Using Examples to Promote Objective Right and Wrong in Scripture
Using Examples to Promote Objective Right and Wrong in Scripture
Scripture uses various examples to promote objective right and wrong, with the ultimate goal of instructing believers in righteousness [3, 7]. One of the primary ways this is achieved is through the lives of biblical figures, who serve as examples of virtue or vice. The apostle Paul encourages believers to imitate him as he imitates Christ [not directly cited, but related to 6]. The Bible explicitly states that Christ is an example to believers (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15) [4].
The use of examples in Scripture is not limited to positive role models. The wicked are also presented as examples of the consequences of sinful behavior. For instance, the one tradition notes that the wicked are estranged from the womb, going astray as soon as they are born (Ps. 58:3) [8]. Conversely, the righteous are held up as examples to follow, with their zeal and devotion to God's law serving as a model for others [2].
The biblical writers also employ parables and other literary devices to convey moral teachings. A parable, by definition, is a comparison or similitude that illustrates a moral or spiritual truth [1]. Jesus frequently used parables to teach about the kingdom of God and the nature of right and wrong.
The importance of objective right and wrong is emphasized throughout Scripture. The prophet Isaiah exhorts his listeners to "learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor" (Isa. 1:17) [5]. Similarly, the book of Proverbs aims to impart "insightful instruction, righteousness, justice, and equity" (Prov. 1:3) [6]. These teachings are grounded in the understanding that Scripture is "God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16) [7].
The early Church Fathers also recognized the importance of examples in promoting objective right and wrong. John Chrysostom, an Eastern Orthodox Father, emphasized the role of imitation in Christian discipleship, noting that believers should strive to emulate the virtues of the saints [9, 10].
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another.--McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expand”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Zeal — Christ an example of -- Ps 69:9; Joh 2:17. Godly sorrow leads to -- 2Co 7:10,11. Of saints, ardent -- Ps 119:139. Provokes others to do good -- 2Co 9:2. Should be exhibited In spirit. -- Ro 12:11. In well-doing. -- Ga 4:18; Tit 2:14. In desiring the salvation of others. -- Ac 26:29; Ro 10:1. In contending for the faith. -- Jude 1:3. In missionary labours. -- Ro 15:19,23. For the glory of God. -- Nu 25:11,13. For the welfare of saints. -- Col 4:13. Against idolatry. -- 2Ki 23:4-14. Sometimes wrongly directed -- 2Sa 21:2; Ac 22:3,4; Php 3:6. Sometimes not accord”
- II Timothy “II Timothy 3:16 (ASV) — Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness:”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
- Isaiah “Isaiah 1:17 (BSB) — Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.””
- Proverbs “Proverbs 1:3 (LEB) — to gain ⌞insightful instruction⌟, righteousness and justice and equity,”
- 2 Timothy “Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, -- 2 Timothy 3:16”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Acts & Romans: The passage iii. 1–8 considers four possible objections. (1) “This placing of Jews and Gentiles in the same condition, takes away all the theocratic prerogatives.” ( v. 1 .) No, answers Paul, they have a great advantage as to light and privilege, though none as to righteousness. ( v. 2 .) (2) “They have the O.T. scriptures, you say; but what if those scriptures have not attained their end in bringing the Jews to believe in Jesus as the Messiah? If some have not believed, does not that render void God’s promises to his people in the O.T., so that he i”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Acts & Romans: miracles: and of the Apostolic miracles this Book is the school.” 8 The statement that the Acts is a “Demonstration of the Resurrection” has a certain profound truth, but is incorrect if intending to assert that such was the conscious purpose of the author. The resurrection of Jesus is a prominent theme in the Apostolic discourses but the book is no more designed primarily to prove the resurrection than are the Epistles to the Romans and Corinthians. The immediate purpose of the book is to record the labors and triumphs of the Apostolic Church as sup”