Evaluating Non-Biblical Examples Through Scripture's Lens

The Bible serves as the foundational text for Christian faith and practice, providing a divine standard against which all other examples and teachings are to be evaluated ^[1]. This principle is rooted in the understanding that Scripture is "given by inspiration of God" and "by inspiration of the Holy Spirit" ^[1]. Jesus himself sanctioned the authority of the Scriptures by appealing to them and teaching from them ^[1].

The concept of evaluating non-biblical examples through Scripture's lens implies several key theological principles:

1. The Sufficiency and Authority of Scripture The Bible is considered the "Word of God," the "Word of Christ," and the "Word of truth" ^[1]. It is referred to as "Holy Scriptures" and the "Scripture of truth" ^[1]. This high view of Scripture means that it contains all things necessary for faith and life. Therefore, any example, teaching, or tradition that arises outside of the biblical text must be measured against its precepts. The apostle Paul, for instance, warns against being "carried aside" by "divers" and "strange doctrines" that are "foreign to the truth," emphasizing that believers should be "established with grace" rather than with human observances ^[9]. This suggests a need to discern between teachings that align with biblical grace and those that rely on external, non-biblical practices.

The sufficiency of Scripture does not mean that God has revealed everything knowable, but rather everything necessary for salvation and godliness. John the Evangelist acknowledges that Jesus performed "many other things" not recorded in the Gospels, suggesting that if every detail were written, "the world itself could not contain the books" ^[8]. However, the unrecorded actions are not presented as essential for Christian doctrine or practice. The recorded Scriptures are sufficient for their intended purpose.

2. The Role of Scripture in Discerning Truth Scripture functions as the ultimate arbiter of truth. Believers are encouraged to "search the scriptures" to find the "charter of eternal life" and to understand Christ's role as the "appointed Dispenser" of that life ^[12]. This implies an active engagement with the text to discern its teachings and apply them to various situations, including evaluating non-biblical examples. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary on John 5:39 highlights that Christ himself gave honor to the Scriptures as a record that all have a right and are bound to search, contrasting this with practices that restrict access or diminish its authority ^[12].

The process of discernment involves "comparing spiritual things with spiritual" ^[11]. This means interpreting Scripture by Scripture, using clearer passages to illuminate more obscure ones, and understanding the Old Testament in light of the New, and vice-versa ^[11]. This internal consistency of Scripture is crucial when evaluating external examples. If a non-biblical example contradicts a clear biblical teaching, it is to be rejected. If it aligns, it may be affirmed, but always with the understanding that its authority derives from its conformity to Scripture, not from its own inherent merit.

3. Distinguishing Between Divine Revelation and Human Tradition The Bible frequently contrasts divine commands and principles with human traditions. The Old Covenant, for example, is described as "very different from, and far superior to," the new covenant, which enables obedience through the Spirit's inward impulse rather than merely through external laws ^[10]. This distinction is vital when evaluating non-biblical examples. Human traditions, even well-intentioned ones, can never supersede or contradict the revealed will of God in Scripture.

The New Testament writers often challenged traditions that had become elevated to the status of divine law, thereby obscuring or undermining God's true commands. For instance, the author of Hebrews warns against "divers and strange doctrines" and emphasizes being "established with grace" rather than with dietary laws or other external observances ^[9]. This highlights a consistent biblical theme: the danger of human additions or substitutions for God's revealed will.

4. The Application of Biblical Principles to Contemporary Issues While the Bible does not explicitly address every conceivable non-biblical example or modern phenomenon, it provides enduring principles that can be applied to new situations. For instance, the concept of faith, as exemplified by Abraham's obedience to God's call to leave his country (Genesis 12:1), is presented in Hebrews 11:8 as a model for believers to follow ^[3]. Abraham "went out, not knowing where he was going," demonstrating trust in God's promise ^[3]. This biblical example provides a framework for evaluating acts of faith and obedience in contemporary contexts.

Similarly, the concept of redemption through Christ's blood (Ephesians 1:7) is a core biblical truth that informs how Christians understand forgiveness and salvation ^[6]. This principle can be used to evaluate any non-biblical teaching about how humans can achieve reconciliation with God. If a non-biblical example suggests a path to redemption apart from Christ, it would be deemed contrary to Scripture.

The Bible also speaks to the nature of peace, describing "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7) ^[2]. This divine peace is contrasted with worldly peace and is linked to trust in God and prayer ^[2]. When evaluating non-biblical approaches to achieving inner peace or societal harmony, this biblical understanding provides a crucial lens.

5. The Danger of Syncretism Evaluating non-biblical examples through Scripture's lens also serves as a safeguard against syncretism, the blending of differing religious or philosophical beliefs. The Bible consistently calls for exclusive devotion to God and adherence to His revealed truth. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 11:22, speaks of God's "goodness and severity," warning against falling away from God's grace ^[7]. This implies a need for steadfastness in biblical truth and a rejection of anything that would compromise it.

The wisdom and revelation of God are presented as gifts that lead to knowledge of Him (Ephesians 1:17) ^[4]. This divine wisdom is distinct from human wisdom and provides the framework for understanding the universe itself, which was "framed by the word of God" (Hebrews 11:3) ^[5]. Therefore, any non-biblical example or worldview that contradicts this foundational understanding of God's creative and revelatory power must be critically assessed.

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”
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Philippians 4:7 cross-references: Numbers 6:26, Nehemiah 8:10, Job 22:21, Job 34:29, Psalms 29:11, Psalms 85:8, Proverbs 2:11, Proverbs 4:6, Proverbs 6:22, Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 26:12, Isaiah 45:7, Isaiah 48:18, Isaiah 48:22, Isaiah 55:11, Isaiah 57:19, Jeremiah 33:6, Luke 1:79, Luke 2:14, John 14:27, John 16:33, Romans 1:7, Romans 5:1, Romans 8:6, Romans 14:17, Romans 15:13, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 3:19, Philippians 1:2, Philippians 4:9, Colossians 3:15, 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 1:4, Jude 1:1, Revelation 1:4, Revelation 2:17”
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Hebrews 11:8 cross-references: Genesis 11:31, Genesis 12:1, Genesis 12:7, Genesis 13:15, Genesis 15:5, Genesis 15:7, Genesis 17:8, Genesis 20:13, Genesis 22:18, Genesis 26:3, Numbers 10:30, Deuteronomy 9:5, Joshua 24:3, Nehemiah 9:7, Psalms 105:9, Isaiah 41:2, Isaiah 51:2, Ezekiel 36:24, Matthew 2:21, Matthew 7:24, Acts 7:2, Romans 1:5, Romans 6:17, Romans 10:16, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Hebrews 5:9, Hebrews 11:33, James 2:14, 1 Peter 1:22, 1 Peter 3:1, 1 Peter 4:17”
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 1:17 cross-references: Genesis 41:38, 1 Chronicles 29:11, Psalms 24:7, Psalms 24:10, Psalms 29:3, Proverbs 2:5, Isaiah 11:2, Jeremiah 2:11, Jeremiah 9:24, Jeremiah 24:7, Jeremiah 31:34, Daniel 2:28, Daniel 5:11, Daniel 10:1, Matthew 6:13, Matthew 11:25, Matthew 11:27, Matthew 16:17, Matthew 20:33, Luke 2:14, Luke 12:12, Luke 21:15, John 8:54, John 14:17, John 14:26, John 16:3, John 17:3, John 17:25, John 20:17, Acts 6:10, Acts 7:2, Romans 1:28, Romans 15:6, 1 Corinthians 2:8, 1 Corinthians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 12:8, 1 Corinthians 14:6, 2 Corinthians 12:1, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 3:5,”
Hebrews “By faith, we understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible. -- Hebrews 11:3”
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 1:7 cross-references: Exodus 34:7, Job 33:24, Psalms 32:1, Psalms 86:5, Psalms 130:4, Psalms 130:7, Isaiah 43:25, Isaiah 55:6, Jeremiah 31:34, Daniel 9:9, Daniel 9:19, Daniel 9:24, Jonah 4:2, Micah 7:18, Zechariah 9:11, Zechariah 13:1, Zechariah 13:7, Matthew 20:28, Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Luke 1:77, Luke 7:40, Luke 7:47, Luke 24:47, John 20:23, Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, Acts 10:43, Acts 13:38, Acts 20:28, Romans 2:4, Romans 3:24, Romans 4:6, Romans 9:23, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Ephesians 1:6, Ephesians 2:4, Ephesians 2:7, Ephesians 3:8, Ephesians 3:16, Philippians 4:19”
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Romans 11:22 cross-references: Numbers 14:18, Deuteronomy 32:39, Joshua 23:15, Psalms 58:10, Psalms 78:49, Psalms 136:15, Isaiah 66:14, Ezekiel 3:20, Ezekiel 18:24, Ezekiel 33:17, Matthew 3:9, Luke 8:15, John 8:31, John 15:2, John 15:4, Acts 11:23, Acts 14:22, Romans 2:4, Romans 2:7, Romans 9:22, 1 Corinthians 15:2, Galatians 6:9, 1 Thessalonians 3:5, 1 Thessalonians 3:8, Hebrews 3:6, Hebrews 3:14, Hebrews 10:23, Hebrews 10:35, 1 John 2:19, Jude 1:20, Revelation 2:5”
John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 21:25: And there are also many other things which Jesus did,.... Which refer not to his doctrines and discourses, his sermons and prayers, and the conversation he had with his disciples, and others, on different accounts; but to the signs, and wonders, and miraculous operations, which were done by him, that are neither recorded in this, nor in any of the evangelists: the which, if they should be written everyone; with all the particular circumstances relating to them: I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. The Arabic versi”
Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 13:9: about--rather, as oldest manuscripts read, "carried aside"; namely, compare Eph 4:14. divers--differing from the one faith in the one and the same Jesus Christ, as taught by them who had the rule over you (Heb 13:7). strange--foreign to the truth. doctrines--"teachings." established with grace; not with meats--not with observances of Jewish distinctions between clean and unclean meats, to which ascetic Judaizers added in Christian times the rejection of some meats, and the use of others: noticed also by Paul in Co1 8:8, Co1 8:13; Co1 6:13; Rom”
Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 8:9: Not according to, &c.--very different from, and far superior to, the old covenant, which only "worked wrath" (Rom 4:15) through man's "not regarding" it. The new covenant enables us to obey by the Spirit's inward impulse producing love because of the forgiveness of our sins. made with--rather as Greek, "made to": the Israelites being only recipients, not coagents [ALFORD] with God. I took them by the hand--as a father takes his child by the hand to support and guide his steps. "There are three periods: (1) that of the promise; (2) that of the pedag”
1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 2:13: also--We not only know by the Holy Ghost, but we also speak the "things freely given to us of God" (Co1 2:12). which the Holy Ghost teacheth--The old manuscripts read "the Spirit" simply, without "Holy." comparing spiritual things with spiritual--expounding the Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture, by comparison with the Gospel which Jesus by the same Spirit revealed [GROTIUS]; and conversely illustrating the Gospel mysteries by comparing them with the Old Testament types [CHRYSOSTOM]. So the Greek word is translated, "comparing" (Co2 10:”
John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 5:39: Search the scriptures, &c.--"In the Scriptures ye find your charter of eternal life; go search them then, and you will find that I am the Great Burden of their testimony; yet ye will not come to Me for that life eternal which you profess to find there, and of which they tell you I am the appointed Dispenser." (Compare Act 17:11-12). How touching and gracious are these last words! Observe here (1) The honor which Christ gives to the Scriptures, as a record which all have a right and are bound to search--the reverse of which the Church of Rome teaches; (2)”

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