How can I differentiate between biblical principles and commandments?
Question:
How can i differentiate between biblical principles and commandment?
Answer:
This is a great question. I only wish I had a great answer. My answer is to offer you some potential questions to ask yourself.
Q: Is God asking me to do something specific here? If so, what is he asking me to do? or
Q: Is God asking me to NOT do something specific here? If so, what is he asking me NOT to do?
If the answer to either question is a definite yes, then you are looking at a command.
Let me give an example: Do not be yoked with unbelievers.
Q: Is God asking me not to be yoked with unbelievers? No! I do not even have a yoke, and, even if I did, I would not ever be tempted, literally, to be yoked with an unbeliever.
Conclusion: This is a principle. I have to decide how to apply it to my life. The principle is that, when we get ourselves into close associations with unbelievers, the more binding the relationship, the more cautious we should be.
Another example. Go, make disciples of all nations.
Q: Is God asking me to do something specific here? Yes! He is asking me to make disciples.
Conclusion: This is a command.
Another example. Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
Q: Is God asking me to do something specific here? Can I literally “walk in wisdom?” No!
Conclusion: this is a principle. The principle is that as we make decisions in our life, we should be cautious about trusting our own thinking, but should seek the advice of the wise.
Another example: And let us… not giving up meeting together…
Q: Is God asking me to do something specific here? Yes! He is asking me to be consistent in attending the meetings of the church.
Conclusion: This is a command.
Another helpful way to think about it is to read Proverbs. The Book of Proverbs is almost 100% principles and very few commands. Leviticus is almost 100% commands and very few principles.
Please be aware that it is not always possible to definitely say whether something is a principle or a command.
For example: “Always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope you have.” Is God asking me to do something specific? Sort of…. He is asking me to prepare myself to answer questions. Is this a command? Debatable.
I hope I have done more to clear up the issue than to muddy the issue.
John Oakes
