03/11/24 VALIDATING A BELIEF
When I consider the Christian validity of a belief or a behavior, I look for New Testament instruction.
A quick overview includes...
Is it commanded by God?
Is it commended by God?
Is it condoned by God?
Is it condemned by God?
Is it compatible with the New Testament narrative?
Is it confirmed or contradicted by other doctrines in the New Testament?
Is it consistent with God's revelation for the Church, and His eternal nature?
Addendum to my above post.
There are other ways of looking at the above list, which is primarily a positive viewpoint, in other words, a "what is good" list. The following list is basically the same, but it is a negative or reverse approach, in other words, a "what is not good" list.
Some of the points in the first list are presented as a negatives, which I repeat (in parenthesis).
In my own study of a subject in Scripture, I look for...
Is it forbidden, as in a negative command, "you shall not?"
Is it a reproved or rebuked belief or behavior?
Is it a corrected belief or behavior?
(Is it condemned?)
Is it contrary to the New Testament narrative?
(Is it confirmed or contradicted by other doctrines in the New Testament)?
Is it in conflict with God's revelation for the Church or with His eternal nature?
If folks apply these questions to their study, I think a lot of Christians will be surprised with the Biblical revelation concerning some of their closely held views.
In the near future I hope to give a list of subjects, which should be examined with these positive and negative (reverse) considerations.
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