Last
month we began a discussion of cultural commandments. Cultural commands can be
defined as: something that applies to the letter of the law in
one culture, yet only the intent of the law applies in other cultures. Thus,
because of cultural issues, a person could follow the letter of the law and yet
break the intent of the law. That is sin regardless of one’s culture.
So
last month we discussed four guiding principles that will help us to understand
cultural commands; and these principles will help us to understand all of
Scripture. The four principles are as follows. First, we need to understand
that all of Scripture is always authoritative (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Second, not all
of Scripture is written to everyone. Third, the core meaning applies to
everyone.
The
core meaning is discovered by asking the following eight questions: WHO is
saying what is written? WHOM to were the words spoken? WHEN were these things
done or said (meaning which covenant/age)? WHAT is the context in which the
passage is found (one chapter before and after)? It is likewise important to
understand what the historical context of the event or words spoken: WHERE did
it take place (physical location)? HOW are the key words used here and
elsewhere?
Next
we need to ask, WHY was the passage recorded? And HOW did the original audience
respond? Lastly, the fourth guideline to understanding Scripture is to always
keep in mind that Biblical commands are there to help us to love God and other
people. Like I said, these four principles are essential to understanding all
of Scripture, and especially cultural commands.
If
a person does not understand the original meaning, they will naturally misapply
numerous verses in the Bible! If we apply literally, aka, the letter of the
law, to every verse of Scripture, by default we can violate the intent of the
command, aka, the spirit (or intent) of the law.
At
this point some will object to the idea of merely following the spirit of the
law instead of the letter of the law because they claim that it will lead to
liberalism. However, in every instance in which the spirit of the law is more
crucial than the letter of the law, the result is more conservative. For
example, the letter of the law says, “Don’t murder” (Ex. 20:13). On the other
hand, the spirit of the law states that if we even harbor hatred for someone
else, we are guilty of murder (Matt. 5:21-22). Another example is the command
against committing adultery (Ex. 20:14). Jesus taught that the spirit of law in
this regard says that looking lustfully at a person is committing adultery in
your heart (Matt. 5:28). Likewise, in the example of greeting one another with
a holy kiss, the spirit of the law is much more conservative than the letter of
the law.
Thus,
let’s analyze this command. The letter of the law commands that we kiss each
other on the cheek as a greeting. However, the spirit of the law says something
radically different. In the Middle Eastern culture that the Bible was
originally written to, a kiss was a sign of their perfect unity and
mutual forgiveness. By calling it a “holy kiss” would symbolize Christ’s love
mutually shared (portions from Gareth Reese, New Testament
Epistles Romans, pgs. 745-746). No doubt in
certain cultures today, literally greeting one another with a holy kiss, a kiss
on the check, still conveys that same meaning. Therefore, if a person lived, or
visited a place like that, as Christians, they should continue to practice that
greeting. Yet keeping in mind its original intent.
On
the other hand, in our Western culture, literally greeting others in that way
would not convey the sign of their perfect unity and mutual forgiveness in
Christ. Thus, how does one greet others in such a way to convey perfect unity
and mutual forgiveness in Christ? It really is a matter of the heart.
When
I greet other Christians, do I genuinely have Christian love for them? Are
there any elements of jealousy that I might have regarding them? Do I desire
unity in Christ among us? In this, am I willing to swallow my pride, and seek
forgiveness of things that could be keeping us apart?
Thus
outwardly, the command to greet one another with a holy kiss or in “Christian
love” (Rom. 16:16 NLT), could be fulfilled with a handshake, hug, etc. Yet
inwardly, there is a world of difference than simply giving a person a
greeting. That is the spirit of the law. And as we seek to follow the spirit of
the law rather than just the letter of the law, God does a work of the Spirit
in our hearts and lives and in the lives of those that we come in contact with.
In
His service,
Matt
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