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Abeiku Okai
The phrases ‘It’s not biblical’ and ‘It’s not in the Bible’ have been used by several people to either debunk or support an assertion or a practice in or relating to Christianity. I have used the same phrases before and I may still be tempted to use them when and where necessary.
However, I have observed keenly that using the phrases inappropriately can be detrimental to the truth or make an argument appear mediocre.
Primarily, when someone says something is not in the Bible, it is supposed to mean the text or subject under discussion is not treated in the Bible, either explicitly or implicitly. Therefore, when you say something is not in the Bible, do you mean it cannot literally be found in?
Similarly, when someone says something is not biblical, it is supposed to primarily mean it is not supported by the Bible. But do you mean that when you say something is not biblical?
The fact of the matter is that using those two phrases usually involves making doctrinal statements or arguments. However, when making a doctrinal statement or argument, you have to be careful when using the phrases. This is because:
1. Some things are in the Bible but are not doctrinally sound to practice in Christianity.
2. Some things are not in the Bible but are not erroneous when practiced.
3. Some things are biblical but not fundamental to the Christian faith – they may be to Judaism or even cultural settings but not fundamental to the Christian faith.
4. Some things are not biblical but Christianity may not be against them. They don’t affect the faith in any way.
Let’s look at some examples:
1. Some things are in the Bible but are not doctrinally sound to practice in Christianity:
In the Old Testament, there are instances of polygamy among notable figures like King Solomon and others. While the practice is mentioned in the Bible, it is not considered doctrinally sound in Christian Orthodoxy, as can be gleaned from Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:4-6.
2. Some things are NOT in the Bible but are not erroneous when practiced:
The use of modern technology, such as smartphones or airplanes, is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible since it was written in a different historical context. However, their use is not considered erroneous or incompatible with Christian beliefs as they do not conflict with any biblical principles.
Do you know that during the days of the Apostles, no church building was put up for fellowship, meaning there was no Christian temple? Does it mean putting up a church building is a sin or unacceptable? Ponder!
3. Some things are biblical but not fundamental to the Christian faith:
Dietary laws and rituals observed in Judaism, such as kosher dietary restrictions or ceremonial sacrifices, are found in the Old Testament but are not considered fundamental to the Christian faith. While these practices have biblical origins, they are not essential doctrines for Christians and are not traditionally practiced within Christianity. Christians who enforce dietary laws either practice Judaism or austere spirituality in the name of Christianity or are merely in error but use the biblical origins of those laws to affirm their practices.
4. Some things are not biblical but Christianity may not be against them:
Practices like celebrating birthdays or specific holidays such as Valentine’s Day are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, Christianity generally does not oppose these practices, and they are often celebrated by Christians without conflicting with their faith or teachings.
In view of the above, you have to be careful when making any of the above two statements, research well and better, think through carefully before making them in order to say exactly what you mean and mean exactly what you say.
Several wrong teachings have been advanced, and errors practiced just because someone feels something is or is not in the Bible or something is or is not biblical. Truth is not based on quoting or not quotating several scriptures.
What primarily matters to the Christian faith are the foundational tenets of faith and practices laid down by Jesus Christ and the Apostles, particularly relating to salvation and Christian conduct. Neither trivialize them nor overstretch them. Stay with the simplicity of the faith in Christ and let no man decieive you with another gospel out of ignorance, so-called deep revelations, dreams and experiences, sensationalism or religious dogmas:
“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!” – (2nd Cor. 11:3-4)
“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8-9).
B.I.C. Abeiku Okai
Anathallo Chapel Int
KNTC – Kingdom Nationals Theological College (Enrol online)
(+233) 0249287855