Subtitle: God sets standards for Christian behavior that may not always be obtainable but cannot be ignored.

Excerpt: God sets standards for Christian behavior that may not always be obtainable but cannot be ignored.

Author: Jeff Hilles

The Following Reader Comment Expresses the Complexity of the Christian Life

“I am fully confident about Biblical inerrancy but I see the windows for interpretation much wider than you do. You are interpreting based on your culture. For instance, in Italy, until recently, legal divorce was impossible based on Catholic Church teachings as supported by Jesus’ clear words condemning divorce. So, why are you not in favor of forbidding divorce by law in all 50 states of America? I am pretty sure I can believe in Jesus’ views about divorce as being inerrantly TRUE while voting into office politicians who will vote in favor of making divorce legal. It depends on your ‘interpretation window.’ On where you draw the line. As far as I am concerned, I have no issue voting into office a politician in favor or abortion (I live in a country where, anyway, all parties support abortion) but since I see no point putting a 15-year old schoolgirl in jail for having an illegal abortion as I don’t think she is a danger to society, I prefer abortion to stay legal. However, I still believe abortion is murder.”

Summarizing His Point

His comments reflect the reality of Christians having to function in a sin-cursed world with an internal battle between our own sin nature and the Holy Spirit which resides within us. What his point misses is a reconciliation of this reality. Further, as so many do, he places extremes on positions such as a “15-year old schoolgirl in jail” to make his point. Finally, God’s commands are not limited to “danger to society” issues alone. Abortion involves a moral compass where God differs from our current culture. Finally, his conclusion that the definition of “inerrant” is dependent on what country one lives in (ex. Italy vs. America) ignores the fact that God’s Word is unlimited in time and culture.

My Response

I get your point, but offer the following thoughts.

First, we live in a sin-cursed world where “lesser of evils” is a matter of daily life … something God was well aware of when He wrote the Bible that, in some instances (10 Commandments, for example), make dogmatic commands on us. It brings out the reality of the need for a Savior more than it does a challenge to Biblical inerrancy.

Second, as to the specific example you offered regarding what is detected by each culture, I would say the Bible was written for all cultures, and for all of time, past, present, and future. We do interpret Scripture through our upbringing, I grant you. However, God’s ideal is intended to transcend our “nurture.”

Finally, to your specific example (taking my two points above as a foundation), Malachi 2:16 is clear. However, Matthew 5:32, 19:9 and 1 Corinthians 7:15 are also true. So, sexual immorality and abandonment could be considered grounds for divorce. There are other areas (child abuse, pornography, drugs, gambling, etc.) that others stretch the Bible to also incorporate for justification of divorce. To that point … Malachi 2:16 and other verses are not in conflict with my third point … as God “hates” all sin, not just divorce, but that is why He offered His Son as payment for sin (all sin … including divorce, abortion, homosexuality, lying, greed, pride … and on and on).

In my view, God provides an absolute as a target for sanctification, but also recognizes we are all sinners striving, but never achieving, that perfection on this side of the grave.