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Using Scripture to Critique Extrabiblical Examples and Teachings

The Bible serves as the authoritative standard for evaluating extrabiblical examples and teachings, a principle rooted in its divine inspiration and its role as the Word of God [1]. Scripture is described as "given by inspiration of God" (2 Timothy 3:16) and "given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:16; Hebrews 3:7; 2 Peter 1:21) [1]. Christ himself sanctioned the Scriptures by appealing to them and teaching from them (Matthew 4:4; Mark 12:10; John 7:42; Luke 24:27) [1]. This foundational understanding establishes the Bible as the ultimate measure against which all other claims, whether from tradition, experience, or human reason, must be tested.

One primary area where Scripture provides a critical lens is in identifying and condemning sin. The Bible consistently defines sin as rebellion against God [2]. This rebellion manifests in various forms, including unbelief (Deuteronomy 9:23; Psalm 106:24-25), rejecting God's government (1 Samuel 8:7; 15:23), revolting from Him (Isaiah 1:5; 31:6), despising His law (Nehemiah 9:26), and distrusting His power (Ezekiel 17:15) [2]. The concept of sin is not merely the commission of individual acts, but also encompasses a corrupt nature [15]. Psalm 58:3 indicates that "all human beings are born sinners," and while the wicked indulge this nature, the godly actively fight against it (Romans 7:19-23; James 4:1-10) [10]. Deliberate sins are often committed with an "insolent or arrogant attitude" and are considered a form of rebellion (Psalm 19:13; 32:1) [13].

Extrabiblical teachings that minimize the seriousness of sin, redefine it in humanistic terms, or suggest alternative paths to righteousness apart from God's revealed will can be critiqued using these biblical definitions. For instance, any teaching that suggests sin is merely a mistake or a social construct, rather than a profound offense against a holy God, contradicts the biblical witness [14]. Paul emphasizes the "universal sinfulness" of both Gentiles and Jews, stating that humanity cannot find favor with God through their own actions (Romans 1:18–3:20) [14]. The idea that one can be "without sin" is explicitly refuted, as it makes God a liar (1 John 1:10) [15]. Augustine, as cited by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, clarifies that while one who commits sin is "of the devil," this does not imply being "born of the devil" in the same way one is "born of God," but rather through imitation [12].

Idolatry is another significant area where biblical teaching provides a clear standard for critique. The Bible explicitly forbids idolatry, defining it as bowing down to images, worshipping images, sacrificing to images, worshipping other gods, swearing by other gods, walking after other gods, and even worshipping the true God through an image (Exodus 20:2-5; Deuteronomy 5:7-9; Isaiah 44:17; Daniel 3:5, 10, 15; Psalm 106:38; Acts 7:41) [9]. Any extrabiblical practice or teaching that introduces objects, rituals, or figures as mediators or recipients of worship in a way that detracts from the sole worship of God, as revealed in Scripture, falls under this biblical condemnation. John Chrysostom, in his homilies, refers to Elijah's "scathing irony against the priests of Baal" (1 Kings 18:27) as a classic example of critiquing idolatrous practices [16]. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 10:15, appeals to the judgment of believers, arguing that partaking in idol feasts is to have fellowship with devils, underscoring the seriousness of such practices [17].

The Bible also offers guidance on ethical conduct and self-denial, which can be used to evaluate extrabiblical moral frameworks. Christ himself set an example of self-denial (Matthew 4:8-10; 8:20; John 6:38; Romans 15:3; Philippians 2:6-8) [8]. Self-denial is presented as a test of devotion to Christ (Matthew 10:37-38; Luke 9:23-24) and necessary for following Him (Luke 14:27-33) [8]. This includes denying ungodliness and worldly lusts (Romans 6:12; Titus 2:12), controlling appetite (Proverbs 23:2), and abstaining from fleshly lusts (1 Peter 2:11) [8]. Teachings that promote unrestrained indulgence, prioritize self-gratification over spiritual discipline, or advocate for moral relativism can be challenged by these biblical principles. For example, the "vanity" mentioned in Proverbs 30:8 is interpreted as encompassing "all sorts of sinful acts" [11].

Furthermore, the Bible provides a framework for understanding human existence, purpose, and the nature of reality, which can be used to critique philosophical or spiritual teachings outside of Scripture. Ecclesiastes, for instance, reflects on the transient nature of human life and the cycles of generations (Ecclesiastes 1:4) [6]. It speaks of a time for everything, including weeping and laughing, mourning and dancing (Ecclesiastes 3:4) [7]. The book also touches on the return of the dust to the earth and the spirit to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7) [3]. Teachings that offer alternative explanations for human origins, destiny, or the meaning of life that contradict these biblical assertions can be assessed against them. For example, the idea that a long life or many children guarantees happiness is questioned (Ecclesiastes 6:3) [5]. The delay of punishment for evil deeds can lead to hardened hearts (Ecclesiastes 8:11) [4].

The authority of Scripture is not merely a theological assertion but is demonstrated by its internal consistency and its power to transform lives [18]. John Chrysostom highlights the "elevating power" and "taming power" of Holy Scripture, emphasizing its inspiration and its role as a "safeguard of the soul" [18]. Therefore, when evaluating extrabiblical examples or teachings, the Christian tradition consistently points to the Bible as the ultimate and infallible standard. Any teaching that claims to be Christian yet deviates from the clear message of Scripture must be critically examined through the lens of the inspired Word of God.

Sources

  1. 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”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Rebellion Against God — Forbidden -- Nu 14:9; Jos 22:19. Provokes God -- Nu 16:30; Ne 9:26. Provokes Christ -- Ex 23:20,21; 1Co 10:9. Vexes the Holy Spirit -- Isa 63:10. Exhibited in Unbelief. -- De 9:23; Ps 106:24,25. Rejecting his government. -- 1Sa 8:7; 15:23. Revolting from him. -- Isa 1:5; 31:6. Despising his law. -- Ne 9:26. Despising his counsels. -- Ps 107:11. Distrusting his power. -- Eze 17:15. Murmuring against him. -- Nu 20:3,10. Refusing to hearken to him. -- De 9:23; Eze 20:8; Zec 7:11. Departing from him. -- Isa 59:13. Rebellion against governors appoi”
  3. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ecclesiastes 12:7 cross-references: Genesis 2:7, Genesis 3:19, Genesis 18:27, Numbers 16:22, Numbers 27:16, Job 4:19, Job 7:21, Job 20:11, Job 34:14, Job 34:15, Psalms 31:6, Psalms 90:3, Psalms 146:4, Ecclesiastes 3:20, Isaiah 57:16, Jeremiah 38:16, Daniel 12:2, Zechariah 12:1, Hebrews 12:9, Hebrews 12:23”
  4. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ecclesiastes 8:11 cross-references: Exodus 8:15, Exodus 8:32, Job 21:11, Job 24:23, Psalms 10:4, Psalms 10:6, Psalms 50:21, Ecclesiastes 9:3, Isaiah 5:18, Isaiah 26:10, Isaiah 57:11, Jeremiah 42:15, Jeremiah 48:11, Matthew 24:49, Romans 2:4, 2 Peter 3:3”
  5. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ecclesiastes 6:3 cross-references: Genesis 33:5, Genesis 47:9, 1 Samuel 2:20, 2 Kings 9:35, 2 Kings 10:1, 1 Chronicles 28:5, 2 Chronicles 11:21, Esther 5:11, Esther 7:10, Esther 9:14, Job 3:11, Job 3:16, Psalms 58:8, Psalms 127:4, Proverbs 17:6, Ecclesiastes 4:3, Ecclesiastes 5:17, Isaiah 14:19, Jeremiah 8:2, Jeremiah 22:19, Jeremiah 36:30, Matthew 26:24”
  6. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ecclesiastes 1:4 cross-references: Genesis 5:3, Genesis 11:20, Genesis 36:9, Genesis 47:9, Exodus 1:6, Exodus 6:16, Psalms 89:47, Psalms 90:9, Psalms 102:24, Psalms 104:5, Psalms 119:90, Ecclesiastes 6:12, Zechariah 1:5, Matthew 24:35, Luke 20:32, 2 Peter 3:10”
  7. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ecclesiastes 3:4 cross-references: Genesis 21:6, Exodus 15:20, 2 Samuel 6:16, Nehemiah 8:9, Nehemiah 9:1, Psalms 30:5, Psalms 126:1, Psalms 126:5, Ecclesiastes 7:14, Isaiah 22:12, Isaiah 40:1, Isaiah 40:2, Matthew 9:15, Matthew 11:17, Luke 1:13, Luke 1:58, Luke 6:21, John 16:20, Romans 12:15, 2 Corinthians 7:10, James 4:9”
  8. 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 ”
  9. 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:”
  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).”
  11. Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
  12. 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”
  13. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
  14. Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
  15. 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 1:10: Parallel to Jo1 1:8. we have not sinned--referring to the commission of actual sins, even after regeneration and conversion; whereas in Jo1 1:8, "we have no sin," refers to the present GUILT remaining (until cleansed) from the actual sins committed, and to the SIN of our corrupt old nature still adhering to us. The perfect "have . . . sinned" brings down the commission of sins to the present time, not merely sins committed before, but since, conversion. we make him a liar--a gradation; Jo1 1:6, "we lie"; Jo1 1:8, "we deceive ourselves"; worst of al”
  16. CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: moral character of heathenism.”—Meyer.—G.A.] 309 [Compare 1 Kings xviii. 27 , the locus classicus where Elijah uses his scathing irony against the priests of Baal.—G.A.] 310 [See Schaff’s History of the Christian Church , Vol. I., pp. 72–74, with Literature there noted.—G.A.] 311 [On Democritus and Leucippus, founders of the Atomistic philosophy, see Ueberweg’s Hist. of Philosophy (Amer. ed.), Vol. I., pp. 67–71; on Epicurus, Vol. I., pp. 205–207.—G.A.] 312 This was the instance in the Schools. Vid. Sextus Empiricus, Pyrrh. Hypot”
  17. 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 10:15: Appeal to their own powers of judgment to weigh the force of the argument that follows: namely, that as the partaking of the Lord's Supper involves a partaking of the Lord Himself, and the partaking of the Jewish sacrificial meats involved a partaking of the altar of God, and, as the heathens sacrifice to devils, to partake of an idol feast is to have fellowship with devils. We cannot divest ourselves of the responsibility of "judging" for ourselves. The weakness of private judgment is not an argument against its use, but its abuse. We should t”
  18. CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: expected a Messiah, ib. ; their reception of Christ, and candor in hearing Him, rewarded by the gift of faith, 122 ; praised for believing without miracles, after teaching only, 123 , 125 ; name of, a term of reproach against Christ, 197 . Sanctification, of the Jews only negative, of Christians positive, 48 . Satan, cast down by Christ's death, because not deserved by sin, 250 . Scribes, the robbers of the fold, 213 . Scripture, Holy, its elevating power, 1 , 4 , 7 , 8 ; its taming power, 10 ; its inspiration, 2 , 4 ; safeguard of the soul, 11 ; pu”
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