Evaluating Non-Biblical Examples with Biblical Standards
Evaluating Non-Biblical Examples with Biblical Standards
The Bible provides various examples and types that foreshadow Christ and the Christian life. One such example is the Paschal Lamb, which is seen as a type of Christ [1]. The characteristics of the Paschal Lamb, such as being a male of the first year, without blemish, and taken out of the flock, are interpreted as prefiguring Christ's sacrifice.
In evaluating non-biblical examples with biblical standards, one must consider whether these examples align with the teachings and principles found in Scripture. one commentary tradition on Hebrews notes that the new covenant enables believers to obey through the Spirit's inward impulse, producing love because of the forgiveness of sins [2]. This suggests that any non-biblical example must be measured against the standard of the new covenant and the work of the Holy Spirit.
The commentary on 1 Corinthians 2:13 highlights the importance of comparing spiritual things with spiritual, indicating that the interpretation of non-biblical examples should be done in light of Scripture [4]. This involves expounding the Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture by comparison with the Gospel, and conversely illustrating the Gospel mysteries by comparing them with the Old Testament types.
In Jeremiah 31:32, the old covenant is contrasted with the new covenant, with the latter being characterized by the forgiveness of sins and the inworking of effectual grace [3]. Any non-biblical example must be evaluated in light of this distinction, ensuring that it aligns with the principles of the new covenant.
one commentary tradition on Romans 2:28 emphasizes that outward symbols, such as the rite of circumcision, are meaningless without a corresponding inward reality [5]. Similarly, non-biblical examples must be evaluated based on their inward significance and alignment with biblical teachings, rather than mere outward appearances.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Paschal Lamb, Typical Nature Of — A type of Christ -- Ex 12:3; 1Co 5:7. A male of the first year -- Ex 12:5; Isa 9:6. Without blemish -- Ex 12:5; 1Pe 1:19. Taken out of the flock -- Ex 12:5; Heb 2:14,17. Chosen before-hand -- Ex 12:3; 1Pe 2:4. Shut up four days that it might be closely examined -- Ex 12:6; Joh 8:46; 18:38. Killed by the people -- Ex 12:6; Ac 2:23. Killed at the place where the Lord put his name -- De 16:2,5-7; 2Ch 35:1; Lu 13:33. Killed in the evening -- Ex 12:6; Mr 15:34,37. Its blood to be shed -- Ex 12:7; Lu 22:20. Blood of, sprinkled on lintel an”
- 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”
- Jeremiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jeremiah 31:32: Not . . . the covenant that I made with . . . fathers--the Old Testament covenant, as contrasted with our gospel covenant (Heb 8:8-12; Heb 10:16-17, where this prophecy is quoted to prove the abrogation of the law by the gospel), of which the distinguishing features are its securing by an adequate atonement the forgiveness of sins, and by the inworking of effectual grace ensuring permanent obedience. An earnest of this is given partially in the present eclectic or elect Church gathered out of Jews and Gentiles. But the promise here to Israel in the ”
- 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:”
- 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”