Q: If Christianity is not
primarily a moral code, why should Christians pay attention to the Bible’s
moral commands? Couldn’t they just live
any way they choose? Why do churches
differ so widely on what moral commands they consider applicable to Christians,
and how do I know which church is right on this matter?
First and foremost, Christianity is
about Jesus forgiving sins and giving eternal life, as a gift, and as a result
of His crucifixion. Consequently,
Christianity is not primarily a moral code, but the Bible’s moral commands do
act in service to this primary purpose of distributing forgiveness and eternal
life.
This is because those moral commands
first, convict those who do not yet trust in Jesus that they have displeased
God and cannot correct the problem themselves; then, once a person does trust
in Jesus, which results in a desire to live in a God-pleasing manner, these
commands describe what that godly life looks like.
Even though Christianity is not
primarily a moral code, its moral commands do still matter, and it is important
that we be able to accurately identify what they are. In order to make this identification, it is
first necessary to acknowledge the ground rule that the Bible will be the sole
source for making such a determination.
Secondly, it is necessary to read the Bible accurately.
The first important part of this is
to read the Bible like any other book—that is to look at the whole text rather
than reading a verse apart from its wider context; consider the language and
structure (subjects, verbs, objects, setting, main ideas, etc.); understand
what type of writing is being presented (prophecy, poetry, history, etc.) and
how the book or verse fits into the broader picture.
Then it is necessary, to the highest
degree possible to separate oneself as the reader from any presuppositions and
read the text for what the text says rather than in light of one’s own
experiences and biases. Most
importantly, know when to stop.
Sometimes the Bible just doesn’t answer certain questions, and we have
to accept that. Be confident in what the
Bible has said, but don’t give in to the temptation to make it speak where it
hasn’t really spoken. Failure on the
three points just mentioned can account for a vast majority of the differences
between churches.
Bible commentaries or Bibles that
contain study notes can be helpful, but they also have the potential to be
misleading, depending on their source.
Knowing Biblical Greek is the best possible tool to have at one’s
disposal, but since time or cost would be prohibitive for most people to do
this, settle for befriending a pastor who knows it. Having expended the effort to learn it, he
will be glad to speak with someone who appreciates and takes an interest in this
rare ability.
If evaluating a church, don’t just
consider the moral commands but all teachings of a Church. Whenever a church reflects what is taught in
the Bible, it is acting as a true church, but whenever a church overrules a
Biblical teaching to suit the leaders or the members, or if they teach in such
a way that bends the Bible to fit their presuppositions rather than adjusting
their presuppositions to align with the Bible, they are teaching falsely and
leading people away from Jesus.
All of this matters, because the
Bible’s promises and commands are inseparable.
Disregard for the Bible’s commands ultimately undermines any confidence
in its promises, and if its promises are undermined, it would be just as
spiritually powerless as any mere idol statue that human hands have carved or
sculpted over the centuries.
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