Misapplication of Biblical Principles Due to Non-Biblical Examples
Misapplication of Biblical Principles Due to Non-Biblical Examples
The misapplication of biblical principles often arises when non-biblical examples or traditions are given precedence over scriptural teachings. This can lead to a distortion of God's word and a watering down of its original intent. In Mark 7:9-13, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their traditions that contradicted God's law, allowing them to sidestep its requirements [4]. The result of such traditions was to cancel the word of God [9].
One common way this misapplication occurs is through the elevation of human traditions to the same level as divine commands. The prophets of old condemned this practice, with Jeremiah lamenting that the priests and those who handled the law did not know God, while the prophets prophesied by Baal [2]. Isaiah also spoke against the hypocrisy of those who honored God with their lips but had hearts far from Him, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men [3].
The biblical warnings against idolatry and the adoption of foreign practices demonstrate the dangers of incorporating non-biblical examples into one's faith. The Israelites' history is replete with instances where they were led astray by adopting the customs and idols of surrounding nations [1]. This pattern is echoed in the New Testament, where the apostles warned against false teachers who would seek to corrupt the faith [6].
The consequences of such misapplication can be severe. According to Ezekiel, God sometimes gives people over to statutes that are not good, as a form of judgment for their initial rebellion against His good statutes [8]. This highlights the importance of adhering closely to biblical teachings and avoiding the incorporation of non-biblical examples or traditions that can lead to spiritual corruption.
In contrast, a careful adherence to scripture and a willingness to critique human traditions in light of biblical principles can help prevent the misapplication of biblical principles. As Calvin noted, the history of the Church in the Old Testament provides examples of God's grace in restoring His people, even in the face of decay and desolation [7]. By studying these examples and remaining faithful to scripture, believers can avoid the pitfalls of misapplying biblical principles.
The New Covenant, as described in Hebrews, offers a superior way of relating to God, one that is characterized by an inward impulse to obey, rather than mere external adherence to law [5]. This underscores the importance of a heart-level commitment to God's word, rather than simply following traditions or external rules.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Idolatry — Forbidden -- Ex 20:2,3; De 5:7. Consists in Bowing down to images. -- Ex 20:5; De 5:9. Worshipping images. -- Isa 44:17; Da 3:5,10,15. Sacrificing to images. -- Ps 106:38; Ac 7:41. Worshipping other gods. -- De 30:17; Ps 81:9. Swearing by other gods. -- Ex 23:13; Jos 23:7. Walking after other gods. -- De 8:19. Speaking in the name of other gods. -- De 18:20. Looking to other gods. -- Ho 3:1. Serving other gods. -- De 7:4; Jer 5:19. Fearing other gods. -- 2Ki 17:35. Sacrificing to other gods. -- Ex 22:20. Worshipping the true God by an image, & c. -- Ex 32:”
- Jeremiah “The priests didn’t say, ‘Where is Yahweh?’ and those who handle the law didn’t know me. The rulers also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit. -- Jeremiah 2:8”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 29:13: precept of men--instead of the precepts of God, given by His prophets; also worship external, and by rule, not heartfelt as God requires (Joh 4:24). Compare Christ's quotation of this verse from the Septuagint.”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 7:9: 7:9-13 Next, Jesus provides an instance where the Pharisees’ traditions contradicted God’s law and allowed them to sidestep its requirements.”
- 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 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 1:7: Sample of their "vain talk" (Ti1 1:6). Desiring--They are would-be teachers, not really so. the law--the Jewish law (Tit 1:14; Tit 3:9). The Judaizers here meant seem to be distinct from those impugned in the Epistles to the Galatians and Romans, who made the works of the law necessary to justification in opposition to Gospel grace. The Judaizers here meant corrupted the law with "fables," which they pretended to found on it, subversive of morals as well as of truth. Their error was not in maintaining the obligation of the law, but in abusing it ”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 3.7: its numbers, as if its dignity consisted in its multitude. If sometimes, in various places, Religion is less flourishing than could be wished, if the body of the pious is scattered, and the state of a well-regulated Church has gone to decay, not only do our minds sink, but entirely melt within us. On the contrary, while we see in this history of Moses, the building of the Church out of ruins, and the gathering of it out of broken fragments, and out of desolation itself, such an instance of the grace of God ought to raise us to firm”
- Ezekiel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ezekiel 20:25: I gave them . . . statutes . . . not good--Since they would not follow My statutes that were good, "I gave them" their own (Eze 20:18) and their fathers' "which were not good"; statutes spiritually corrupting, and, finally, as the consequence, destroying them. Righteous retribution (Psa 81:12; Hos 8:11; Rom 1:24; Th2 2:11). Eze 20:39 proves this view to be correct (compare Isa 63:17). Thus on the plains of Moab (Num. 25:1-18), in chastisement for the secret unfaithfulness to God in their hearts, He permitted Baal's worshippers to tempt them to idolat”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 7:13: 7:13 The result of such traditions was to cancel the word of God. • only one example among many others: It was not an isolated instance; see, e.g., Isa 1:10-20; 58:1-14.”