart, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." in Hebrews 4:12. That was also stated by Simeon, when Jesus was taken to the temple as a baby. He said, "a sword will pierce through your own soul also, so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed." in Luke 2:35.
Since Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1), he wields the sword. He even stated that when he said, "I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." in Matthew 10:34. This was obviously not talking about military conquest, since he was peaceful, but he came to bring the Word of God.
Later in Revelation, John explains that when Jesus comes back his word will be a sharp two-edged sword, "From his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword." -Revelation 1:16 He continues to say that church should listen to "The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword." and "repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth." Revelation 2:12,16. This shows that one edge of the sword is defensive and will protect those who repent. That is the gospel that those who believe his word will be saved. The other edge of the sword will be used as a curse. This is expanded later in Revelation, "Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.... and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.... From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations.... On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.... And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse." -Revelation 19:11,13,15,16,21
Acts 2:36-38 also explains that the two edges of the sword are Law and Gospel, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
God's Word cuts to the heart and lays open the sins of man through the law. It not only wounds us, but kills us to an eternal death. However, with repentance and baptism, the other edge of the sword of God's Word heals us when we come to faith through the hearing of the word, the Gospel, the good news of salvation, which is the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Paul uses this imagery again in Romans 13:4 explaining that the Gospel side of God's Word is for your good, while the law side carries out God's wrath, "for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer."
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