Exploring The Depth Of Going Beyond Religious Faith

In the context of religion, going beyond faith can refer to the idea of not limiting oneself to what is written in religious scriptures, such as the Bible. This concept is reflected in the biblical quote from 1 Corinthians 4:6, where Paul advises the Corinthian believers not to go beyond what is written. The interpretation of this quote suggests that believers should focus on Jesus and his teachings above all else, trusting that the Bible contains all the answers and truths necessary for living a pious life. By not adhering strictly to what is written, one may risk adding or subtracting from the inspired words of God, as warned in the Book of Revelation (22:18-19). Thus, going beyond faith can imply a departure from the fundamental teachings of a religion, an exploration of alternative interpretations, or a search for additional spiritual insights beyond those provided by the religious text.

Focus on Jesus and his teachings

Jesus Christ is the central focus of all scripture, and his teachings are the bedrock on which his gospel is built. During his ministry on earth, Jesus taught his followers the way back to God, giving purpose to their lives.

Jesus was known for his teachings because of the methods he used and the message he preached. He used a variety of methods that made his teachings both striking and memorable, understandable and provoking. These included poetry, proverbs, exaggeration, parables, similes, riddles, and paradoxes.

Jesus taught that the kingdom of God had come, and that he, as the incarnate and divine Lord, was its ruler. This kingdom challenged the standards of the kingdoms of men and called its citizens to live in radically different ways.

Jesus taught a new standard of righteousness that expanded on the Ten Commandments. He required his followers to reject hatred, be forgiving, and even love their enemies. He asked people to change their hearts as well as their actions.

Jesus also gave eight important teachings called the Beatitudes. The word beatitude means "supreme blessedness" or "exalted happiness". The Beatitudes highlight the amazing promised blessings that come when we develop certain righteous traits. For example, "Blessed are the merciful" means that those who show mercy will also receive it.

Jesus's teachings are found in much more than just his parables and sermons; they are also found in the personal example he set for us throughout his life, an example of obedience, humility, and love. The eternal truths he taught, both by word and deed, can influence our lives today as much as they did the lives of those he first taught during his earthly ministry.

Trust in the Bible

Trust is a cornerstone of the Bible, with many verses dedicated to the concept. Trust in the Bible is primarily focused on having faith in God and understanding the meaning of trust at its core.

Trust in God

The Bible emphasises the importance of trusting in God and maintaining hope and faith. This means putting aside one's anxieties and doubts and turning to God for guidance and strength. By trusting in God, individuals can find peace, protection, and joy, even in difficult times.

Bible Verses on Trust

• "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
• "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
• "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture."
• "In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"
• "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him."
• "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."
• "For we live by faith, not by sight."
• "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act."
• "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."
• "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

These verses provide wisdom and clarity on the power of trustworthiness and honesty, encouraging individuals to live honest and good lives while finding strength and comfort in their faith.

Avoid sectarianism

While the search did not directly address the concept of "going beyond faith", it did provide insights into the biblical interpretation of "not going beyond what is written" in 1 Corinthians 4:6. This phrase refers to the idea that believers should base their actions on biblical truth and focus on Jesus and His Word above all else.

To avoid sectarianism, as mentioned in the search results, believers should not elevate human leaders above Christ or Scripture. Sectarianism can lead to factional divisions and favoritism, with followers prioritising the words of their chosen leaders over the teachings of Scripture itself.

To prevent this, Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, emphasises the sufficiency and truth found in the words and teachings of Scripture, which should be the ultimate authority for believers. He encourages them to "not go beyond what is written" and to trust that the Bible contains all the answers and truths necessary for living a life that is holy and pleasing to God.

By adhering strictly to the Bible, believers can avoid the pitfall of adding to or subtracting from God's inspired words, ensuring that their beliefs and practices align with Scripture and avoiding the potential for sectarianism. This means being able to discern between descriptive and prescriptive passages in the Bible and recognising that truth is not dependent on the personality or charisma of human leaders.

In summary, to avoid sectarianism, believers should strive to know and trust the Bible as God's Word, ensuring that their faith and practices do not "go beyond what is written" in Scripture, thus maintaining a focus on Jesus and His teachings above any human leader or interpretation.

Do not be influenced by a leader's personality

In the first century AD, the Corinthian Church was rife with issues such as factional divisions and favouritism. Some believers only wanted to follow certain leaders, such as Paul or Apollos, instead of Christ alone. This led to a mindset where the words of their preferred leader were held in higher regard than the Scriptures.

In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul addresses this issue, urging believers not to "go beyond what is written". This means that the Scriptures—and not the personalities or charisma of those who teach—are the ultimate source of truth. Paul wants his readers to understand that the Bible contains all the answers and truths necessary for living a holy and pleasing life before God.

To "not go beyond what is written" is to focus on Jesus and His Word above all else. It is to trust that the Bible is the final and ultimate authority, rather than the latest book, the newest cultural trend, or the most popular Christian speaker. Believers should strive to know, study, and memorise the Bible, ensuring that their beliefs and actions align with its teachings.

By following this principle, believers can avoid the pitfall of being influenced by a leader's personality. They should not be swayed by the charisma or popularity of a leader but instead, be grounded in the truths of Scripture, which are sufficient and true.

Do not add or subtract from the Bible's words

The Bible contains several warnings against adding to or subtracting from its words. In Deuteronomy, Moses tells the Israelites:

> Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.

This warning is given to the Israelites after the wilderness wandering, instructing them to remember what God had done and to carefully obey His decrees and laws. These included the Ten Commandments and other laws, such as those in Deuteronomy 4:14, which the Israelites were to observe as they entered the Promised Land.

The book of Revelation also contains a similar warning:

> I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are written in this book.

The warning not to add or subtract from God’s commands applies to the entire Bible. The Bible is God’s Word to us, and it contains information about who God is and what He has done. It directs us in godly living, and since God values His Word and name above all else, we are not to distort it in any way. We must not add or remove words or passages to fit our interpretation. We must not falsify, alter, or miscommunicate what is in it.

Preachers, in particular, must resist the temptation to add to or subtract from the teaching of Scripture. They must be committed to faithfully communicating what a particular biblical text says and no more. They must handle God’s word in a way that makes it clear that they are not the authority but are under authority.

The Pharisees were notorious for adding to and subtracting from God’s word. Jesus confronted them, saying:

> You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition… thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.

In summary, the Bible's warnings against adding to or subtracting from its words are serious and apply to the entire text. We must not distort, falsify, alter, or miscommunicate God's Word but handle it with care and reverence.

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