Biblical Principles vs Biblical Rules
1 John 4:8“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
Exodus 20:1–3 — The Ten Commandments
“‘You shall have no other gods before me.’
‘You shall not make for yourself an image…’
‘You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God…’
|
Item |
Principle |
Rule |
|---|---|---|
|
Meaning |
Eternal, universal spiritual laws expressing God’s nature and His will. |
Specific commands, instructions, or practices that apply a principle in concrete behavior. |
|
Nature |
Life-based, spiritual, inward; rooted in God’s character. |
Behavior-based, practical, outward; rooted in specific situations. |
|
Source |
God’s divine nature: love, holiness, righteousness, truth. |
God’s commands, ordinances, instructions, apostolic guidance. |
|
Characteristics |
Universal, timeless, extendable; transcends culture. |
Bounded, contextual, sometimes temporary or situational. |
|
Function |
Gives direction and shapes life; inspires proper conduct. |
Defines boundaries; ensures orderly and correct conduct. |
|
How It Operates |
Through the Spirit’s illumination; lived out by inward transformation. |
Through outward instruction; followed by clear behavioral obedience. |
|
Purpose |
To make believers reflect God’s character. |
To guide believers to act properly in specific matters. |
|
Examples |
• God is love (1 Jn 4:8) |
• Ten Commandments (Exo 20) |
|
Scope |
Applies in every age, culture, and situation. |
May vary with culture, time, or covenant (OT vs NT). |
|
Result |
Builds life, produces maturity and spiritual freedom. |
Produces order, clarity, and protection from error. |
|
Danger If Misused |
Ignoring rules may lead to disorder or fleshly freedom. |
Absolutizing rules leads to legalism. |
|
Relation to Life |
Focuses on becoming the right kind of person. |
Focuses on doing the right actions. |
|
Key Scriptures |
1 John 4:8; 1 Peter 1:16; Matthew 22:39 |
Exodus 20:1–17; 1 Corinthians 14:26–40; Matthew 18:21–22 |
|
Expanded Key Bible Passages |
1 John 4:8“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 Peter 1:16“For it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” Matthew 22:39“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” |
Exodus 20:4–6 — The Ten Commandments ‘Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy…’ ‘Honor your father and your mother…’ ‘You shall not murder.’ 1 Corinthians 14:26–40 — Church order “…Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.” |
Key Summary Points:
- * Principles express God’s eternal nature.
- * Rules implement principles in specific forms.
- * Principles are higher; rules are their applications.
- * Spiritual maturity means holding the principle while applying rules with wisdom and grace.
*Please refer to Galatians Life-Study, Message 46: Follow the Basic Principles
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