Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 – “Not that we are qualified of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our qualification is from God, who has made us qualified to be ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit, for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (NRSVue)
Tonight, I am teaching a brief lesson about the importance of bible study for our Ecumenical Lenten Study Series. One of things I have noticed about the Bible is that while it has been at the center of faith for almost two thousand years, there has been almost constant disagreement over how we should interpret it and how it should change our lives. Today, there is divide between those who see the Bible as inerrant and to be understood literally and those who see the Bible as at least in part a human document that often should be understood more metaphorically. The latter see the former as in serious error, while the former deny that the latter should be considered Christian at all!
One of the reasons why people read the Bible as more of human and metaphorical document is because much of the stories and teachings in the Bible go against their understanding of God as just and good. As a species, we almost all agree that slavery is wrong, yet the Bible condones it and considers it a just destiny for the descendants of Ham. Genocide is considered one of the greatest evils in human history, yet the Bible encourages it, having God tell the Israelites to leave not a single Canaanite alive. For those who believe strongly in the dignity and civil rights of women, immigrants, and those in the LGBTQIA+ community, the Bible has some devastatingly condemning language against them. Many faithful people criticize such passages not because they conflict with modern sensibilities, but because they contradict their understanding of God, a God who wills love, justice, and forgiveness, one who denounces greed, oppression, and hierarchies that put human institutions above divine sovereignty. They see passages where God frees the Israelites from slavery, sees other nations as part of God’s plan for the world, and recognizes outcasts as among the most faithful as say, “This is the God in the Bible that I believe in.”
They see a spirit running through the Bible that seems to be calling us away from older ways of thinking into a more just and loving world. And sometimes, this means struggling with scriptures that contradict this spirit. They might be criticized as abandoning the faith, but they follow in the footsteps of some of the first Christians.
Paul believed that adherence to the Jewish laws did not necessarily make one holy, because so many were cruel and hypocritical even if they followed all those laws. To him, it was faith in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit that brought salvation and transformation to people. And while the Laws of Moses were very good, there were certain parts that got in the way of developing a true faith. And so, when Paul’s authority was questioned for not being biblical enough, he said that he came to preach a “new covenant, not of letter but of spirit, for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
For many people, the letter of the Bible brings death because it makes it so difficult for them to believe and find transformation. But through the Spirit, the greater truth of God as one as offering freely given grace, abounding mercy, and judgment upon those who spread injustice through greed and impiety, becomes clear.
I believe that one’s faith should be in God, not in a book that points to God, but many would say I am wrong. For those of you who read the Bible as part of your daily prayers and devotions, I want you to ask yourself: where does the letter kill and where does the Spirit bring life? If you ask yourself this question, you will find that life-giving Spirit at work in you and able to be the faithful, loving, and accepting people God wants you to be.
Prayer: God, open my eyes to your word that I may be your disciple in the world. Amen.
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