Some people regard followers of Christ as too narrow-minded, locked into an ancient lifestyle that defies modern standards. What such people overlook is that the Scriptures are God-breathed. They come from an unchanging God. In interpreting the Bible, we first seek to discern its meaning and purpose in the original language and culture, but we still apply principles to current issues. God is unchanging, and the word He revealed is just as reliable and alive today as it was when He originally gave it. Classifying the Bible as ancient to justify what we want to do may soothe our consciences, but does not justify us before God. Consider one issue of God’s call that we live holy. We read in 1 Peter Ch. 1, “[Think] clearly and exercise self-control. …[Live] as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” Yes, even today we cannot ignore God’s unchanging principle that we should live holy, self-controlled lives.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
