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Biblical Principles Illustrated Through Non-Normative Examples

Biblical principles are foundational truths derived from Scripture that guide Christian belief and conduct. These principles are often illustrated through various examples, including those that might be considered non-normative or unexpected, highlighting the broad applicability and depth of biblical teaching.

One core principle is the inspiration and authority of the Scriptures themselves. The Bible is understood to be "given by inspiration of God" and "by inspiration of the Holy Spirit" [3]. Christ affirmed its authority by appealing to it and teaching from it [3]. This principle establishes the Bible as the ultimate standard for faith and life. For instance, the concept of "sincerity" is presented as a characteristic that should permeate all aspects of a believer's life, including love for God and Christ, service, faith, and conduct [4]. Christ himself is the ultimate example of sincerity [4]. This principle of sincerity, while seemingly straightforward, can be illustrated in contexts where outward actions might be present without genuine inward commitment, as when the gospel is preached without sincerity [4].

Another significant principle is that of creation. The Bible teaches that creation was "effected by God" and "by Christ" and "by the Holy Spirit" [2]. It occurred "in the beginning" over "six normal days" and "according to God's purpose" [2]. Hebrews 11:3 states, "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear" [7]. This principle underscores God's sovereignty and power. Even angels are described as created by God and Christ, ministering spirits who communicate and execute God's will and judgments [6]. The creation narrative, while foundational, also sets the stage for understanding God's ongoing involvement in the world and His relationship with humanity.

The principle of liberality, or generous giving, is another key biblical teaching. It is described as "pleasing to God" and something God "never forgets" [1]. Christ himself set an example of liberality [1]. This principle extends to various recipients: "In the service of God," "Toward saints," "Toward servants," "Toward the poor," "Toward strangers," "Toward enemies," and "Toward all men" [1]. This broad scope indicates that liberality is not limited to specific acts or individuals but is a pervasive attitude. The principle is further qualified by the idea that liberality is "unprofitable, without love" [1]. This suggests that the motivation behind the act is as crucial as the act itself.

The concept of "early rising" is presented in Scripture as a practice exemplified by Christ and many biblical figures, often linked to devotion, executing God's commands, and discharging daily duties [5]. Christ's example of rising early for devotion (Mark 1:35) illustrates a principle of diligence and prioritization [5]. However, the same principle can be seen in non-normative or even negative contexts, as the wicked also practice early rising for "deceit" or "executing plans of evil" [5]. This demonstrates that while an action itself might appear virtuous, its moral value is determined by the underlying intention and purpose. This echoes the idea that outward actions alone are insufficient without inward sincerity [4].

The New Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of moving beyond elementary principles to spiritual maturity. Hebrews 6:1 exhorts believers to "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God" [8]. John Gill interprets "the principles of the doctrine of Christ" as the "easier parts of the Gospel," which are not to be abandoned with contempt but rather built upon [10]. Calvin similarly notes that while the foundation must never be left, "to be always laboring in 'laying the foundation' would be ridiculous" [13]. This principle encourages spiritual growth and deeper understanding, moving beyond initial conversion experiences to a more profound engagement with Christian truth.

Paul's teachings in Romans and 1 Corinthians further illustrate how principles are applied in complex situations. In Romans 2:28, Paul argues that "he is not a Jew which is one outwardly," emphasizing that outward religious observance (like circumcision) is meaningless without inward transformation and holy devotion [9]. This highlights the principle that true righteousness is not merely external but internal. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 10:31-33, Paul summarizes two guiding principles for Christian behavior: doing "everything for the glory of God" and avoiding giving "offense" or harming another person's faith [12]. These principles guide believers to prioritize the well-being of others and God's honor over personal privilege [12]. This is further reinforced in Galatians 6:4, where Adam Clarke interprets Paul's instruction to "prove his own work" as examining one's conduct by "the words and example of Christ," rather than comparing oneself to others [11]. The "only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ" [11].

The concept of "earthly things" versus "heavenly things" in John 3:11, as discussed by John Gill, provides another example of how principles can be understood in different contexts. While Christ's doctrines were heavenly, they were sometimes delivered in a plain style, "illustrated by similes taken from earthly things" [14]. This demonstrates that profound spiritual truths can be communicated through accessible, even mundane, examples, making them understandable to a wider audience.

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Liberality — Pleasing to God -- 2Co 9:7; Heb 13:16. God never forgets -- Heb 6:10. Christ set an example of -- 2Co 8:9. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 112:9; Isa 32:8. Unprofitable, without love -- 1Co 13:3. Should be exercised In the service of God. -- Ex 35:21-29. Toward saints. -- Ro 12:13; Ga 6:10. Toward servants. -- De 15:12-14. Toward the poor. -- De 15:11; Isa 58:7. Toward strangers. -- Le 25:35. Toward enemies. -- Pr 25:21. Toward all men. -- Ga 6:10. In leading to those in want. -- Mt 5:42. In giving alms. -- Lu 12:33. In relieving the destitute. -- Isa 58:”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Creation — The formation of things which had no previous existence -- Ro 4:17; Heb 11:3. Effected By God. -- Ge 1:1; 2:4,5; Pr 26:10. By Christ. -- Joh 1:3,10; Col 1:16. By the Holy Spirit. -- Job 26:13; Ps 104:30. By the command of God. -- Ps 33:9; Heb 11:3. In the beginning. -- Ge 1:1; Mt 24:21. In six normal days. -- Ex 20:11; 31:17. According to God's purpose. -- Ps 135:6. For God's pleasure. -- Pr 16:4; Re 4:11. For Christ. -- Col 1:16. By faith we believe, to be God's work -- Heb 11:3. Order of First day, making light and dividing it from darkness. -- Ge 1:3-5;”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scriptures, The — Given by inspiration of God -- 2Ti 3:16. Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21. Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them -- Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42. Christ taught out of -- Lu 24:27. Are called the Word. -- Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. Word of God. -- Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. Word of Christ. -- Col 3:16. Word of truth. -- Jas 1:18. Holy Scriptures. -- Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. Scripture of truth. -- Da 10:21. Book. -- Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. Book of the Lord. -- Isa 34:16. Book of the law. -- Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. Law of the Lord. -- Ps 1:2; Isa”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Angels — Created by God and Christ -- Ne 9:6; Col 1:16. Worship God and Christ -- Ne 9:6; Php 2:9-11; Heb 1:6. Are ministering Spirits -- 1Ki 19:5; Ps 68:17; 104:4; Lu 16:22; Ac 12:7-11; 27:23; Heb 1:7,14. Communicate the will of God and Christ -- Da 8:16,17; 9:21-23; 10:11; 12:6,7; Mt 2:13,20; Lu 1:19,28; Ac 5:20; 8:26; 10:5; 27:23; Re 1:1. Obey the will of God -- Ps 103:20; Mt 6:10. Execute the purposes of God -- Nu 22:22; Ps 103:21; Mt 13:39-42; 28:2; Joh 5:4; Re 5:2. Execute the judgments of God -- 2Sa 24:16; 2Ki 19:35; Ps 35:5,6; Ac 12:23; Re 16:1. Celebrate the”
  7. King James Version “[KJV] Hebrews 11:3 — Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”
  8. King James Version “[KJV] Hebrews 6:1 — Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,”
  9. Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 2:28: he is not a Jew which is one outwardly, &c.--In other words, the name of "Jew" and the rite of "circumcision" were designed but as outward symbols of a separation from the irreligious and ungodly world unto holy devotedness in heart and life to the God of salvation. Where this is realized, the signs are full of significance; but where it is not, they are worse than useless. Note, (1) It is a sad mark of depravity when all that is designed and fitted to melt only hardens the heart (Rom 2:4, and compare Pe2 3:9; Ecc 8:11). (2) Amidst all the inequalitie”
  10. Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 6:1: Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,.... The Gospel is the doctrine of Christ, and is so called, because Christ, as God, is the author of it; as Mediator, he received it from his Father; as man, he was the preacher of it; and he is also the sum and substance of it: the principles of this doctrine are either the easier parts of the Gospel, called milk in the latter part of the preceding chapter; which are not to be left with dislike and contempt, nor so as to be forgotten, nor so as not to be recurred to at proper times; but so as not to abide in”
  11. Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”
  12. 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 10:31: 10:31-33 Paul concludes his discussion by summarizing the two principles that are to guide Christian behavior in issues like this: (1) Believers are to do everything for the glory of God (see Col 3:17; 1 Pet 4:11); (2) believers are not to give offense and should avoid doing anything that would harm another person’s Christian faith (cp. 1 Cor 8:9, 13; 1 Jn 2:10). Christians’ behavior is to be guided by what is best for others rather than by personal privilege (cp. Rom 14:13-15, 19-21; 15:1-2). These two basic principles lie at the heart of Paul’s advice on”
  13. Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 6 (introduction): WARNING AGAINST RETROGRADING, WHICH SOON LEADS TO APOSTASY; ENCOURAGEMENT TO STEADFASTNESS FROM GOD'S FAITHFULNESS TO HIS WORD AND OATH. (Heb 6:1-14) Therefore--Wherefore: seeing that ye ought not now to be still "babes" (Heb 5:11-14). leaving--getting further forward than the elementary "principles." "As in building a house one must never leave the foundation: yet to be always laboring in 'laying the foundation' would be ridiculous" [CALVIN]. the principles of the doctrine--Greek, "the word of the beginning," that is, the discussion ”
  14. John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 3:11: If I have told you earthly things,.... Not that the doctrines he delivered were earthly ones; for he was not of the earth, but from heaven, and above all, and so spake not of the earth, but of heaven, Joh 3:31; and this doctrine of regeneration was an heavenly doctrine; and the thing itself required supernatural power, and grace from above: but either they were the more easy doctrines of the Gospel; or were delivered in a plain and easy style, and illustrated by similes taken from earthly things, as from human birth, from the water, and from the wind: and ye believe n”
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