Applying Universally Applicable Principles in Non-Biblical Contexts
Biblical principles, though originating in specific historical and cultural contexts, are often understood to possess universal applicability, extending beyond their immediate scriptural settings [6]. This means that the core truths and ethical guidelines found in the Bible can be applied to diverse situations and non-biblical contexts, guiding believers in their daily lives and interactions.
One key aspect of this universal applicability is the understanding that while the "fashion" or outward form of the world "passeth away," the underlying principles remain [1]. For instance, the apostle Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians 7:17, "As the Lord hath allotted to each, as God hath called each, so let him walk," is presented as a general principle for believers not to abandon their earthly callings simply because they have a heavenly one [3]. This principle can be applied to various life situations, encouraging faithfulness and diligence in one's current circumstances, whether in a secular job, family role, or community involvement.
Another example is the principle of edification. Paul states, "All things are lawful for me, but all things edify not" [4]. This concept, originally addressing issues like eating meat offered to idols, establishes a broader ethical framework: actions should not only be permissible but also constructive and beneficial to the spiritual growth of the community [4]. This principle can be applied to modern ethical dilemmas, such as choices in entertainment, social media use, or business practices, by asking whether a particular action builds up or tears down.
Jesus' prayer in John 17:9, "I pray for them... not for the world," highlights a distinction between those who are "out of the world" and the world itself [2]. While this passage speaks to the specific disciples, the underlying principle—that believers are distinct from the prevailing values of the world—can be universally applied to all believers in every age [2]. This distinction informs how Christians engage with cultural norms, political systems, and societal trends, encouraging them to maintain their unique identity and values.
The parables of Jesus also offer universally applicable principles. For example, the parable of the great supper in Luke 14:23, which speaks of inviting guests from "highways and hedges," is understood to prophetically contemplate the extension of the kingdom of God to the whole world, including those considered "lowest strata" or "outside the city" [7]. This illustrates a universal call to evangelism and inclusion, applicable to reaching diverse populations in any context. The vastness of Jesus' teachings, so extensive that "even the world itself would not hold the books" if all were written, further underscores the depth and breadth of principles available for application [5].
Sources
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 7:31: not abusing it--not abusing it by an overmuch using of it. The meaning of "abusing" here is, not so much perverting, as using it to the full [BENGEL]. We are to use it, "not to take our fill" of its pursuits as our chief aim (compare Luk 10:40-42). As the planets while turning on their own axis, yet revolve round the sun; so while we do our part in our own worldly sphere, God is to be the center of all our desires. fashion--the present fleeting form. Compare Psa 39:6, "vain show"; Psa 73:20, "a dream"; Jam 4:14, "a vapor." passeth away--not ”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 17:9: I pray for them--not as individuals merely, but as representatives of all such in every succeeding age (see on Joh 17:20). not for the world--for they had been given Him "out of the world" (Joh 17:6), and had been already transformed into the very opposite of it. The things sought for them, indeed, are applicable only to such.”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 7:17: But--Greek, "If not." "Only." Caution that believers should not make this direction (Co1 7:16; as ALFORD explains it) a ground for separating "of themselves" (Co1 7:12-14). Or, But if there be no hope of gaining over the unbeliever, still let the general principle be maintained, "As the Lord hath allotted to each, as God hath called each, so let him walk" (so the Greek in the oldest reading); let him walk in the path allotted to him and wherein he was called. The heavenly calling does not set aside our earthly callings. so ordain I in all chur”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 10:23: All things are lawful for me, &c.--Recurring to the Corinthian plea (Co1 6:12), he repeats his qualification of it. The oldest manuscripts omit both times "for me." edify not--tend not to build up the spiritual temple, the Church, in faith and love. Paul does not appeal to the apostolic decision (Acts 15:1-29), which seems to have been not so much regarded outside of Palestine, but rather to the broad principle of true Christian freedom, which does not allow us to be governed by external things, as though, because we can use them, we must use”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 21:25: And there are many other things which Jesus did--(Compare Joh 20:30-31). if . . . written every one, I suppose--an expression used to show that what follows is not to be pressed too far. even the world itself would not hold the books, &c.--not a mere hyperbolical expression, unlike the sublime simplicity of this writer, but intended to let his reader know that, even now that he had done, he felt his materials so far from being exhausted, that he was still running over, and could multiply "Gospels" to almost any extent within the strict limits of wha”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 5:17: IDENTITY OF THESE PRINCIPLES WITH THOSE OF THE ANCIENT ECONOMY; IN CONTRAST WITH THE REIGNING TRADITIONAL TEACHING. (Mat. 5:17-48) Think not that I am come--that I came. to destroy the law, or the prophets--that is, "the authority and principles of the Old Testament." (On the phrase, see Mat 7:12; Mat 22:40; Luk 16:16; Act 13:15). This general way of taking the phrase is much better than understanding "the law" and "the prophets" separately, and inquiring, as many good critics do, in what sense our Lord could be supposed to meditate the subversion ”
- Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 14:23: highways and hedges--outside the city altogether; historically, the heathen, sunk in the lowest depths of spiritual wretchedness, as being beyond the pale of all that is revealed and saving, "without Christ, strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world" (Eph 2:12); generally, all such still. Thus, this parable prophetically contemplates the extension of the kingdom of God to the whole world; and spiritually, directs the Gospel invitations to be carried to the lowest strata, and be brought in contact with the outer”