The Bible is a revelation of God’s redemptive story in Christ Jesus. Thus when we read and study the Bible evangelistically, the Holy Spirit gives us true spirituality.
For example, when the believers in Galatians were deceived by the legalistic teachings of the Jews, Paul strongly reminded them that the Holy Spirit is not operating in a legalistic way (Gal. 3:1-14). The Galatians started to interpret the Scriptures and their Christian life based on religious performance instead of the truth of the Gospel. Thus Paul says in Galatians 3:2,
“This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” NKJV
That’s the dangerous ground that the Galatians brought themselves. Their perspective of spirituality became legalistic rather than grace-oriented. This happened because their scriptural reading was affected by Judaism. Therefore, it is very important that in Bible reading, we approach it with evangelistic lens. Bible reading is not enough because we might read it on our own self-righteous way. The guiding light of the Gospel is crucial in our reading. The doctrinal liveliness and sweetness of biblical storyline from Genesis to Revelation unleashes its dramatic and dynamic impact to our lives when we read in light of the cross. As St. Paul said, we receive the Holy Spirit “through the hearing of faith.” The faith that he’s talking here primarily refers to objective faith – that is, evangelical Christian truths. Therefore, evangelistic reading of the Scriptures is essential because the Holy Spirit is coming to us through the mediation of the Cross.
Thus we experience true spirituality…
1. When we read the Bible evangelistically – thinking of the person and work of Jesus for our lives. Then consequently…
2. When the Spirit comes into us, giving us grace-oriented perspective and ability to live the Christian life.
(Devotional from Christian PLR Products)
Comments