My Problem with the Bible
Many churches have a statement of belief that lists their viewpoint on the Bible. Something like: “The Bible is inerrant and our final authority.”
This is worship of the Bible. A term I use to describe this flawed viewpoint: Biblicism.
Christians believe Jesus alone is Lord. I didn't say this, the Bible does ;). The New Testament uses "Lord" to describe Jesus more than any other name, over 700 times. Scripture is inspired and God-breathed, but it is not perfect and is not our Lord.
Yet, so many churches list the Bible as the "final authority"?
We can't have both. One is flawed (Biblicism) and one is faithful (Jesus as Lord).
A healthy experiment for those of you recovering from or suspicious of Biblicism, look at the Bible passages that mention "word" or "scripture" and replace those words with “Jesus”. If a New Testament writer can do this, so can we. The apostle John did this (John 1:1), "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
The "Word" is Jesus. Jesus, John, and the rest of the New Testament writers wanted to make sure we knew, everything in the world (including the Old Testament), should now be viewed through the lens of Jesus Christ.
Try it with some passages. It's not the magic solution to understanding the Bible, but it sure helps change your perspective into a more historically Christian viewpoint.
Isaiah 55:11
“So is my word Jesus that goes out from my mouth: He will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent him.”
Psalm 119:105
“Your word Jesus is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
2 Timothy 3: 16-17 (Biblicists LOVE this one)
“All Scripture of Jesus 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.”
John 17:17
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word Jesus is truth.”
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word Jesus of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, he penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; he judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
In closing, Jesus is the only word of God. Our hope and our healing are found in Christ alone.
The earth's restoration, and all the life it contains, is found in Christ.
Making this move is life-changing!
It is a move from idolatry to healthy love.
It is a move from legalism to freedom.
It is a move from darkness into light.