Is it correct to say, "One aspect of the Bible is that it is like a rule book"?

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Psalm 119 NIV

In the American language, our idiom, our connotations, the phrase 'rule book' has the flavor of being...about only rules.

Maybe that is what people may think today because they do not want to follow God's commands today, but that is not how it is defined in an older dictionary (i.e. 1913 Webster's Dictionary).

rule book | Definition of rule book by Webster's Online Dictionary

But if you read in the psalms you encounter many psalms about the wonderful goodness of God's laws for us (such as long and helpful psalm 119), the way His laws make our lives better, for one, and more, and His law we hear is so much better, so much more than only 'rules'. His law in spirit and in truth is so much better than just regulations

Not sure what you are talking about. In God's Word, rules would be the same thing as laws. Also, Psalms 119 is not in support of your view of speaking against God's commands, but it is in favor of keeping God's commands. Keeping God's commands actually one of the proofs that you know God (See: 1 John 2:3-4). For you said that law in spirit and in truth is better than regulations (Suggesting that God acts contrary to his regulations, rules, or commands).

You said:
His law in spirit and in truth is so much better than just regulations (what the pharisees preferred too often). It's something we can't do that well unless we are under that altering on us through Christ, such as we are aided with for instance when we pray the prayer of Matthew 6 with faith. Because the law is about love, summed up with such as 'love your neighbor as yourself'. On our own we'd not do that truly well (as deeply and wonderfully as we should), but if we are on the Vine (John 15), then the Vine delivers into us the power to bear real fruit.

Actually, no. The Pharisees did not keep God's laws. They ignored the weightier matters of the Law like love, justice, faith, and mercy (See Luke 11:42, and Matthew 23:23). Jesus told them to do these things and he did not tell them what you just said by seeking after spirit and truth and how that is better than His regulations or commands. Jesus said if you will enter into life, keep the commandments (Matthew 19:17). Jesus admitted to the truth of the lawyer's statement that to love God (with some details) and to love your neighbor is to inherit eternal life. In fact, Jesus stressed that the lawyer should do this and he will live (See Luke 10:25-28). Jesus did not say to the lawyer, "do not worry lawyer about keeping my commands or regulations, just focus on the Spirit, etc." Jesus told the lawyer, "And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live." (Luke 10:28).
 
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eleos1954

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The teachings of Jesus Christ (Which would include His commands) is a part of who Jesus Christ is. Some Christians try to separate the commands or teachings of Jesus Christ from the person of Jesus.

To me that is very odd thinking ;o) Everything in the bible is the revelation of Jesus ... every word.

Matthew 4:4
But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

He is God. He is the Word.

“I am telling you the truth,” Jesus replied. “Before Abraham was born, ‘I Am’.” (John 8:58)

John 14:9
9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father’s only Son. (John 1:14)

May God Bless all through His Holy Word - Jesus. Amen.
 
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To me that is very odd thinking ;o) Everything in the bible is the revelation of Jesus ... every word.

Matthew 4:4
But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

He is God. He is the Word.

“I am telling you the truth,” Jesus replied. “Before Abraham was born, ‘I Am’.” (John 8:58)

John 14:9
9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father’s only Son. (John 1:14)

May God Bless all through His Holy Word - Jesus. Amen.

We are told that we can hear God's Word and yet if we do not obey it, we can deceive ourselves (verse 22). We are told to receive the word (God's communicated word) which is able to save our souls (verse 21) because it will help us to lay apart all filthiness, etc. Obeying God's commands will help a believer to stop sinning.

21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed."
(James 1:21-25).
 
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The Bible is many things.

1. The Bible is a Story Book (Because it is God's Story).
2. The Bible is a Love Letter (Because God loves us and He seeks a relationship with us).
3. The Bible is a Book of Redemption (Because we can find Redemption and Salvation in Christ).
4. The Bible is the Revelation of Christ (Because Jesus said the Scriptures testify of Him).
5. The Bible is God's Thoughts (Because it is divinely inspired).
6. The Bible is a Book of Faith (Because Faith comes by hearing the Word of God).
7. The Bible is a Rulebook (Because it contains many rules or commands from GOD that He wants us to obey).
8. The Bible is a Book of New Beginnings or Transformation (Because we can have a new life in Christ and walk in the fruits of the Spirit instead of sin).

The Bible is so many things.
But I would say that one of the most important things for a believer to understand is that the Bible is a Rule Book. Without applying God's commands to our life, we are isolated from God. God cannot continually act or move in our life if we are breaking His laws or commands and or rebelling against Him. Yes, I realize God sent a great fish to swallow Jonah (while Jonah was trying to run in the other direction away from God), but did Jonah continue to disobey God? No.
 
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Is it correct to say, "One aspect of the Bible is that it is like a rule book"?

There's nothing wrong with recognizing that the Bible is full of God's Law - his rule for living. But it would be a mistake to believe that the primary thrust of Scripture is to function as a rule book. A rule book is something given to capable people in order to teach them how to gain control of their lives or better their lives through moral effort. But the Bible is primarily a story of God saving sinners who don't abide by the rules and cannot abide by the rules. The rules certainly have a place in the story, but they must be understood in the context of the redemptive story. Paul put it like this:

1 Timothy 1:8-
8
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.

12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

So the rules are good if one uses them as God intended. Not as a program for salvation, but as a means of exposing sin and the need for God's grace so that sinners may cry out to Jesus Christ - the one who has come to save sinners.
 
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There's nothing wrong with recognizing that the Bible is full of God's Law - his rule for living. But it would be a mistake to believe that the primary thrust of Scripture is to function as a rule book. A rule book is something given to capable people in order to teach them how to gain control of their lives or better their lives through moral effort. But the Bible is primarily a story of God saving sinners who don't abide by the rules and cannot abide by the rules. The rules certainly have a place in the story, but they must be understood in the context of the redemptive story. Paul put it like this:

1 Timothy 1:8-
8
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.

12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

God never suggests in His Word that we are to obey without Him. Jesus says that if any man loves me and keeps His word, the Father and Himself will make their home in that person (See John 14:23). Jesus says we can do nothing without Him. So obeying God is never without God. God tells us to obey in many things. God's Word never says this is at the exclusion of God but it is a part of drawing closer to Him. Obeying God's commands is a way we can have an assurance in knowing the Lord (1 John 2:3). For the person who says they know the Lord and they do not keep His commandments, they are a liar and the truth is not in them (See 1 John 2:4).

So the rules are good if one uses them as God intended. Not as a program for salvation, but as a means of exposing sin and the need for God's grace so that sinners may cry out to Jesus Christ - the one who has come to save sinners.

This is a non-sequitur.

While we initially and ultimately saved by God's grace, we also need to obey God's commands as a part of the Sanctification process (Which is a part of the salvation equation). God's laws are not to just point to our own sinfulness and for us to remain as sinners. God's grace is not a license for immorality but God's grace is a means to overcome grievous sin in this life. For God's grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and that we should live righteously in this present world (See Titus 2:11-12).
 
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God never suggests in His Word that we are to obey without Him. Jesus says that if any man loves me and keeps His word, the Father and Himself will make their home in that person (See John 14:23). Jesus says we can do nothing without Him. So obeying God is never without God. God tells us to obey in many things. God's Word never says this is at the exclusion of God but it is a part of drawing closer to Him. Obeying God's commands is a way we can have an assurance in knowing the Lord (1 John 2:3). For the person who says they know the Lord and they do not keep His commandments, they are a liar and the truth is not in them (See 1 John 2:4).

Okay.

This is a non-sequitur.

I'm not sure where you think my logic broke down. How is it a non-sequitur?

While we initially and ultimately saved by God's grace, we also need to obey God's commands as a part of the Sanctification process (Which is a part of the salvation process). God's laws are not to just point to our own sinfulness and for us to remain as sinners. God's grace is not a license for immorality but God's grace is a means to overcome grievous sin in this life. For God's grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and that we should live righteously in this present world (See Titus 2:11-12).

Okay.
 
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I will have to talk about this later. I am....


full

Be back later.

May God bless you.
 
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JesusYeshuaisLord

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We probably only see it as a bunch of rules because we have sinned (original sin). I'd probably compare it to the law of gravity, in the sense that it's always true. God is just telling us through the bible, how things were, are and will be.
 
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We probably only see it as a bunch of rules because we have sinned (original sin). I'd probably compare it to the law of gravity, in the sense that it's always true. God is just telling us through the bible, how things were, are and will be.

Yes. The fallen, sinful heart views it as oppressive rules. The converted heart views it as liberating wisdom.
 
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Halbhh

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Well, rules, commands, or laws are the same thing.

That's right -- I get what you are saying to say they are all the same.

Americans generally will have different reactions to the 3 different words 'rule', 'law', and 'command', because our American use of the words have American 'connotations' -- "an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning".

Sorry for not making that more clear my first response.
 
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Halbhh

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Psalms 119 is not in support of your view of speaking against God's commands,


!? Oh my. You've taken the exact opposite of what I was saying.

That happens. Sorry that I didn't write it more obviously clear!

I offered you the very wonderful Pslam 119 because I've enjoied reading through it (it took me days because I go slowly to really get what is being said).

Of course, I did notice what I was reading. heh heh... I offered it to help you understand what I wrote, but it's clear I did not write clearly enough.

God bless.
 
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Halbhh

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The Pharisees did not keep God's laws. They ignored the weightier matters of the Law like love, justice, faith, and mercy (See Luke 11:42, and Matthew 23:23). Jesus told them to do these things and he did not tell them what you just said by seeking after spirit and truth and how that is better than His regulations or commands. Jesus said if you will enter into life, keep the commandments (Matthew 19:17). Jesus admitted to the truth of the lawyer's statement that to love God (with some details) and to love your neighbor is to inherit eternal life. In fact, Jesus stressed that the lawyer should do this and he will live (See Luke 10:25-28). Jesus did not say to the lawyer, "do not worry lawyer about keeping my commands or regulations, just focus on the Spirit, etc." Jesus told the lawyer, "And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live." (Luke 10:28).

That's right.

Thanks for posting these good truths in yet another way. Those who love Him will keep his commandments, and if people keep His commandments, then they are on the rock where they can endure the storms of life.

Hope you enjoyed Pslam 119!

Have a good evening.
 
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Halbhh

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There's nothing wrong with recognizing that the Bible is full of God's Law - his rule for living. But it would be a mistake to believe that the primary thrust of Scripture is to function as a rule book. A rule book is something given to capable people in order to teach them how to gain control of their lives or better their lives through moral effort. But the Bible is primarily a story of God saving sinners who don't abide by the rules and cannot abide by the rules. The rules certainly have a place in the story, but they must be understood in the context of the redemptive story. Paul put it like this:

1 Timothy 1:8-
8
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.

12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

So the rules are good if one uses them as God intended. Not as a program for salvation, but as a means of exposing sin and the need for God's grace so that sinners may cry out to Jesus Christ - the one who has come to save sinners.

Yes, we cannot even do love your neighbor as yourself -- every last one of them we encounter everywhere -- very much, very well, without His aid, unless we truly remain in Him, on the Vine (John chapter 15).

What most people do, which Christ pointed to at the end of Matthew chapter 5, is to love only those who love them.

It's only through Christ, by remaining on the Vine, that we might bear true fruit. Not any other way. As He says, we will bear fruit if we remain in Him, in His words, and the branches that do not bear fruit (love for others) are: cut off, gathered, and thrown into the fire. John 15 NIV
Praise the Lord for the Vine!
 
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Would it be more accurate to say, "One aspect of the Bible is part of it is a historical rule book"?
Wouldn't it be more accurate to say, "That it's a Book of authoritative instructions from God" on how to best live one's life. Isn't that why other authoritative instructional books are often called a "Bible".


 
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Wouldn't it be more accurate to say, "That it's a Book of authoritative instructions from God" on how to best live one's life. Isn't that why other authoritative instructional books are often called a "Bible".



Are you asking this question from the perspective that God's Word is yours to claim or not yours to claim ?
 
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Hey @Jason0047 do you go to church anywhere? If so, what kind of church are you part of?

Well, I believe we are in the last days, and not many are truly following Jesus like they should (according to His Word). I believe the following words of Jesus are prophetic of the day we are living in now; For Jesus says: "when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8).

I do not see present forms of churches today as gathering biblically (of which I provide a link in my statement of faith to explain this). I prefer to have fellowship with Christians in homes who are truly serious in following the Lord Jesus Christ and in obeying Him according to what His Word says (Which is what we see in the Bible).

To see my lengthy statement of faith at any time, you can:

1. Click on my Profile Name: ("Jason0047").
2. Click on "Profile Page."
3. Click on "Information."
4. Look in the "About" section.
5. Click on the link that says: "What is Your Statement of Faith?"

I continued the statement of faith on page 6 of the thread (if you are interested), as well.


Side Note:

While I am not into traditional church gathering, I would like to attend in the future a Bible house fellowship meet up with one of the two holiness churches below.

  1. Christ’s Sanctified Holy Church: Christ's Sanctified Holy Church-Holiness unto the Lord
  2. International Fellowship of Bible Churches International Fellowship of Bible Churches

These churches appear to be genuine at first glance, but I have not investigated them first hand. Please keep in mind that there are not many true genuine holiness churches out there these days (besides the two here that I have found). Narrow is the way that leads unto life (indeed). For as it was in the times of Noah, so shall it also be at the coming of the Son of Man (i.e. the Rapture and his eventual second Coming).
 
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We probably only see it as a bunch of rules because we have sinned (original sin). I'd probably compare it to the law of gravity, in the sense that it's always true. God is just telling us through the bible, how things were, are and will be.

There are actually many commands in the New Testament that I am pretty sure you don't even know about. I have only come to discovery them by doing a study on God's commands in the New Testament. The lists I have seen so far for the NT commands are not exactly complete and or accurate.
 
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