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For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires (Hebrews 4:12, NLT).
I’ve heard Christians discuss having a “biblical mindset.” I agree! But exactly what is a Biblical mindset?
Sometimes, when I hear phrases like “biblical mindset,” “correct theology,” or “we must believe in the Bible,” I feel that the Bible, theology, and belief are being formed into a type of cudgel for defending a particular doctrinal perspective. Any who disagree with a jot or tittle of this mindset are quickly judged “unbiblical” or “false teachers.”
Let me affirm, I believe we need to have a Biblical mindset, have the correct theology, and live by faith, so, to avoid confusion (or judgment), when I tell the readers of this Interruption that — you must have a Biblical mindset — below, I list the seven points of a proper Biblical mindset.
- God exists as Trinity. That’s the starting point. If God exists, He is truth!
- Trust the Bible. God has chosen to reveal His truth to us through inspired and historically preserved Scripture.
- We sin. We aren’t perfect, and by nature we seek what is the opposite of God’s Word.
- Jesus! Sin can’t be trivialized, and God chooses to give us salvation instead of eternal judgment. He provides a solution of forgiveness through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
- We are saved by grace. No one can achieve happiness in this life and live for eternity without the grace of God. We must humble ourselves, repent, and confess that Jesus is Lord.
- We can be filled with the Spirit. Christianity proclaims truth but also a relationship with God. Living in the Spirit allows correct discernment of the Bible, fosters love for others, releases one from self-condemnation, and empowers one to live abundantly.
- We are called to worship God and serve Him. Before creation, God developed a plan for our lives that can be discovered. By walking this path, we find fulfillment and joy!
Some may challenge my seven points because I left out baptism, speaking in tongues, premillennialism, Calvinism, Arminianism, or other points of differing denominational doctrines.
Sorry!
My seven points form a mindset enabling me (and you) to avoid errors of universalism, naturalism, atheism, agnosticism, and other “ism” fallacies; allowing me (and you) freedom from the legalism of “correct doctrine as we see it” found in some churches; emphasizing a relationship with God in which we enjoy the joys and wonders of His presence; understanding my ultimate purpose to dwell in God’s presence; and finding through my relationship with Jeus, the purpose of my life.
Step and read the preceding paragraph again, as it details the blessings of thinking according to God’s Word.
I hope you have a correct Biblical mindset and live accordingly. If you don’t, feel free to borrow mine, and I confess to stealing it from the thinking of saints throughout the history of the church. They don’t mind my theft!
Let’s develop and live these Seven Points of a Biblical Mindset.