Using Scripture as Primary Source for Examples and Analogies

The Bible is frequently presented as a primary source for examples and analogies across various theological traditions, serving as a foundational text for understanding divine will, human nature, and moral conduct ^[3]. The concept of using Scripture in this manner is rooted in its perceived divine inspiration and authority ^[3].

The Biblical Basis for Scriptural Examples

The New Testament itself points to the Old Testament as a source of instruction and warning. For instance, Paul encourages believers to "take me for your example, even as I take Christ for mine" (1 Corinthians 11:1 BBE), indicating a chain of exemplary conduct rooted in Christ ^[11]. The life of Christ is presented as the ultimate example for believers, as seen in passages like 1 Peter 2:21 and John 13:15 ^[13]. Beyond Christ, other figures and events in Scripture are held up as examples: pastors are to be examples to their flocks (Philippians 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 5:3), and the experiences of the Jews serve as a warning (Hebrews 4:11) ^[13]. The prophets are also cited as examples of enduring affliction (James 5:10) ^[13].

The practice of drawing examples from Scripture is evident in the way biblical authors themselves reference earlier texts. The first book of Acts, for example, concerns "all that Jesus began both to do and to teach," implying that his actions and words serve as a model ^[1]. The "Treasury of Scripture Knowledge" and "Torrey's Topical Textbook" provide extensive cross-references, demonstrating how biblical concepts and narratives are interconnected and used to illuminate one another ^{[2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]}. For instance, the concept of "early rising" is exemplified by Christ (Mark 1:35; Luke 21:38; John 8:2) and other biblical figures like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, David, and Mary ^[10].

The Nature of Biblical Analogies and Parables

The Greek word parabole, from which "parable" is derived, signifies "placing beside or together," a comparison, or an illustration of one subject by another ^[4]. In the New Testament, this term has a broad application, encompassing short proverbs, dark prophetic utterances, enigmatic maxims, and expanded metaphors ^[4]. This linguistic understanding highlights that the Bible inherently uses analogical reasoning to convey truth.

Thomas Aquinas, a prominent scholastic theologian, argues that it is fitting for Holy Scripture to present divine and spiritual truths through comparisons with material things ^[18]. He explains that human beings naturally attain intellectual truths through sensible objects, as all human knowledge originates from the senses ^[18]. Therefore, teaching spiritual truths "under the likeness of material things" is an appropriate method in Holy Writ ^[18]. This perspective underscores the theological justification for using analogies drawn from the created world and human experience, as long as they are rooted in scriptural principles.

Scriptural Examples in Doctrinal Formulation

Scriptural examples and analogies are crucial in the development and articulation of Christian doctrine.

Original Sin

The doctrine of original sin provides a clear example of how biblical narratives are used to explain complex theological concepts.

Biblical Foundation: The narrative of Adam and Eve's disobedience in Genesis 3 is the primary biblical account from which the doctrine of original sin is derived ^[23]. Passages like Psalms 51:5 and Romans 5:12-21 are frequently cited to support the idea that humanity is born into a state of sin ^{[14, 17]}.
Patristic View: Augustine, a key figure in the development of this doctrine, argued that infants are involved in the guilt of the sins not only of the first pair (Adam and Eve) but also of their immediate parents ^[20]. He linked this to the divine judgment, "I shall visit the iniquities of the fathers upon the children," before individuals come under the new covenant through regeneration ^[20].
Scholastic View: Aquinas held that there is one original sin in each person, stemming from the first sin of Adam, which was transmitted to his posterity ^[15]. This emphasizes the singular origin of original sin, even though its effects are manifold.
Reformed View: John Calvin described original sin as a "hereditary depravity and corruption of our nature, diffused through all the parts of the soul" ^[16]. He argued that this corruption makes individuals subject to God's wrath and incapable of good works ^[16]. Calvin's commentary on Genesis further elaborates on the fall as the origin of this pervasive sin ^[23]. The Westminster Confession of Faith, a Reformed confessional document, also articulates original sin as a state of spiritual death and corruption inherited from Adam.
Lutheran View: The Augsburg Confession, a foundational Lutheran text, states that "all men are born with sin, that is, without the fear of God, without trust in God, and with concupiscence" ^[19]. This highlights the inherited nature of sin and its impact on human faculties.
Anglican View: The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion define original sin as "the fault and corruption of the Nature of every man, that naturally is engendered of the offspring of Adam" ^[24]. It further states that this corruption "doth naturally incline to evil" ^[24].
Eastern Orthodox View: While acknowledging the ancestral sin of Adam, Eastern Orthodox theology often emphasizes the inherited consequences of sin (such as mortality and corruption) rather than inherited guilt in the same way as some Western traditions. John of Damascus, for example, discusses the consequences of the fall without explicitly using the term "original sin" in the Western sense, focusing on the human condition after the transgression ^[22].
Jewish Perspective: Rabbinic tradition, as exemplified by Targum Jonathan, focuses on individual responsibility for sin and the importance of prayer and instruction in "the right and the proper way" ^[21]. While acknowledging human inclination to evil (the yetzer hara), it does not typically articulate a doctrine of inherited sin in the same manner as Christian traditions.

The Nature of God and Christ

Scripture provides numerous examples and analogies to describe the nature of God and Christ. For instance, Christ is presented as God (John 1:1-5; Philippians 2:6, 9-10), the Son of God (Matthew 3:17; Hebrews 1:6, 8), one with the Father (John 10:30, 38), the Creator (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2), and the image of God (Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3) ^[12]. These descriptions are not merely abstract statements but are often rooted in narratives, actions, and relationships depicted throughout the biblical text.

The Role of Cross-Referencing and Topical Studies

The extensive use of cross-references in resources like the "Treasury of Scripture Knowledge" and "Torrey's Topical Textbook" illustrates the practical application of using Scripture as a primary source for examples and analogies ^{[2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]}. These tools allow readers to trace themes, concepts, and moral lessons across the entire biblical canon. For example, the concept of "redemption through his blood" in Ephesians 1:7 is linked to numerous Old Testament passages concerning forgiveness and atonement, as well as New Testament texts on Christ's sacrifice ^[2]. Similarly, the idea of "peace of God" in Philippians 4:7 is connected to various passages that speak of divine peace and well-being ^[8]. This method of intertextual reading reinforces the idea that the Bible is a coherent whole, where different parts illuminate and exemplify one another.

The use of Scripture as a primary source for examples and analogies is a fundamental aspect of biblical interpretation and theological reflection across diverse traditions. This practice is supported by the Bible's own internal references, the linguistic nature of its narrative and didactic forms, and the historical development of Christian doctrine.

Sources

Acts “The first book I wrote, Theophilus, concerned all that Jesus began both to do and to teach, -- Acts 1:1”
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 1:7 cross-references: Exodus 34:7, Job 33:24, Psalms 32:1, Psalms 86:5, Psalms 130:4, Psalms 130:7, Isaiah 43:25, Isaiah 55:6, Jeremiah 31:34, Daniel 9:9, Daniel 9:19, Daniel 9:24, Jonah 4:2, Micah 7:18, Zechariah 9:11, Zechariah 13:1, Zechariah 13:7, Matthew 20:28, Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Luke 1:77, Luke 7:40, Luke 7:47, Luke 24:47, John 20:23, Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, Acts 10:43, Acts 13:38, Acts 20:28, Romans 2:4, Romans 3:24, Romans 4:6, Romans 9:23, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Ephesians 1:6, Ephesians 2:4, Ephesians 2:7, Ephesians 3:8, Ephesians 3:16, Philippians 4:19”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scriptures, The — Given by inspiration of God -- 2Ti 3:16. Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21. Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them -- Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42. Christ taught out of -- Lu 24:27. Are called the Word. -- Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. Word of God. -- Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. Word of Christ. -- Col 3:16. Word of truth. -- Jas 1:18. Holy Scriptures. -- Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. Scripture of truth. -- Da 10:21. Book. -- Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. Book of the Lord. -- Isa 34:16. Book of the law. -- Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. Law of the Lord. -- Ps 1:2; Isa”
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”
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 1:3 cross-references: Genesis 12:2, Genesis 14:20, Genesis 22:18, 1 Chronicles 4:10, 1 Chronicles 29:20, 2 Chronicles 31:8, Nehemiah 9:5, Psalms 72:17, Psalms 72:19, Psalms 134:3, Isaiah 61:9, Daniel 4:34, Luke 2:28, John 10:29, John 14:20, John 15:2, John 17:21, John 20:17, Romans 12:5, Romans 15:6, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 1 Corinthians 12:12, 2 Corinthians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 2 Corinthians 11:31, Galatians 3:9, Ephesians 1:10, Ephesians 1:17, Ephesians 1:20, Ephesians 2:6, Ephesians 3:10, Ephesians 6:12, Philippians 2:11, Hebrews 8:5, Hebrews 9:23, 1 Peter 1:3,”
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 1:17 cross-references: Genesis 41:38, 1 Chronicles 29:11, Psalms 24:7, Psalms 24:10, Psalms 29:3, Proverbs 2:5, Isaiah 11:2, Jeremiah 2:11, Jeremiah 9:24, Jeremiah 24:7, Jeremiah 31:34, Daniel 2:28, Daniel 5:11, Daniel 10:1, Matthew 6:13, Matthew 11:25, Matthew 11:27, Matthew 16:17, Matthew 20:33, Luke 2:14, Luke 12:12, Luke 21:15, John 8:54, John 14:17, John 14:26, John 16:3, John 17:3, John 17:25, John 20:17, Acts 6:10, Acts 7:2, Romans 1:28, Romans 15:6, 1 Corinthians 2:8, 1 Corinthians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 12:8, 1 Corinthians 14:6, 2 Corinthians 12:1, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 3:5,”
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 1:6 cross-references: Leviticus 15:15, Psalms 22:20, Psalms 60:5, Proverbs 8:30, Proverbs 16:4, Isaiah 42:1, Isaiah 43:21, Isaiah 45:24, Isaiah 49:1, Isaiah 61:3, Isaiah 61:11, Jeremiah 23:6, Jeremiah 33:9, Zechariah 13:7, Matthew 3:17, Matthew 17:5, Matthew 20:9, Luke 2:14, John 3:35, John 10:17, Romans 3:22, Romans 5:15, Romans 8:1, Romans 9:23, 2 Corinthians 4:15, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 1:12, Ephesians 1:14, Ephesians 1:18, Ephesians 2:7, Ephesians 3:10, Philippians 1:11, Philippians 3:9, Philippians 4:19, Colossians 1:13, 2 Thessalonians 1:8, 1 Timothy 1:14,”
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Philippians 4:7 cross-references: Numbers 6:26, Nehemiah 8:10, Job 22:21, Job 34:29, Psalms 29:11, Psalms 85:8, Proverbs 2:11, Proverbs 4:6, Proverbs 6:22, Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 26:12, Isaiah 45:7, Isaiah 48:18, Isaiah 48:22, Isaiah 55:11, Isaiah 57:19, Jeremiah 33:6, Luke 1:79, Luke 2:14, John 14:27, John 16:33, Romans 1:7, Romans 5:1, Romans 8:6, Romans 14:17, Romans 15:13, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 3:19, Philippians 1:2, Philippians 4:9, Colossians 3:15, 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 1:4, Jude 1:1, Revelation 1:4, Revelation 2:17”
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “1 John 2:16 cross-references: Genesis 3:6, Genesis 6:2, Numbers 11:4, Numbers 11:34, Joshua 7:21, Esther 1:3, Job 31:1, Psalms 73:6, Psalms 78:18, Psalms 78:30, Psalms 119:36, Proverbs 6:25, Proverbs 27:20, Ecclesiastes 5:10, Daniel 4:30, Matthew 4:8, Matthew 5:28, Luke 4:5, Romans 13:14, 1 Corinthians 10:6, Galatians 5:17, Galatians 5:24, Ephesians 2:3, Titus 2:12, Titus 3:3, James 3:15, 1 Peter 1:14, 1 Peter 2:11, 1 Peter 4:2, 2 Peter 2:10, 2 Peter 2:18, Jude 1:16, Revelation 18:11”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
I Corinthians “I Corinthians 11:1 (BBE) — So take me for your example, even as I take Christ for mine.”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Excellency and Glory of Christ, The — As God -- Joh 1:1-5; Php 2:6,9,10. As the Son of God -- Mt 3:17; Heb 1:6,8. As one with the Father -- Joh 10:30,38. As the First-born -- Col 1:15,18. As the First-begotten -- Heb 1:6. As Lord of lords, &c -- Re 17:14. As the image of God -- Col 1:15; Heb 1:3. As creator -- Joh 1:3; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2. As the Blessed of God -- Ps 45:2. As Mediator -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 8:6. As Prophet -- De 18:15,16; Ac 3:22. As Priest -- Ps 110:4; Heb 4:15. As King -- Isa 6:1-5; Joh 12:41. As Judge -- Mt 16:27; 25:31,33. As Shepherd -- Isa 40:10,11; Joh”
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).”
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).”
theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, First Part of the Second Part (Prima Secundae), Of Original Sin, As to Its Essence, Art. 2: Article: Whether there are several original sins in one man? I answer that, In one man there is one original sin. Two reasons may be assigned for this. The first is on the part of the cause of original sin. For it has been stated (Question [81], Article [2]), that the first sin alone of our first parent was transmitted to his posterity. Wherefore in one man original sin is one in number; and in all men, it is one in proportion, i.e. in relation to its first principle. The seco”
CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 37: a description of original sin; The same thing appears more clearly from the mode of renovation. For the spirit, which is contrasted with the old man, and the flesh, denotes not only the grace by which the sensual or inferior part of the soul is corrected, but includes a complete reformation of all its parts ( Eph. 4:23 ). And, accordingly, Paul enjoins not only that gross appetites be suppressed, but that we be renewed in the spirit of our mind ( Eph. 4:23 ), as he elsewhere tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind ( ”
Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 106:6: We have sinned with our fathers,.... Sinned in their first father Adam; derived a corrupt nature from their immediate ancestors; sinned after the similitude of their transgressions; sinned after their example, in like manner as they did; guilty of the same gross enormities as they were: though sufficiently warned by the words of the prophets, and by punishments inflicted, they continued their sins, a constant series and course of them, and filled up the measure of their iniquities; they rose up in their stead an increase of sinful men, to augment the fierce anger of ”
theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, First Part (Prima Pars), The Nature and Extent of Sacred Doctrine, Art. 9: Article: Whether Holy Scripture should use metaphors? I answer that, It is befitting Holy Writ to put forward divine and spiritual truths by means of comparisons with material things. For God provides for everything according to the capacity of its nature. Now it is natural to man to attain to intellectual truths through sensible objects, because all our knowledge originates from sense. Hence in Holy Writ, spiritual truths are fittingly taught under the likeness of material things. This is wha”
Augsburg Confession (Lutheran) “Augsburg Confession (Lutheran, 1530), Article II. Of Original Sin.: Article II. Of Original Sin.”
Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 3: Augustine — On the Holy Trinity — CHAP. 46.--IT IS PROBABLE THAT CHILDREN ARE INVOLVED IN THE GUILT NOT ONLY OF THE FIRST PAIR, BUT OF THEIR OWN IMMEDIATE PARENTS.: And it is said, with much appearance of probability, that infants are involved in the guilt of the sins not only of the first pair, but of their own immediate parents. For that divine judgment, "I shall visit the iniquities of the fathers upon the children,"(7) certainly applies to them before they come under the new covenant by regeneration. And it was this new covenant that was prophesied of, when it was said by Ezek”
Targum Jonathan (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Targum Jonathan, Targum Jonathan on I Samuel 12:23: As for me, far be it from me that I should sin before the LORD and cease to pray concerning you. But I will teach you the way, that you may be in the right and the proper way.”
CCEL (Eastern Orthodox) “John of Damascus, An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, section 105: 9:5 9:5 9:5 9:19 9:21 9:21 10:4 10:4 10:6-9 10:13-21 10:17 11:8 11:25-27 11:28 11:32 11:33-36 11:36 11:36 11:36 12:3 12:13 15:10 15:12 16:25-27 1 Corinthians 1:9 1:10 1:17-25 1:20 1:20-25 1:23 1:23 1:23-24 1:24 1:24 1:24 1:27 1:27 2:2 2:7-8 2:8 2:8 2:8 2:10-11 2:11 2:12 2:12 2:14-15 3:8 3:8 3:16 3:17 3:19 7:2 7:25 7:31 8 8:5 8:6 8:6 8:6 8:6 8:6 8:7 10:1 10:17 10:31 11:2 11:24-26 11:29 11:31-32 12:3 12:3 12:3 12:3 12:4-7 12:4-11 12:5-6 12:5-6 12:8 12:8 12:8-10 12:11 12:12 12:24 13:10 14:32 14:37 15:3-4 15:16-17 15:20 15:2”
CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 28.1: Index of Scripture References Genesis 1:1-6 1:1-31 1:2 1:28 1:29-30 2:1 2:1-25 2:15 2:19 3:1 3:1-24 3:7 3:16 4:1 4:1-26 4:7 5:1 5:1-32 6:1 6:1-22 6:11-16 7:1-24 7:11 8:1-22 9:1 9:1 9:1-29 9:2 9:24 10 10:1 10:1 10:1-32 10:21 11:1 11:1 11:1-32 11:28 12:1 12:1 12:1 12:1-20 12:4 12:4 12:6 13:1 13:1-20 14:1-24 15:1-21 15:7 16:1-16 16:2 16:8 17:1 17:1 17:1 17:1 17:1-27 18:1 18:1 18:1-33 18:19 19:1-38 20:1 20:1 20:1-18 21:1-34 21:15 22:1-24 22:18 23:1-20 24:31 25:1 25:13-16 35:7 48:1 Exodus 6:3 12:40 Leviticus 7:18 17:4 18:25 Numbers 6:2”
Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican) “Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican, 1571), 9.Of Original or Birth-sin.: 9.Of Original or Birth-sin.”

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