Some churches and their congregants strive to “live biblically”, and while this is perhaps a noble sounding mantra, it can also lead us down a dangerous path far from the Christ-following faith towards which we are called.
The concept of living biblically is one where Christians reestablish a rule structure in-line with specific commands in biblical texts, ranging from the Old Testament through the New Testament. Those who practice this mindset often have well-intentioned hearts, hoping that scripture can bring them closer to being the “good and faithful servant” Jesus commanded. They seek to be found upright on the day of the Lord’s coming. Yet, often the aspiration to live biblically is at the expense of living out biblical aspirations.
The biggest problem with living biblically is knowing where to draw the lines. What Old Testament rules still apply? What commandments in the Torah are applicable still? In the Gospel texts, which words of Jesus are meant literally and which figurative? In the letters of the New Testament, what exhortations to those early churches are still meant for churches in modern times? Striving to live biblically can turn into a rabbit hole of rules and regulations where the many contradictions easily found across scripture end up strangling our ability to truly be good and faithful servants.
So, what are churches to do? What do we preach and practice, if not the specifics of scripture? Our Lord Jesus has told and shown us what to do. Jesus simplified the commands of God simply as to love God and to love one another. Additionally, Jesus urged us to love one another to the same great extent our Lord has loved us—unconditionally and expansively.
The ever-expanding gospel message that Jesus succinctly shared and demonstrated calls us to zoom-out our perspective. We must look towards the future-forward vision that Jesus talked about—the Everlasting Kingdom where all are beloved and can experience life abundantly. Instead of strict biblical rules, God is more concerned about our trajectory towards this greater biblical aspiration.
Indeed, if we are to be good and faithful servants we have to serve one another, activating the Holy Spirit we have been granted by faith in Jesus Christ. The Spirit is not meant to sit idly within us, or within our church walls, for some personal spiritual gain. The Spirit is given to those who follow Jesus, and to the Church, so that we may work on behalf of our Lord here and now. And, in doing the Lord’s work we find life abundant and everlasting, here and now, and in the ages to come.
Relevant Reformation 