The Narrow Path Ministries

John 5:39-40
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.

In context, the "Scriptures" referred to in this passage of John are the Law and the Prophets and doesn't include the NT of the Bible we have today. These words of Jesus were directed at many of the Pharisees, scribes and Jewish leaders who sought to kill Jesus partly because of his treatment of the Sabbath laws - see verse 18.

However, does this principle still hold true today? Is it possible to focus so much on the Bible that we can miss that it should point us toward a relationship with God through Jesus Christ? Can the Bible become an idol? Can we mistakenly substitue it for our source of life instead of Jesus? If so, how could that be prevented?

What do you think?

Schoel, I certainly believe that the bible can become the centre of focus instead of Christ.

When I was in my early twenties, I wrote a little booklet entitled "Bibliolatry." I think my mother and siblings considered it heresy. I think one of them destroyed it. In any case, I no longer have it, and I don't recall its contents exactly.

Schoel, I certainly believe that the bible can become the centre of focus instead of Christ

I agree. If it is not approached in the right way.

Ravenhill often said that people "knew the word of God but not the God of the word".

quite some time ago when i first joined this forum i posed a similar question, namely whether the debating of theology can become an idol of sorts- - you know, all theory and no practice.

I think Jesus would take the doers over the thinkers/studiers any old day. my hope (prayer) is to be both.

TK

I certainly think this can be the case.

I have been guilty of this very thing.