We can find many debates about the Bible. Some instructions are easily identified and accepted, while others are considered outdated or misinterpreted. As the world changes, many also expect the word of God to change. Some churches have become accepting or tolerant of things the Bible speaks against.
Many Christians today are functioning under the secular meaning of love instead of what the Bible says. The belief is that showing love is accepting everyone for who they are and being tolerant when they are different.
However, the scripture says, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” (1 Corinthians chapter 13 verses 4-7).
We are all sinners
Christians must recognize that God didn’t call the righteous but sinners to repentance (Luke chapter 5 verse 32). We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans chapter 3 verse 23), and regardless of our background, we all need salvation.
Hence, the church should be open to everyone. Now this is where we draw the line. In accepting everyone, we must hold on to the truth and guide each other to repentance. Individuals should come as they are but must be open to God’s change.
Individuals receive salvation by accepting and obeying the Word of God. Hence the church must speak the Word regardless of culture, social climate, academic or societal background. We mustn’t adjust the Word to suit the needs of individuals around us. We’ll only be leading them to hell by giving them the idea that they are saved even if they continue to live in sin.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy chapter 3 verses 16-17).
Our intentions should always be to live according to the word and to guide others along the right path, not in a judgemental and arrogant way. Lovingly showing others the truth is a form of correction. Everything we need to walk in obedience is written in the Bible and it shouldn’t be taken lightly.
God is Love
The type of love the Bible speaks of differs from that of the world. God is love, and it’s not His will that any should perish but that all come to repentance (2 Peter chapter 3 verse 9). To do that, one must be aware of the wrong they’re doing. They are things that the Bible explicitly speaks of that should never be taken lightly.
Remember, love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter chapter 4 verse 8). Our love for others should motivate us to reach out to them and share the Word. It should give us the yearning to see others walking on the right path. It should also create a hunger and thirst for wanting to see all of us walking in the will of God.
As the topical question asks, is the Bible a manual for our lives, or is it just an historical book that we can choose what we want to accept or reject?
We may not be able to fathom some things written in the Bible; however, it explicitly tells us how to live. We may struggle with these things, but we must be open to God working on our hearts and never accept that it’s just who we are.
We are expected to follow the Word of God to live a life pleasing unto Him. As such, let us confidently share God's Word and allow Him to work on the hearts of those around us. It is also imperative to pray for understanding when we’re uncertain, not to try to explain away things you don’t understand. Some answers may not come immediately but you’ll get them when God sees it fit.
You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you (Deuteronomy chapter 4 verse 2).
For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this bookand if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book (Revelation chapter 22 verses 18-19).
Never compromise the Word, you may end up leading someone along the wrong path who genuinely have a desire to serve God.
Latanya Fraser Cato is an elementary school teacher who enjoys reading and writing poetry. She is currently a Sunday school teacher at her church in Japan and has served on various youth-related ministries both in church and school in her home country Jamaica. She has a passion for counseling and helping others. She has published a book of poems entitled Soul’s Inspiration which she hopes will assist individuals facing various challenges..