Christians: how do you determine what in the Bible is applicable to modern life?

Question

I mean, how can you tell what was specific instructions for a specific church in the new testament, or what in the Old Testament no longer applies to us?

Can anything in the Bible really be applied to the modern world? If you say yes say why and give examples.

Answer 1

When we look at the principals behind why God gave certain laws, we can see that there is much to learn from the Bible that can and should be applied in our lives today. 2 Timothy 3:16 says that "all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial".

For example, the Biblical command for sexual relations to be confined to those who are married would prevent one from contracting transmitted diseases.

The Bible states to "let alone rage". People who are angry a lot tend to have higher blood pressure and are prone to heart trouble. It also takes the enjoyment out of life.

Answer 2

First of all beware of any church that says to follow the new testiment and ignore the old or to pick and choose what to do and not to follow in the bible. The Bible deals with sin in two ways. Sin requires death and blood. Thats how horrible it is. Before Christ, sin was dealt with in the sacrificial system. Chris became our ultimate sacrifice for the entire world so believes no longer have to do sacrifices. Also, early Israel had a special mission to represent God and so God was a lot stricter on them. After all from them would come the Bible. and set the foundations for hte modern Church. People like to say that God was mean back then. God always stays the same. Israel at that time were like the Navy Seals. Todays Christian is asked to be more like a regular spiritual war enlistee.


Okay here are soem examples of biblical principals that especially apply today.

1) The body is a temple of God and should be respected and honored - this applies to drugs, smoking, tattoos, sex changes, and other things people do today to alter and damage the body.

2) Not having sex before marriage and no divorce - how much greater families would be if they stopped going in and out of marriages like changing TV channels. And with all of the STD's out there and teen pregnancies, the parent who has a teen who refuses to have sex before marriage should get an award.

3) Loving our neighbor -there is so mich hate in the world because of differences and fear. How much more is this needed today

Answer 3

If you're a Christian, the Bible comes alive for you. It will not seem relevant if you're not. You have to read and study it in order to feel like it applies to you. The Life Application Bible will also help you to understand in modern terms what it's saying. Sure the stories were told a long time ago, but the situations can be applied to today, too. If you're not a Christian, I hope you will be soon!

Answer 4

I have been a Christian for 4 years now. Several times I was going through some problems in my life and when I open my Bible, the answer was there. If you believe in the Bible, you will find all the answers to the questions you have in your life.

Answer 5

There are different parts of the Law, as given to Moses, that could be applied with good results.
Those concerning the treatment of others, the duties of the husband, dietary laws and so forth.
As far as anything else goes, Love, Compassion and understanding would do any generation well.

Answer 6

The Bible contains timeless principles that are practical for modern living. Books offering advice tend to become outdated and are soon revised or replaced. But the Bible is truly unique. Although the Bible was completed nearly 2,000 years ago, its words are still applicable. Consider two examples of the Bible’s timeless, “very trustworthy” counsel.

CHILD REARING: Several decades ago many parents—spurred on by “innovative ideas” on child rearing—thought it was “forbidden to forbid.” Setting limits for children, they feared, would cause trauma and frustration. Well-meaning counselors were insisting that parents refrain from anything more than the mildest correction of their children. Today, many such experts are “urging parents to be a little stricter, to take control again,” reports The New York Times.

All along, however, the Bible has offered specific, balanced counsel on the subject of child training. It advises: “Fathers, do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah.” (Ephesians 6:4) But the Bible cautions parents in this matter of discipline. Parental authority should never be abusive. (Proverbs 22:15) No child should ever be subjected to cruel punishment. Physical violence has no place in the family that lives by the Bible. (Psalm 11:5) Neither does emotional violence—harsh words, constant criticism, and biting sarcasm, all of which can crush a child’s spirit. (Compare Proverbs 12:18.) Wisely, the Bible warns parents: “Do not be exasperating your children, so that they do not become downhearted [or, “you will take all the heart out of them,” Phillips].” (Colossians 3:21) Such clear, reasonable counsel on child rearing is as relevant today as it was in Bible times.

RACIAL HARMONY: People today are divided by racial, national, and ethnic barriers. Such artificial walls have contributed to the wholesale slaughter of innocent humans in wars the world over. The Bible, on the other hand, contains teachings that help men and women of different races and nations to view one another as equals. For instance, Acts 17:26 says that God “made out of one man every nation of men.” This shows that there is really only one race—the human race! The Bible further encourages us to “become imitators of God,” of whom it says: “[He] is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.” (Ephesians 5:1; Acts 10:34, 35) For those who truly seek to live by the Bible’s teachings, this knowledge has a unifying effect. It works on the deepest level—in the heart—dissolving the man-made barriers that divide people. Does it really work in today’s world? Most certainly it does!

Want to know more?

www.watchtower.org

Answer 7

Everything in the Bible is applicable. Christ came to fufill the law, not to change it.

The Holy Spirit interprets the scriptures and how applicable they are today.

Answer 8

Do you live in an urban area that you fear gangs and their atrocious behavior? Then maybe this verse would seem applicable to your life: Hebrews 13:6 "so that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."