“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
We live in a world that believes the Bible is outdated, archaic, and irrelevant. That we should realize morals change with the times, and that the Bible (especially the Old
Testament) is primitive and has little or nothing to say in today’s world.
We have all heard these sort of ideas. And most people think that this is the ultimate slam against Christianity.
But is it really?
The word testament means covenant or agreement. The Old Testament is the covenant God made with men and women about in what way to be in relationship with Him
before Christ came. The New Testament didn’t simply replace the old covenant–it fulfilled it. Everything in scripture pointed to preparation for the arrival of the Messiah, the
Savior, the One who would take away the sin of the world.
The God of the Old Testament and the New Testament is the same God. There is great mercy, grace and love in the Old Testament actions of God as well as in the New
Testament. God has patience, love and restraint while also being a God of justice and love. It is God’s story of pursuing those men and women that He created.
But what about the questions?
WHICH IS RIGHT? AN EYE FOR AN EYE OR TURN THE OTHER CHEEK?
The answer? Yes.
The “eye for an eye” passage in Exodus 21 concerns whether you could pursue personal revenge, to strike back when you are wronged. The answer to that question was
no.
The judges would decide based on a principle of an eye for an eye–meaning restitution and compensation that was in direct proportion to the offense. There were not to be
blood feuds that were very common in that time.
In the New Testament, we can summarize Jesus’ teaching as, “You’ve heard it said “eye for an eye” but I tell you to go past that place. Don’t retaliate at all. Don’t hold on to
resentment. Don’t keep score. If someone does you wrong, deal with it by doing right.
This was a pattern in Jesus’ teachings like: “You have heard do not commit murder–but I tell you when you hate in your heart, you have done the same thing.”
Jesus took the law and wanted it to be in people’s hearts. Why? So, God’s law and direction would be made personal and real.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE BIBLE’S MORAL TEACHINGS ON THINGS LIKE: HOMOSEXUALITY AND PREMARITAL SEX?
One argument against those moral issues is that there are things in the Old Testament about diet restrictions and rituals that we ignore today, so all the ethical
commandments should be subject to personal choice.
In the New Testament, you have Paul who writes about women and there is clear cultural disdain. The question is asked: How can you take anything in the New Testament
seriously that is so tied to its culture of that day? The Bible is obviously wrong about women, so why hold on to its outdated morals?
What is the answer?
THE PATH OF PROPER BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION
A key rule when it comes to the Bible and its interpretation is to determine the culture of that day and what was meant as an eternal application for everyone at all times to
follow.
For Christians, very clearly, the Bible is God’s Word for all time and is to be applied to our lives as God’s Word for all places and people. But it was also written in a specific
time and reflects the ancient culture of where it came from.
So, the path is to not let the cultural applications get confused with the timeless application of the principle. Then, the second thing is to determine what is the timeless
principle in scripture. Let’s look some examples:
For example, when Jesus washed the disciples' feet at the Last Supper, and He commanded us to do the same, the point was not to go around doing foot-washing, but to
live out the heart and actions of a servant.
Another example: “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive
clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” 1 Timothy 2:9-10 (NIV). Paul here is writing not about the specifics but about modesty. It
would be a mistake to get into the cultural specifics alone. That would mean don’t braid your hair when you come to church. Another mistake would be: Well, that’s totally
cultural, so I don’t have to take any of it to heart. That would be just as incorrect.
When we dive into the culture of Paul’s day, the reason Paul was so specific was because of the temple prostitutes at the goddess Diana’s temple in Ephesus. So, what
then is the point? It was the impact a believer should have on others should be based on other values than the temple. So–be modest.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
“I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” Psalm 119:45 (NIV)
The scripture is absolutely authoritative. That means in all places, at all times, with all people, no matter what the culture believes–the scripture is God’s truth.
The scripture has life-changing power. God’s Word brings life change, freedom, and purpose.
“Teach me Your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end.” Psalm 119:33 (NLT)
