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Ensuring Examples Align with Reformation Theology and Scripture

The concept of Christian examples, particularly the example of Christ, is central to Reformation theology and finds extensive support in Scripture. Believers are called to imitate Christ and other faithful individuals as they, in turn, imitate Christ, while also adhering strictly to the written Word of God as the ultimate rule for faith and life [1, 7, 9, 13].

The Example of Christ

Scripture presents Jesus Christ as the perfect example for believers in numerous aspects of life [1]. His life demonstrates holiness (1 Pet 1:15-16), righteousness (1 John 2:6), purity (1 John 3:3), and love (John 13:34; Eph 5:2; 1 John 3:16) [1]. Christ's humility (Luke 22:27; Phil 2:5, 7), meekness (Matt 11:29), and obedience (John 15:10) are also highlighted as exemplary [1]. He exemplified self-denial (Matt 16:24; Rom 15:3), ministering to others (Matt 20:28; John 13:14-15), and benevolence (Acts 20:35; 2 Cor 8:7, 9) [1]. Furthermore, Christ's example includes forgiving injuries (Col 3:13), overcoming the world (John 16:33; 1 John 5:4), not being "of the world" (John 17:16), being guileless (1 Pet 2:21-22), and suffering wrongfully [1].

Christ also serves as an example of diligence, as seen in his early morning prayer (Mark 1:35) and his dedication to his Father's business (Luke 2:49) [2]. His life was characterized by "good works" (John 10:32; Acts 10:38), which are described as "good fruits," "fruits meet for repentance," and "fruits of righteousness" [4]. These good works are performed through Christ and bring glory and praise to God (Phil 1:11) [4].

The call to follow Christ's example is not merely an optional suggestion but a requirement for believers. Adam Clarke, a Methodist commentator, emphasizes that the "only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ" [7]. one tradition argues that believers should examine their conduct by Christ's words and example, finding joy in resembling their Lord rather than comparing themselves to others [7].

The Role of Good Works and Justification

While Christ's example includes good works, Reformation theology strongly distinguishes between good works as a result of faith and good works as a means of justification. The Torrey's Topical Textbook explicitly states that "Justification [is] unattainable by [good works]" (Rom 3:20; Gal 2:16) [4]. This aligns with the core Reformation doctrine of sola fide, or justification by faith alone.

However, good works are not absent from the Christian life. They are described as "wrought by God in us" (Isa 26:12; Phil 2:13) and are a natural outcome for those who "abide in Christ" (John 15:4-5) [4]. The Scriptures themselves are designed to lead believers to good works (2 Tim 3:16-17; Jas 1:25), and these works are to be performed "in Christ's name" (Col 3:17) [4]. This perspective underscores that good works are a consequence and evidence of salvation, not a prerequisite for it.

Imitating Other Believers

Beyond Christ's perfect example, Scripture also encourages believers to imitate other faithful individuals, but always with a crucial caveat: they are to imitate them only insofar as those individuals imitate Christ [9, 12]. The Apostle Paul frequently presented himself as an example for others to follow. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, one tradition states, "Be ye followers of me, as I also am of Christ" [12]. Similarly, in Philippians 3:17, he urges believers to "be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample" [9].

John Calvin, a leading figure in the Reformed tradition, comments on Philippians 3:17, explaining that Paul means it is acceptable for believers to choose any person for imitation, provided that person conforms to the "purity of which he was a pattern" [11]. Calvin notes that Paul's instruction also serves as a warning that "all are not to be imitated indiscriminately" [11]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary on Philippians 3:17 further clarifies this, stating, "Imitate me no farther than as I imitate Christ" [9]. This highlights the conditional nature of imitating human examples, always subordinating them to the ultimate example of Christ.

The Authority of Scripture as the Rule

The ultimate standard for Christian faith and practice, including the understanding and application of examples, is the inspired Word of God [5]. The Scriptures are "given by inspiration of God" (2 Tim 3:16) and "by inspiration of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2 Pet 1:21) [5]. Christ himself sanctioned the Scriptures by appealing to them (Matt 4:4; Mark 12:10; John 7:42) and teaching from them (Luke 24:27) [5].

Matthew Henry, a Nonconformist commentator, emphasizes that ministers, in their preaching, "must keep close to the word of God" [8]. John Gill, a Baptist commentator, refers to the "Scriptures of truth" as the "rule of faith and practice, and the standard and test, to which all are to be brought and tried" [13]. This means that any example, whether Christ's or another believer's, must be interpreted and applied in conformity with the teachings of Scripture.

The integrity of the biblical text is also strongly affirmed. The book of Revelation, for instance, includes a solemn declaration against altering its contents, underscoring the importance of preserving the divine message [10]. This commitment to the inerrancy and authority of Scripture ensures that examples are understood within their proper theological framework, preventing misinterpretations that could lead to legalism or antinomianism.

Reconciliation and Confession

The Christian life, guided by Christ's example and Scripture, also involves reconciliation with God and public confession of faith. Reconciliation was predicted in the Old Testament (Dan 9:24; Isa 53:5) and announced by angels at Christ's birth (Luke 2:14) [3]. It is "effected for men by God in Christ" (2 Cor 5:19), through Christ as High Priest (Heb 2:17), and specifically "by the death of Christ" (Rom 5:10; Eph 2:16; Col 1:21-22) and "by the blood of Christ" (Eph 2:13; Col 1:20) [3]. This reconciliation occurs while humanity is alienated from God, without strength, and even as enemies (Rom 5:6, 8, 10; Col 1:21) [3]. This foundational truth highlights that the ability to follow Christ's example stems from a prior work of God's grace, not human effort.

Confessing Christ is also a vital aspect of Christian life, requiring the influence of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:3; 1 John 4:2) [6]. It serves as a test of being a saint (1 John 2:23; 4:2-3), evidence of union with God (1 John 4:15), and is necessary for salvation (Rom 10:9-10) [6]. Confessing Christ ensures that he will confess believers before his Father (Matt 10:32) [6]. This public declaration of faith is an outward manifestation of the inward transformation wrought by God, enabling believers to live out the example of Christ.

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Example of Christ, The — Is perfect -- Heb 7:26. Conformity to, required in Holiness. -- 1Pe 1:15,16; Ro 1:6. Righteousness. -- 1Jo 2:6. Purity. -- 1Jo 3:3. Love. -- Joh 13:34; Eph 5:2; 1Jo 3:16. Humility. -- Lu 22:27; Php 2:5,7. Meekness. -- Mt 11:29. Obedience. -- Joh 15:10. Self-denial. -- Mt 16:24; Ro 15:3. Ministering to others. -- Mt 20:28; Joh 13:14,15. Benevolence. -- Ac 20:35; 2Co 8:7,9. Forgiving injuries. -- Col 3:13. Overcoming the world. -- Joh 16:33; 1Jo 5:4. Being not of the world. -- Joh 17:16. Being guileless. -- 1Pe 2:21-22. Suffering wrongfully. --”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Reconciliation With God — Predicted -- Da 9:24; Isa 53:5. Proclaimed by angels at the birth of Christ -- Lu 2:14. Blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances is necessary to -- Eph 2:16; Col 2:14. Effected for men By God in Christ. -- 2Co 5:19. By Christ as High Priest. -- Heb 2:17. By the death of Christ. -- Ro 5:10; Eph 2:16; Col 1:21,22. By the blood of Christ. -- Eph 2:13; Col 1:20. While alienated from God. -- Col 1:21. Without strength. -- Ro 5:6. Yet sinners. -- Ro 5:8. While enemies to God. -- Ro 5:10. The ministry of committed to ministers -- 2Co 5:18,19. Mi”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Works, Good — Christ, an example of -- Joh 10:32; Ac 10:38. Called Good fruits. -- Jas 3:17. Fruits meet for repentance. -- Mt 3:8. Fruits of righteousness. -- Php 1:11. Works and labours of love. -- Heb 6:10. Are by Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God -- Php 1:11. They alone, who abide in Christ can perform -- Joh 15:4,5. Wrought by God in us -- Isa 26:12; Php 2:13. The Scripture designed to lead us to -- 2Ti 3:16,17; Jas 1:25. To be performed in Christ's name -- Col 3:17. Heavenly wisdom is full of -- Jas 3:17. Justification unattainable by -- Ro 3:20; Ga 2”
  5. 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”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Confessing Christ — Influences of the Holy Spirit necessary to -- 1Co 12:3; 1Jo 4:2. A test of being saints -- 1Jo 2:23; 4:2,3. An evidence of union with God -- 1Jo 4:15. Necessary to salvation -- Ro 10:9,10. Ensures his confessing us -- Mt 10:32. The fear of man prevents -- Joh 7:13; 12:42,43. Persecution should not prevent us from -- Mr 8:35; 2Ti 2:12. Must be connected with faith -- Ro 10:9. Consequences of not -- Mt 10:33. Exemplified Nathanael. -- Joh 1:49. Peter. -- Joh 6:68,69; Ac 2:22-36. Man born blind. -- Joh 9:25,33. Martha. -- Joh 11:27. Peter and John. -”
  7. 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 ”
  8. Titus (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Titus 2:15: The apostle closes the chapter (as he began it) with a summary direction to Titus upon the whole, in which we have the matter and manner of ministers' teaching, and a special instruction to Titus in reference to himself. I. The matter of ministers' teaching: These thing, namely, those before mentioned: not Jewish fables and traditions, but the truths and duties of the gospel, of avoiding sin, and living soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Observe, Ministers in their preaching must keep close to the word of God. If any man speak, let him speak as”
  9. Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 3:17: followers--Greek, "imitators together." of me--as I am an imitator of Christ (Co1 11:1): Imitate me no farther than as I imitate Christ. Or as BENGEL "My fellow imitators of God" or "Christ"; "imitators of Christ together with me" (see on Phi 2:22; Eph 5:1). mark--for imitation. which walk so as ye have us for an ensample--In English Version of the former clause, the translation of this clause is, "those who are walking so as ye have an example in us." But in BENGEL'S translation, "inasmuch as," or "since," instead of "as."”
  10. Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 22:18: 22:18-19 I solemnly declare: John issues an oath to protect the integrity of the book of Revelation. He declares a curse upon anyone who alters the contents of the book or its message (cp. Deut 4:2; 12:32). The curse contrasts with the statement of blessing on all who read aloud, listen to, and obey the prophecy (Rev 1:3). At the time Revelation was written, scribes would sometimes alter books to suit their own views. Early Christians quickly developed means of authenticating both messages and messengers (see John 21:24; 1 Cor 16:21; Gal 6:11; Col 4:18; 2 The”
  11. CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 17.7: to harmonize, and the rule to which they should conform themselves. 17 Mark them By this expression he means, that it is all one to him what persons they single out for themselves for imitation, provided they conform themselves to that purity of which he was a pattern. By this means all suspicion of ambition is taken away, for the man that is devoted to his own interests wishes to have no rival. At the same time he warns them that all are not to be imitated indiscriminately, as he afterwards explains more fully. 19”
  12. 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 11:1: Paul, having answered the cases put to him, proceeds in this chapter to the redress of grievances. The first verse of the chapter is put, by those who divided the epistle into chapters, as a preface to the rest of the epistle, but seems to have been a more proper close to the last, in which he had enforced the cautions he had given against the abuse of liberty, by his own example: Be ye followers of me, as I also am of Christ (Co1 11:1), fitly closes his argument; and the way of speaking in the next verse looks like a transition to another. But, whether it ”
  13. Philippians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Philippians 3:15: Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained,.... Whatever degree of knowledge of Christ, and the truths of his Gospel, is attained to, let it be retained, and not departed from: let us walk by the same rule; either the doctrine of justification by Christ's righteousness in particular, which is a rule of judgment concerning other things; for so far as they agree or disagree with this, they are to be received or rejected; or the Scriptures of truth, which are the rule of faith and practice, and the standard and test, to which all are to be brought and tried: ”
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