This may offend some people but I cringe when I hear that the Bible is our owner’s manual for life. I believe the Bible is infinitely more than an owner’s manual. Let me give you some reasons why:
- It’s written by our Creator and helps us to know Him and become more like Him. “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” (Col. 3:10)
- It speaks to us personally and shows us things about ourself. “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.” (Heb. 4:12)
- Although the Bible does have rules and instructions like an owner’s manual does, these instructions are perfect and can affect our countenance. “The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart.” (Ps. 19:8)
- The instructions can not only show us how to live, but they go beyond that, making us wise. “The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” (Ps. 19:7)
- They lead us to Christ and to salvation. “You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15)
Anything else?
Owner’s Manuals are usually not polarizing.
“The Bible as Manual” view is akin to “Jesus is my Buddy” or “God is the Big Man Upstairs”–all equally annoying and belittling.
Owner’s Manuals are usually not polarizing.
Or don’t incite people. It would be funny if they did.
Bible translations have gotten better while manuals have gotten worse.
I agree Jason. Cringeful.
Jeff
More? Oh yes! How about teaching us the heart of our Father, revealing to us things only Spirit can know out of the pages, overflowing our lives with the grace and love of Almighty God and on and on and on. . . all through the Word becoming flesh. Far more than any “owner’s manual.” That very idea is self-serving in concept.
I never thought of it being self serving which it is.
Jeff