Scripture Uses
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God
may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
God inspired all scripture. But how do you determine which scripture must be followed and which are only good for teaching and other purposes?
Since the 1st century when deciding whether or not Gentiles must be circumcised (Acts 15), Christians made decisions regarding application of scripture often using current societal trends to justify change. In the 1st century, they used the words in Amos 9:11-12 to justify not imposing all of the Jewish laws on the Gentiles. Instead, they sent a letter:
20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols,
and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
Acts 15:20
Do you believe that women should be obedient to their husbands (Titus 2:5) or be silent in churches (1 Corinthians 14:34-35)? What’s the justification for not following these scripture verses?
We should have a standard process using Jesus’ commandments to make decisions regarding scripture. After all, Jesus told us in the Great Commission that we must teach and obey His commandments.
Jesus on the Greatest Commandment and Golden Rule
There is none other commandment greater than these.
Mark 12:31b
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Matthew 22:40
Jesus clearly states in Mark that the Greatest Commandment and the Golden Rule are greater than any other commandment. In Matthew, He states that all the law and the prophets are based on them.
When a lawyer asked Jesus what he must to inherit eternal life, Jesus asked him what the law said. The lawyer replied quoting the Greatest Commandment and the Golden Rule. Jesus then told him to do this and he would live (Luke 10:25-28). In other words, Jesus is stating that following these two commandments covers all of the gospel, all of Jesus’ other directions. Jesus’ other instructions provide examples of how to interpret these commandments in particular situations.
But following all of the laws does not result in eternal life. Look at the story of the rich man who asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus responds that the man lacks one thing; he must sell all his possessions and give to the poor. (Mark 10:17-25). Just following the law is insufficient to inherit eternal life.
Jesus’ Commands versus Other Scripture
If you follow Jesus’ commands, you may inherit eternal life. Therefore, His commands include all the requirements. If other scripture allows behavior that is contrary to Jesus’ commands, then that behavior is a sin. The inverse is also true. If scripture prohibits behavior that is allowed by Jesus’ commands, then the behavior is not a sin. Basically, Jesus’ commands take precedence over all other scripture if there is a conflict in allowed behavior.
For example, consider 1 Corinthians 14:34 which states “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.” Under the Golden Rule, if you allow men to speak, then you must treat women the same way. Use the same qualification standards for all when determining who is qualified to preach.
Conclusions
Jesus’ commands are greater than, and take precedence over, all other scripture. They require behavior which leads to inheriting eternal life and prohibit sinful behavior. Use Jesus’ commands to determine whether other scripture must be followed or is useful only for training and similar purposes.