How Is the Bible Relevant Today? | 4 Views

Type of Doctrine: Secondary or Tertiary

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

-2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

Why does it matter?

Is Scripture relevant for us today? Or is it simply an interesting book that does not have relevance for us? If it is relevant, then how? As you can see, this topic matters and is important. It has direct bearing on whether we read Scripture, how we read Scripture, and how we apply Scripture to our lives.

This topic is likely either a secondary or tertiary issue. All agree that Scripture is relevant for our lives today, but they differ regarding how it is interpreted and applied. Well-meaning believers can disagree over this issue and remain within the same church. Occasionally, however, the implications may make it a more serious issue.

What is it?

As shown above (2 Tim. 3:16-17), Scripture refers to itself as being profitable for us today to be used in teaching, correction, training, and equipping. The author of Hebrews refers to Scripture as "living and active" and judging our "thoughts and desires" (Hebrews 4:12). Similarly, James mentions not merely being hearers of the word but also doers (James 1:22). Therefore, Scripture refers to itself as being relevant for us today.

Scripture refers to itself as being relevant for us today.

But how is it relevant for us? When applying Scripture to our lives, we must first interpret it in its own culture and then apply it to our own situation properly. Scripture has been written by numerous authors spanning across centuries. Therefore, it has been written by particular authors during particular time periods and in particular cultures. Sometimes the applications made in a modern cultural context are straightforward and the same as they were in the ancient cultural context. Other times the applications are different in a modern context compared to the ancient context.

In Bible interpretation, the biblical context (i.e., surrounding paragraphs, chapters, etc.) is also important. A passage must be interpreted along with the context that surrounds it. This means if you're reading a paragraph, then you must also look at the paragraphs surrounding it (i.e., immediate context), the book it's found in (i.e., book context), other books from the author (e.g., examining how a word is used in all of the letters of Paul), and ultimately the entire Bible (i.e., the biblical context). Otherwise, without examining the New Testament, much of the Old Testament will be interpreted in an unbiblical way (i.e., as a Jew who does not believe in Jesus may interpret it).

A related issue is how one should apply Scripture to their life in light of the main story of redemption throughout the entire Bible. Scripture is more than history, doctrine, and practical instruction. It is about the story of redemption--that is, God saving sinners. For example, Jesus claims that Scripture is about himself; it points to him (Luke 24:27). Surely, then, the story of redemption must have a bearing on how Scripture is relevant for us today. For example, is the story of David and Goliath meant to teach us a principle or is it meant to teach us about Jesus? Is it meant to do both?

The chart below will summarize the four main views on this topic (adapted from Gary T. Meadors, ed., Four Views on Moving Beyond the Bible to Theology).

Model	What?	Main Idea	Who?
A Principlizing Model	Find the main idea and its emphasis. In other words, find a general principle in the passage of Scripture by studying the grammar and culture of that time (i.e., exegesis; mainly just the immediate context of that passage and book). Then find a corresponding situation in our culture and make an application.	What principle should I follow?	Walter Kaiser
A Redemptive-Historical Model	Find the main point of a passage by studying the grammar and culture of that time (i.e., exegesis; immediate context of that passage and book). Next connect it to the unifying theme in the wider context of the whole Bible (i.e., Christ and the story of redemption). Then consider how it applies to daily life (e.g., duty, character, goals, ethical/worldview, etc.).	How does this text point to Christ including how I am redeemed by him and formed into his image? (Emphasizes redemption which Christ accomplished in the past)	Daniel Doriani
A Drama-of-Redemption Model	Scripture demonstrates a drama of redemption in which we play a part. 3 main things are needed: (1) attend (see what is going on in Scripture), (2) appraise (judge where we are in the theodrama); and (3) advance (with the script in hand move into the world to the glory of God).	How are you living out your part in the drama of redemption?	Kevin Vanhoozer
A Redemptive-Movement Model	Scripture gives a beginning of ethical living, but it was meant to move beyond the first century context to God's ultimate ethical goal (i.e., as on a trajectory). This is where it gets its name: "Redemptive Movement." Therefore, the process is to study the grammar and culture of the text and then identify the redemptive movement (or trajectory) in order to apply it properly.	Where is the redemptive trajectory heading?	William Webb

Application

To summarize, the Bible is relevant for our lives today. We must read it and apply it. We must settle on a method for how to apply Scripture to our lives. However, we shouldn't miss Jesus and the plan of redemption in the process. Also, we must be careful to avoid making wrong applications which ultimately lead to disobedience of God's Holy Scripture.

Where can I learn more?

Bibliography:

-Meadors, Gary T., ed. Four Views on Moving Beyond the Bible to Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009.