Ensuring Extrabiblical Examples Do Not Contradict Scripture
Ensuring Extrabiblical Examples Do Not Contradict Scripture
The Bible serves as the foundational text for Christian doctrine and practice, with its authority rooted in its divine inspiration [1, 2]. The scriptures are considered "theopneustic," or "breathed into by God," rendering them infallible [2]. As such, any extrabiblical examples or teachings must be evaluated in light of scripture to ensure they do not contradict its teachings.
The importance of adhering to scripture is underscored by various biblical authors. For instance, the writer of Hebrews warns against being "carried about with divers and strange doctrines" [4]. Similarly, the apostle Paul emphasizes the significance of scripture, stating that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God" (2 Tim 3:16) [1]. The book of Revelation also contains a stern warning against altering its contents, with a curse pronounced upon anyone who adds to or subtracts from its words (Rev 22:18-19) [6].
In evaluating extrabiblical examples, Christians are called to discern whether they align with the teachings of scripture. The Methodist theologian Adam Clarke notes that the sacred writings contain "such proofs of a Divine origin, that though all the dead were to arise, to convince an unbeliever of the truths therein declared, the conviction could not be greater, nor the proof more evident" [3]. This underscores the authority and reliability of scripture in assessing other teachings.
one commentary tradition of Jamieson, Fausset & Brown highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of Christian doctrine, emphasizing that true love for Christ is "in incorruption," or constant and unchanging, unlike worldly things that "perish with the using" [5]. This distinction between the enduring nature of spiritual truth and the transience of worldly concerns is crucial in evaluating extrabiblical examples.
The Baptist/Reformed theologian John Gill notes that the doctrine of scripture is uniform and "all of a piece," contrasting with the diversity and disagreement of other doctrines [4]. This unity and coherence of scripture provide a basis for assessing the validity of extrabiblical teachings.
Sources
- 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”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Inspiration — That extraordinary or supernatural divine influence vouchsafed to those who wrote the Holy Scriptures, rendering their writings infallible. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God" (R.V., "Every scripture inspired of God"), 2 Tim. 3:16. This is true of all the "sacred writings," not in the sense of their being works of genius or of supernatural insight, but as "theopneustic," i.e., "breathed into by God" in such a sense that the writers were supernaturally guided to express exactly what God intended them to express as a revelation of his mind and ”
- Luke (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Luke 16:31: If they hear not Moses, etc. - This answer of Abraham contains two remarkable propositions. 1. That the sacred writings contain such proofs of a Divine origin, that though all the dead were to arise, to convince an unbeliever of the truths therein declared, the conviction could not be greater, nor the proof more evident, of the divinity and truth of these sacred records, than that which themselves afford. 2. That to escape eternal perdition, and get at last into eternal glory, a man is to receive the testimonies of God, and to walk according to their dictates. And th”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:9: Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines,.... The word "divers" may denote the variety and multitude of other doctrines; referring either to the various rites and ceremonies of the law, or to the traditions of the elders, or to the several doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles; whereas the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ, and his apostles, is but one; it is uniform, and all of a piece; and so may likewise denote the disagreement of other doctrines with the perfections of God, the person and offices of Christ, the Scriptures of truth, the anal”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 6:24: Contrast the malediction on all who love Him not (Co1 16:22). in sincerity--Greek, "in incorruption," that is, not as English Version, but "with an immortal (constant) love" [WAHL]. Compare "that which is not corruptible" (Pe1 3:4). Not a fleeting, earthly love, but a spiritual and eternal one [ALFORD]. Contrast Col 2:22, worldly things "which perish with the using." Compare Co1 9:25, "corruptible . . . incorruptible crown." "Purely," "holily" [ESTIUS], without the corruption of sin (See on Co1 3:17; Pe2 1:4; Jde 1:10). Where the Lord Jesus has a ”
- 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”