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Although Christians ideally avoid using “liberal” or “conservative” terminology in theological discussions, modern deviations from traditional Christianity necessitate these terms.
Indeed, most people know of the Scriptures (the Bible, the Word of God), but how many understand what it means to be scriptural?
Scriptural is defined as “relating to, based on, or contained in the Scriptures” in both general and theological terms.
Early Christians and Reformers defended their beliefs, practices, and doctrines using Scripture. Traditions matter as long as they don’t contradict biblical teaching, yet the Bible has always been the focus of the faith.
God’s Word, the Old and New Testaments, is highlighted and relayed to each generation. J.C. Ryle (Anglican Bishop) once wrote, “Let our rule of faith, our touchstone of all teaching, be the written Word of God.”[i]
Sadly, for those new to the faith, or even those interested in God but don’t know where to start, the different denominations and churches worldwide cause great confusion. Christianity is split between different sects, some more orthodox or more contemporary. Even more concerning is that certain churches have entirely abandoned the Bible, adopting a self-satisfied spirituality and personal religious beliefs.
While the four Gospels of the New Testament record Jesus’ ministry on earth, the entire New Testament applies to daily living, standards, and teachings within the faith. For most Christians, the same principle applies to the Old Testament. While ceremonial and civic Jewish laws might have been abolished, the moral law of the Jews still holds true to Christians today.
Are you scriptural? Do you live your faith in the context of the Bible? Do you study, read, and discuss the Scriptures?
Although Christians are saved by faith and grace, and some issues are secondary, the Bible is central to all Christian denominations.
Do you examine yourself based on the teachings of the Bible? If not, start by reading Galatians 5 and the fruit of the Spirit.
With so many unconventional churches and ministers seemingly contradicting the Bible these days, biblical accuracy is now more crucial than ever.
Jesus taught us to beware of false prophets (Matthew 7:15). It’s time Christians realize this is an issue in the church and compare the teachings they hear from the pulpit to the Word of God. Being scriptural should not be optional, but a must. Why selectively follow only certain biblical teachings, but ignore others?
The Word of God should shape your worldview. Everything else should be secondary and always aligned with the Bible and the Lord’s teachings.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness’” (Matthew 7:21-23).
[i] J.C. Ryle, Warning to the Churches (Carlisle: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2016), 120.