Rethinking the Bible: Moving Beyond Instructions to the Heart of the Gospel
Have you ever thought of the Bible as a “how-to” book, a guide for living a good life? While it’s true that the Bible contains many practical teachings, is that really its primary purpose? In our efforts to apply biblical principles to our lives, we may be missing the forest for the trees. The Bible is not primarily about us or what we need to do; it’s about Jesus and what He has already done.
The Bible’s Central Message
In Luke 24, Jesus appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus and explains the Scriptures to them, showing how they all point to Him. This is the key to understanding the Bible: it’s all about Jesus. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:20, “All the promises of God find their Yes in him.” The book of Hebrews demonstrates how the entire Old Testament points forward to Christ, who is the fulfillment of all God’s promises.
Beyond Role Models to the Gospel
While Jesus is indeed a wonderful role model, reducing the gospel to a message of “be like Jesus” misses the point. The gospel is not good advice; it’s good news. It’s not about what we need to do, but about what God has already done through Christ. Our emphasis should be on God’s finished work, not on our own efforts to be more like Jesus.
The Practicality of the Gospel
The Bible is incredibly practical, but its practicality is rooted in the gospel. The “dos” of Christian living are always connected to the “done” of Christ’s finished work. We must never detach the practical points from the proclamational points, or we risk preaching the law instead of the gospel.
The Gospel for All of Life
The gospel is not just for unbelievers; it’s for Christians too. It’s the power for salvation, and it’s the power for transformation. We need to see the gospel as versatile and resilient, capable of speaking to every area of our lives. It’s the ministry of righteousness, announcing not just the forgiveness of sins but the full credit of Christ’s perfect obedience credited to us.
Conclusion
Let’s rethink our approach to the Bible and the gospel. Let’s move beyond instructions and focus on the heart of the matter: Jesus and His finished work. Only the gospel has the power to transform our lives and our churches.
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