The Bible is a giant e-book. We’d like assist if we’re to make sense of it. For this reason folks write Bible commentaries and research Bibles.
Commentaries and research Bibles illuminate scripture by describing the context. They ask questions like, who was this verse written too, when, and why?
Any preacher value their salt will let you know that we have to learn the Bible in context, however what’s the correct context? Jesus is. He’s the Dwelling Phrase who offers which means to the written phrase.
This appears apparent, no? However it isn’t frequent follow.
Many commentators interpret scripture by means of historic, cultural, or linguistic lenses. Others undertake a prophetic or dispensational strategy.
A lens, or hermeneutic, is a device for making which means or developing a narrative. In case your lens lets you develop within the grace and information of Jesus, it’s a superb lens. But when your lens distracts you from Jesus, it’s a dud. Right here’s an instance:
If you don’t forgive others, then your Father won’t forgive your transgressions. (Matthew 6:15)
This well-known passage comes from the Sermon on the Mount. How can we learn it? Listed here are three lenses we’d use:
1. The lens of legislation
“It appears apparent that Jesus is preaching legislation: You need to forgive to be forgiven (Matt. 6:14). That’s not a suggestion, however a command with penalties for noncompliance. Fail to forgive, and you can be condemned by God.”
This law-based interpretation is usually heard however it isn’t excellent news. The legislation of conditional forgiveness is dangerous information for anybody who has been molested, abused, or mistreated. It’s dangerous information for the rape sufferer and the younger baby who has been trafficked into slavery. How do you forgive the unforgivable?
And if we’re sinners as a result of we harbor unforgiveness, what does that make God? If he doesn’t forgive us, he’s both a sinner or a hypocrite. One thing doesn’t add up.
2. The lens of works
“Jesus is promoting salvation. If you’d like mercy it’s important to earn it. You’re saved by works of forgiveness.”
Just like the legislation interpretation, this message of works is dangerous information. Nobody might be justified or made proper with God by means of their works. Our greatest just isn’t ok.
We’ve used two dangerous lens to attract two dangerous conclusions. Fortunately, there may be another lens.
3. The lens of the brand new covenant
Within the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus preached legislation to individuals who lived below the outdated law-keeping covenant. He elevated the legislation in order that they might see their want for grace. Then on the cross, he happy the righteous necessities of the legislation on our behalf.
On the night time he rose from the useless, Jesus instructed the disciples to evangelise the excellent news of unconditional forgiveness (Luke 24:47) and so they did (e.g., Acts 13:38). Within the new covenant we aren’t forgiven on account of our law-keeping or acts of forgiveness. We’re fully and eternally forgiven in accordance with the riches of God’s grace (Eph. 1:7).
Do you see? Earlier than the cross, legislation. After the cross, grace. Earlier than the cross, you. After the cross, Jesus.
Why do I would like a brand new covenant Bible commentary?
As a result of what you see within the Bible is dependent upon the lens you might be sporting. Learn scripture by means of a legislation lens and one can find guidelines and legal guidelines from begin to end. Learn scripture by means of a works lens and one can find no finish to the works you will need to do.
However learn the Bible by means of a brand new covenant lens and you will note Jesus and discover grace in your want.
There actually should be no debate about this. The New Testomony writers make it clear that we aren’t to put on lenses of legislation or works. “We’re below grace, not legislation” (Rom. 6:14). “We’re justified by religion, not works” (Rom. 3:28, Gal. 2:16).
But many Christians are sporting the incorrect lenses and because of this they’re condemned (by means of legislation) or exhausted (by means of useless works). If that is you, the issue just isn’t your defective religion or lack of zeal; it’s your lens. You could learn the Bible by means of the lens of the brand new covenant.
And that is the place a grace-based commentary may help.
The subsequent time you learn a scripture that leaves you fearful, anxious, or unsure about your Father’s love, I encourage you to look it up on the Grace Commentary. Get a grace-based interpretation and be let loose.
A brand new 12 months is an effective time for brand new habits. Ditch these commentaries that go away you confused and condemned and swap to the Grace Commentary (it’s free!).
