When is an example binding?
Introduction. The question reflects some understanding of Bible authority. Indeed, the Bible is our authority in religious matters. We are going to be judged by the Word (John 12: 48). The Word should determine what we believe (1 Thes. 5: 21), how we live (Gal. 2: 14), and those whom we fellowship (2 John 9-11).
How we establish Bible authority. As we have considered in answering previous questions, there are three proven methods of arriving at the teaching of God's word. They are: (1) express command, (2) necessary inference, and (3) approved example. When a command which is not limited by the verse, context, or remote context is encountered, then Bible authority in that area is determined (see Acts 2: 38). Language which requires an inference can be used to establish Bible authority. We necessarily infer (not expressly stated) that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are alive (conscious) when Jesus spoke (Matt. 22: 32). Hence, we have authority for life after death. Regarding Bible examples, how do we know when an example is binding?
Determining when an example is binding. Example is in fact one method God used to articulate His will to man (1 Cor. 11: 1; Phili 4: 9, 3: 17). There are examples which are condemned (Gal. 2: 11-14). There are incidental examples. We determine an incidental example when we find the same activity done in a different way elsewhere (with approval, cf. Acts 20: 8, 16: 13 - the upper room is not binding). There are also examples which have peculiar application in view of prevailing custom (cf. 1 Cor. 11: 3-16).
Conclusion. An example is binding when it is shown to be proper, not incidental, and not limited because of a special setting. Binding examples are exclusive, the only way done (Acts 2: 38, 22: 16).
How we establish Bible authority. As we have considered in answering previous questions, there are three proven methods of arriving at the teaching of God's word. They are: (1) express command, (2) necessary inference, and (3) approved example. When a command which is not limited by the verse, context, or remote context is encountered, then Bible authority in that area is determined (see Acts 2: 38). Language which requires an inference can be used to establish Bible authority. We necessarily infer (not expressly stated) that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are alive (conscious) when Jesus spoke (Matt. 22: 32). Hence, we have authority for life after death. Regarding Bible examples, how do we know when an example is binding?
Determining when an example is binding. Example is in fact one method God used to articulate His will to man (1 Cor. 11: 1; Phili 4: 9, 3: 17). There are examples which are condemned (Gal. 2: 11-14). There are incidental examples. We determine an incidental example when we find the same activity done in a different way elsewhere (with approval, cf. Acts 20: 8, 16: 13 - the upper room is not binding). There are also examples which have peculiar application in view of prevailing custom (cf. 1 Cor. 11: 3-16).
Conclusion. An example is binding when it is shown to be proper, not incidental, and not limited because of a special setting. Binding examples are exclusive, the only way done (Acts 2: 38, 22: 16).