Applying Timeless Principles from Extrabiblical Examples
Applying Timeless Principles from Extrabiblical Examples
The Bible provides numerous examples of timeless principles that can be applied to various situations, including those outside of the biblical context. One such principle is the concept of God's sovereignty and unchangeability. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, God's unchangeable principle is to do the best that can be done under all circumstances [2]. This principle is reflected in Jeremiah 18:8, where God says that He will repent of the evil He thought to do if the people repent.
This principle can be applied to extrabiblical examples by recognizing that God's character remains consistent across different situations and cultures. For instance, the idea that God's wisdom is perfect and beyond human comprehension is a timeless principle that can be applied to various contexts [1]. As Jamieson, Fausset & Brown note, God's unsearchableness impresses us with awe, and this principle is reflected in Proverbs 25:2 [4].
Another principle that can be derived from biblical examples is the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. According to 2 Thessalonians 2:15, believers should stand fast and hold to the traditions they have been taught, even in the face of persecution or trouble [3]. This principle is also reflected in 2 Timothy 3:12, which states that all who wish to live godly in Christ will suffer persecution [7].
The biblical concept of God's sovereignty and human responsibility can also be applied to extrabiblical examples. As John Gill notes on Hosea 2:12, God's methods of dealing with His people may vary, but His ultimate goal is to bring about their good [5]. This principle can be seen in the way God allures and persuades His people, rather than simply forcing them to obey.
The book of Revelation also provides examples of timeless principles that can be applied to extrabiblical contexts. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Revelation 22:5, the heavenly city will have no need of the sun or moon because God will be its light [6]. This principle reflects the idea that God's presence is the ultimate source of light and guidance.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Wisdom of God, The — Is one of his attributes -- 1Sa 2:3; Job 9:4. Described as Perfect. -- Job 36:4; 37:16. Mighty. -- Job 36:5. Universal. -- Job 28:24; Da 2:22; Ac 15:18. Infinite. -- Ps 147:5; Ro 11:33. Unsearchable. -- Isa 40:28; Ro 11:33. Wonderful. -- Ps 139:6. Beyond human comprehension. -- Ps 139:6. Incomparable. -- Isa 44:7; Jer 10:7. Underived. -- Job 21:22; Isa 40:14. The gospel contains treasures of -- 1Co 2:7. Wisdom of saints is derived from -- Ezr 7:25. All human wisdom derived from -- Da 2:1. Saints ascribe to him -- Da 2:20. Exhibited in His works. ”
- Jeremiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jeremiah 18:8: their evil--in antithesis to, "the evil that I thought to do." repent--God herein adapts Himself to human conceptions. The change is not in God, but in the circumstances which regulate God's dealings: just as we say the land recedes from us when we sail forth, whereas it is we who recede from the land (Eze 18:21; Eze 33:11). God's unchangeable principle is to do the best that can be done under all circumstances; if then He did not take into account the moral change in His people (their prayers, &c.), He would not be acting according to His own unch”
- 2 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Thessalonians 2:15: Therefore--God's sovereign choice of believers, so far from being a ground for inaction on their part, is the strongest incentive to action and perseverance in it. Compare the argument, Phi 2:12-13, "Work out your own salvation, FOR it is God which worketh in you," &c. We cannot fully explain this in theory; but to the sincere and humble, the practical acting on the principle is plain. "Privilege first, duty afterwards" [EDMUNDS]. stand fast--so as not to be "shaken or troubled" (Th2 2:2). hold--so as not to let go. Adding nothing, subtrac”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 25:2: God's unsearchableness impresses us with awe (compare Isa 45:15; Rom 11:33). But kings, being finite, should confer with wise counsellors;”
- Hosea (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hosea 2:12: Therefore, behold, I will allure her,.... Since these rough ways will not do, I will take another, a more mild and gentle way; instead of threatening, terrifying, and punishing, I will allure, persuade, and entice, giving loving words and winning language: or "nevertheless", or "notwithstanding" (m): so Noldius and others render the particle; though they have thus behaved themselves, and such methods have been taken with them to no purpose, yet I will do as follows: the words may be understood of the call and conversion of the people of God, the spiritual Israel of God”
- Revelation (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Revelation 22:5: there--so ANDREAS. But A, B, Vulgate, and Syriac read, "(there shall be no night) any longer"; Greek, "eti," for "ekei." they need--A, Vulgate, and Coptic read the future, "they shall not have need." B reads, "(and there shall be) no need." candle--Greek, "lamp." A, Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic insert "light (of a candle, or lamp)." B Omits it. of the sun--so A. But B omits it. giveth . . . light--"illumines." So Vulgate and Syriac. But A reads, "shall give light." them--so B and ANDREAS. But A reads, "upon them." reign--with a glory pro”
- 2 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Timothy 3:12: Yea, and--an additional consideration for Timothy: if he wishes to live godly in Christ, he must make up his mind to encounter persecution. that will, &c.--Greek, "all whose will is to live," &c. So far should persecution be from being a stumbling-block to Timothy, he should consider it a mark of the pious. So the same Greek is used of the same thing, Luk 14:28, Luk 14:33, "intending (Greek, 'wishing') to build a tower . . . counteth the cost." live godly in Christ-- (Gal 2:20; Phi 1:21). There is no godliness (Greek, "piously") or piety out of ”