“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”

Matthew 5:17-18

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Bible. What do you think about it? What do you think it is? How much authority do you think it has? How important is it that we read, study, learn, and follow the Bible’s teachings? And, what are we to do with the Bible? Should we involve ourselves in the abolition of the Bible, the alteration of the Bible, or the application of the Bible? These are crucial questions to be addressed in our post-modern world.

Let me begin by making myself clear as to who is being addressed in this blog. I am speaking directly to those who would identify themselves as believers in Jesus Christ. I am speaking specifically to those who profess to be Christians. I am not addressing non-believers, except in an indirect way. If there are those reading these words who do no profess to know Jesus Christ, then I am thrilled that you are here, and you are certainly welcome to read and share your thoughts. But please know that these words are directed to those who identify as Christian.

The way this writer sees this subject is very simple. First, there are Christians, as well as congregations, who seem to think that the Bible should be abolished. Not abolished in the sense of destroying all extant copies of the Bible, but in the sense of relegating to the Book, along with its teachings, to the annals of antiquity. Perhaps it would be more appropriately placed in a museum of ancient artifacts. Perhaps it would be best to understand its teachings as having been relevant for another time, and even another place. Surely, they would have us believe, those old-fashioned ideas about the sanctify of life, the meaning of marriage, message of morality, the beauty of human sexuality as God intended it, ethics of Christianity, and so many other Biblical themes and teachings, are not to be thought of as normative, but rather as issues relative to another era in history, if ever normative at all. So, these would simply nullify the teachings and inform us that we need to be more progressive in our thinking.

Second, there are others who would suggest that the abolition of the Bible is far too radical. They would rather argue that the Bible should be altered. These are the ones who would say they believe in the inspiration of the Bible, but in a far different way than previous generations of Christians. They would be the first in line to make the Bible’s message to be one of cultural relevance. Now, please read this next statement very carefully: I believe firmly and adamantly in the cultural relevance of the Bible. The problem with this type of professing believer is that they would argue for the Bible to be subjugated to culture, whereas the Bible calls for culture to be subjugated to the authority of Scripture. So, those same Biblical themes mentioned in the previous paragraph – the sanctify of life, the meaning of marriage, message of morality, the beauty of human sexuality as God intended it, ethics of Christianity – are to be changed to conform to culture. The light is to simply blend in with the darkness.

Then, there is one final category of Christians and churches. These are the ones who do not desire to abolish the Bible, nor do they want to alter the Bible’s teachings. Rather, they are the ones who want to study the Scriptures with the intent of making application of Biblical truths to life, and to culture. These are the ones who take Jesus’ words (quoted at the beginning of this blog) seriously.

From my observations there are those churches who are striving to remain true to the teachings of Scripture, and trying to find innovative methods of conveying those teachings to their congregants. These should be applauded, as they are trying to follow the teachings and the example of the Apostle Paul. Read carefully this powerful word of testimony:

“I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.”

1 Corinthians 9:22-23

No one would ever accuse Paul of abolishing or altering Scripture. He was one who remained committed to the truth of the Word of God, calling for everyone everywhere to bring their lives under the authority of the Bible. But he would meet people where they were, and lead them from there to where they needed to be.

The church of today, and the Christian of today, need to understand this truth. There is no room for questioning the veracity and reliability of the Bible. We are to live true to its teachings, and lead others to follow along. We are not to water down the Bible’s call for morality but teach it clearly and unapologetically. We are be true, sincere followers of Jesus Christ, living our lives as His disciples, and striving to lead others to come out of the darkness of a sin-laden culture into the light of His love and grace. Please remember: God has not changed, nor has His Word. If the Bible calls it sin, it is sin: Period!

So, where do you fall? Are you striving to abolish the Bible, or alter the Bible? If so, then as you read these concluding words, please make a commitment to abide in the Bible and seek God’s guidance in making proper application of the Bible. You will be better for it, and you will be a better witness because of it.