Reformed Teaching on Bible Study for Believers
Reformed teaching emphasizes that Bible study for believers is essential for spiritual growth and understanding, moving beyond foundational principles to deeper truths [10]. This process is initiated by God and is an ongoing journey toward maturity [10].
The Scriptures themselves are identified as an instrument through which conversion occurs [1]. Psalm 19:7 is cited in this context, indicating the Bible's role in bringing about spiritual change [1]. Beyond initial conversion, the study of Scripture is integral to the life of a believer. The apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently instructs believers on how to live and grow in their faith, often through the teaching of principles derived from divine revelation [2, 3]. For instance, in 1 Timothy 5:7, instructions are given to believers to ensure they live "above reproach" [3]. Similarly, 1 Timothy 6:2 speaks to teaching and preaching principles to those who have faith [2].
Reformed thought, as exemplified by figures like John Gill, stresses the importance of not resting solely on the "rudiments of the Christian religion" but seeking a "perfect knowledge of evangelic truths" [5]. This pursuit of deeper understanding is seen as a safeguard against apostasy [5]. The process of growth involves moving beyond basic teachings, which in the context of Hebrews 6:1-3, included foundational elements of Jewish instruction such as repentance and faith [10]. These are considered "basic commitments that initiate a person to the" Christian life [10].
The purpose of such study extends to practical application and ethical conduct. Believers are encouraged to learn "new patterns of speech to be an encouragement to others," reflecting a transformation that comes from engaging with biblical teaching [6]. This includes avoiding "unwholesome talk" and instead speaking words that build up and impart grace [6]. The outcome of diligent study and application is seen in actions that glorify God, such as acts of liberality and subjection to the Gospel of Christ [7].
Furthermore, Bible study is linked to the concept of repentance, not only from sin but also from errors in doctrine. When instructing those who "oppose themselves" to the truth, the goal is that "God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth" [8]. This highlights the corrective power of Scripture when taught meekly and accurately [8].
The blessedness of believers is often connected to their engagement with divine truth. Those who "know the gospel" are considered blessed [4]. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but involves a deep understanding and acceptance of Christ, as seen in the statement, "Who know Christ" [4]. Faith in Christ, which is the "evidence of regeneration," is intrinsically linked to understanding and loving the author of regeneration and those who are regenerated [9]. The confidence in prayer and the ability to keep oneself from idols are also presented as outcomes of this faith and understanding [9].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Conversion — By God -- 1Ki 18:37; Joh 6:44; Ac 21:19. By Christ -- Ac 3:26; Ro 15:18. By the power of the Holy Spirit -- Pr 1:23. Is of grace -- Ac 11:21,23. Follows repentance -- Ac 3:19; 26:20. Is the result of faith -- Ac 11:21. Through the instrumentality of The scriptures. -- Ps 19:7. Ministers. -- Ac 26:18; 1Th 1:9. Self-examination. -- Ps 119:59; La 3:40. Affliction. -- Ps 78:34. Of sinners, a cause of joy To God. -- Eze 18:23; Lu 15:32. To saints. -- Ac 15:3; Ga 1:23,24. Is necessary -- Mt 18:3. Commanded -- Job 36:10. Exhortations to -- Pr 1:23; Isa 31:6; 55”
- 1 Timothy “1 Timothy 6:2 (NASB) — Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 5:7 (BSB) — Give these instructions to the believers, so that they will be above reproach.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Blessed, The — Whom God chooses -- Ps 65:4; Eph 1:3,4. Whom God calls -- Isa 51:2; Re 19:9. Who know Christ -- Mt 16:16,17. Who know the gospel -- Ps 89:15. Who are not offended at Christ -- Mt 11:6. Who believe -- Lu 1:45; Ga 3:9. Whose sins are forgiven -- Ps 32:1,2; Ro 4:7. To whom God imputes righteousness without works -- Ro 4:6-9. Whom God chastens -- Job 5:17; Ps 94:12. Who suffer for Christ -- Lu 6:22. Who have the Lord for their God -- Ps 144:15. Who trust in God -- Ps 2:12; 34:8; 40:4; 84:12; Jer 17:7. Who fear God -- Ps 112:1; 128:1,4. Who hear and keep th”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 6 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO HEBREWS 6 In this chapter the apostle exhorts the believing Hebrews not to rest in the rudiments of the Christian religion they had learned; and much less to lay them again in the foundation after the Jewish manner, of which he instances in six particulars; but to seek after a perfect knowledge of evangelic truths, which, under a divine permission, was his determination to do, Heb 6:1 which was the best method to prevent apostasy, he dissuades from; by giving the characters of apostates, showing how far they may go in the knowledge of di”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 4:29: 4:29 Believers are to learn new patterns of speech to be an encouragement to others (see also 5:3-4, 12).”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 9:13: Whiles by the experiment of this ministration,.... That is, the poor saints at Jerusalem having a specimen, a proof, an experience of the liberality of the Gentile churches ministered to them by the apostles, first, they glorify God; by giving thanks unto him, acknowledging him to be the author of all the grace and goodness which they, and others, were partakers of; particularly for your professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel of Christ is the doctrine of grace, life, and salvation by Christ, of which he is the author, as God, the subject m”
- 2 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Timothy 2:25: In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves,.... To the truth; resist it and deny it; or contradict some other tenets and principles of theirs, or the Scriptures, which they themselves allowed to be the word of God, and the rule of faith and practice, and so are self-convinced and self-condemned. These are to be instructed, being ignorant, and in a tender and gentle manner, though very perverse and obstinate. If God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth: repentance here designs a repentance of errors in principle, a cha”
- 1 John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 John 5 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO 1 JOHN 5 In this chapter the apostle treats of the nature of faith and love; of Christ the object of both, and of the witness that is bore to him; of the necessity of believing the testimony concerning him; of the confidence of prayer being heard, and concerning whom it should be made; of the happiness of regenerate persons, and of their duty to keep themselves from idols. Faith in Christ is the evidence of regeneration, and where that is, there will be love to the author of regeneration, and to them that are regenerated; and love to them”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 6:1: 6:1-3 In light of the hearers’ immaturity (5:11-14), the author urges them to move beyond basic teachings. The six basic teachings here were all foundational elements of Jewish instruction. The author might be challenging them to move beyond these basic teachings to further understanding about the person of Christ, which he elaborates in 7:1–10:25. 6:1 Let us go on: Or Let us be carried on, suggesting that God initiates growth to maturity (Phil 2:12-13) and that it is an ongoing process. • Repenting and faith are the basic commitments that initiate a person to the”