Using Non-Biblical Examples to Point to Biblical Truth
Using non-biblical examples to point to biblical truth is a method employed by various Christian traditions to illustrate spiritual principles. The biblical basis for this approach lies in the use of parables and everyday examples by Jesus and other biblical writers. Jesus often used parables, which are "a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another" [2], to convey spiritual truths.
The Bible itself contains numerous examples of using everyday life to illustrate spiritual principles. For instance, the Psalmist uses the concept of sinful nature to describe human beings, comparing it to the struggle against sinful lusts [4]. Similarly, the book of Proverbs uses various examples from daily life to convey moral teachings, such as the concept of "vanity" referring to sinful acts [5].
In Christian tradition, this method has been employed by various theologians and writers. For example, Augustine uses the concept of imitation to describe how individuals become "children of the devil" by imitating him, rather than being born of him [6]. This illustrates how non-biblical examples can be used to point to biblical truths, such as the nature of sin and the importance of righteousness.
The use of non-biblical examples can also be seen in the way biblical writers interpret historical events. For instance, the story of Abraham is seen as an illustration of God's method of justification by faith, with the events recorded "not as mere historical facts, but as illustrations for all time" [7].
In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, John Chrysostom employs rhetorical devices, including examples from everyday life, to convey spiritual truths in his homilies. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and meaning of biblical passages, such as Paul's writings [8].
The Presbyterian tradition also employs this method, as seen in the commentary on James 2:18, where the author argues that faith without works is like saying "Be warmed" without giving the necessary clothing [9]. This illustrates how non-biblical examples can be used to point to biblical truths, such as the importance of demonstrating faith through actions.
The use of non-biblical examples to point to biblical truth is a valuable tool for illustrating spiritual principles and conveying moral teachings. By drawing on everyday life and experiences, Christian writers and theologians can make biblical truths more accessible and relatable to their audiences. This approach is rooted in the biblical tradition of using parables and examples to convey spiritual truths, and has been employed by various Christian traditions throughout history [1, 2, 3].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- 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: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
- 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).”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 4:23: Now, &c.--Here is the application of this whole argument about Abraham: These things were not recorded as mere historical facts, but as illustrations for all time of God's method of justification by faith.”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Acts & Romans: 459 Homily XVI. Rom. IX. 1 “I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost.” Did I not seem yesterday to you to have spoken some great and exorbitant things of Paul’s love toward Christ? And great indeed they were, too great for any words to express. Yet what you have heard to-day are as far above those things, as those things were above ours. And yet I did not think they could be exceeded, still when I came to what has been read to-day 1459 1459 So Field from one ms . Vulg. “what has been read to-day, a”
- James (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on James 2:18: "But some one will say": so the Greek. This verse continues the argument from Jam 2:14, Jam 2:16. One may say he has faith though he have not works. Suppose one were to say to a naked brother, "Be warmed," without giving him needful clothing. "But someone (entertaining views of the need of faith having works joined to it) will say (in opposition to the 'say' of the professor)." show me thy faith without thy works--if thou canst; but thou canst not SHOW, that is, manifest or evidence thy alleged (Jam 2:14, "say") faith without works. "Show" does not me”