Avoiding Pitfalls When Testing Non-Biblical Examples Against Biblical Truth
When evaluating non-biblical examples or claims against biblical truth, a primary principle is to "prove all things" and "hold fast that which is good" [4]. This involves a careful process of discernment, ensuring that any external idea or practice aligns with the consistent teaching of Scripture. The apostle Paul's instruction to the Thessalonians, "test all such manifestations," implies that not everything claiming to be genuine is so, and the ultimate test is whether it accords with Scripture [4].
One crucial pitfall to avoid is accepting claims without subjecting them to biblical scrutiny. The Bereans are presented as a positive example, as they "searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11) [4]. This diligent comparison of new information with established biblical truth serves as a model for believers. Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah addresses the challenge of distinguishing between true and false revelations, advising discrimination between "wheat" and "chaff" by testing them against God's law [8].
Another pitfall is to rely on personal testimony or subjective experience as the sole arbiter of truth. While personal experience can be significant, it must always be weighed against the objective standard of God's Word. Jesus himself stated, "If I testify concerning myself, my testimony is not true" (John 5:31) [1]. This highlights the need for external, verifiable corroboration, which for Christians is found in Scripture. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary on this verse suggests that Jesus's statement underscores that his testimony alone would not be sufficient for conviction, implying the need for other witnesses or proofs [1, 5].
Furthermore, it is important to avoid the pitfall of tempting God by neglecting ordinary means of safety or wisdom, expecting divine intervention without human responsibility. John Gill, in his commentary on Matthew 4:6, explains that Jesus's response to the devil's temptation—"You shall not tempt the Lord your God" (Deuteronomy 6:16)—demonstrates that neglecting ordinary means and expecting miraculous preservation is a form of tempting God [7]. This principle extends to evaluating non-biblical examples; one should not embrace practices that disregard prudence or established wisdom, assuming God will miraculously compensate for such negligence.
A common error is to allow strife and contention to arise when discussing or evaluating non-biblical ideas. The Bible consistently warns against strife, identifying it as a "work of the flesh" and an "evidence of a carnal spirit" [2]. Christ himself is presented as an example of avoiding strife [2]. When assessing non-biblical examples, the goal should be discernment and truth, not argumentative victory. Strife can be excited by pride, wrath, and a contentious disposition, and it is difficult to stop once it begins [2]. Therefore, discussions should be conducted with humility and a desire for understanding rather than conflict.
Another pitfall is to apply "dishonest measures" in judgment, as warned against in Leviticus 19:35 [3]. This means approaching non-biblical examples with a biased or inconsistent standard, applying one rule to favored ideas and another to disfavored ones. Impartiality and integrity in judgment are essential for accurately testing against biblical truth.
Self-deception is also a significant pitfall. Believers are exhorted to "examine yourselves" and "prove your own selves" to ensure that Christ is truly in them [6]. This self-examination is a prerequisite for accurately assessing external matters. If one is not honest about their own spiritual condition, their ability to discern truth in non-biblical examples may be compromised. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary on 2 Corinthians 13:5 suggests that finding Christ dwelling within oneself by faith provides a foundation for believing in the ministry of others through whom that faith was received [6].
Finally, a critical pitfall is to act against one's conscience or conviction, even in matters considered "unessential" to Christian fellowship. The principle "whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23) is of "unspeakable importance in the Christian life" [9]. If an individual doubts the biblical alignment of a non-biblical example, participating in it would be considered sin for them, even if others might not find it problematic [9]. This highlights the importance of personal conviction, rooted in a careful assessment of biblical truth, when engaging with non-biblical practices or ideas. While some points in Christianity are unessential to fellowship, individual conscience remains paramount [9].
Sources
- John “John 5:31 (Webster) — If I testify concerning myself, my testimony is not true.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Strife — Christ, an example of avoiding -- Isa 42:2; Mt 12:15-19; Lu 9:52-56; 1Pe 2:23. Forbidden -- Pr 3:30; 25:8. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. An evidence of a carnal spirit -- 1Co 3:3. Existed in the church -- 1Co 1:11. Excited by Hatred. -- Pr 10:12. Pride. -- Pr 13:10; 28:25. Wrath. -- Pr 15:18; 30:33. Frowardness. -- Pr 16:28. A contentious disposition. -- Pr 26:21. Tale-bearing. -- Pr 26:20. Drunkenness. -- Pr 23:29,30. Lusts. -- Jas 4:1. Curious questions. -- 1Ti 6:4; 2Ti 2:23. Scorning. -- Pr 22:10. Difficulty of stopping, a reason for avoiding it -- Pr 1”
- Leviticus “Leviticus 19:35 (BSB) — You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume.”
- 1 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Thessalonians 5:21: Some of the oldest manuscripts insert "But." You ought indeed not to "quench" the manifestations of "the Spirit," nor "despise prophesyings"; "but," at the same time, do not take "all" as genuine which professes to be so; "prove (test) all" such manifestations. The means of testing them existed in the Church, in those who had the "discerning of spirits" (Co1 12:10; Co1 14:29; Jo1 4:1). Another sure test, which we also have, is, to try the professed revelation whether it accords with Scripture, as the noble Bereans did (Isa 8:20; Act 17:11; Gal”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 5:45: Do not think I will accuse you to the Father--"My errand hither is not to collect evidence to condemn you at God's bar." one that accuseth you, even Moses, &c.--"Alas! that will be too well done by another, and him the object of all your religious boastings--Moses," here put for "the Law," the basis of the Old Testament Scriptures.”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 13:5: Examine--Greek, "Try (make trial of) yourselves." prove your own selves--This should be your first aim, rather than "seeking a proof of Christ speaking in me" (Co2 13:3). your own selves--I need not speak much in proof of Christ being in me, your minister (Co2 13:3), for if ye try your own selves ye will see that Christ is also in you [CHRYSOSTOM], (Rom 8:10). Finding Christ dwelling in yourselves by faith, ye may well believe that He speaks in me, by whose ministry ye have received this faith [ESTIUS]. To doubt it would be the sin of Israel”
- Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 4:6: Jesus saith unto him, it is written again,.... Christ takes no notice of the false and wrong citation of scripture made by the devil, nor of any misapplication of it; but mildly replies, by opposing another passage of scripture to him, Deu 6:16 ye shall not tempt the Lord your God, thereby tacitly showing, that he had produced scripture to a very wrong purpose, since that could never contradict itself; and also, that for a person to neglect the ordinary means of safety, and to expect, that as God can, so he will, preserve without the use of such means, is a tempting ”
- Jeremiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jeremiah 23:28: God answers the objection which might be stated, "What, then, must we do, when lies are spoken as truths, and prophets oppose prophets?" Do the same as when wheat is mixed with chaff: do not reject the wheat because of the chaff mixed with it, but discriminate between the false and the true revelations. The test is adherence to, or forgetfulness of, Me and My law (Jer 23:27). that hath a dream--that pretends to have a divine communication by dream, let him tell it "faithfully," that it may be compared with "my word" (Co2 4:2). The result will be t”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 14:23: And--rather, "But" he that doubteth is damned--On the word "damnation," see on Rom 13:2. if he eat, because he eateth not of faith--On the meaning of "faith" here, see on Rom 14:22. for whatsoever is not of faith is sin--a maxim of unspeakable importance in the Christian life. Note, (1) Some points in Christianity are unessential to Christian fellowship; so that though one may be in error upon them, he is not on that account to be excluded either from the communion of the Church or from the full confidence of those who have more light. This dis”