Remaining Open to Correction and Instruction from Scripture
Remaining open to correction and instruction from Scripture is a vital aspect of Christian discipleship. The Bible itself emphasizes the importance of being receptive to God's Word, with 2 Timothy 3:16 stating that "Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness" [1]. This verse underscores the role of Scripture in shaping Christian belief and practice.
The concept of remaining open to correction is closely tied to the idea of accessing God through prayer and Scripture. Torrey's Topical Textbook highlights the significance of prayer in accessing God's presence and guidance, citing various biblical examples [2, 3]. Similarly, the Psalmist expresses a desire to be guided by God's Word, praying, "Take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth" [6].
In the Christian tradition, remaining open to correction and instruction is seen as essential for spiritual growth and maturity. Calvin's commentary on Isaiah emphasizes the importance of persevering in faith despite adversity, encouraging believers to "wait for him with unshaken hope" [5]. This perseverance is rooted in a deepening understanding of Scripture and a willingness to be corrected by it.
The New Testament writers also stress the importance of remaining open to correction. The author of Hebrews exhorts believers to "look diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God" [8], while Peter emphasizes the need for believers to be holy, citing God's holiness as the foundation for their own sanctification [7].
In the view of some Christian traditions, remaining open to correction is a hallmark of a healthy church. Adam Clarke's commentary on Revelation notes that the Christian Church should "ever stand open to receive sinners of all sorts, degrees, and nations" [9]. This openness is not limited to evangelism but also extends to a willingness to be corrected and instructed by Scripture.
The biblical warnings against altering or distorting Scripture also underscore the importance of remaining open to its correction and instruction. The book of Revelation pronounces a curse on anyone who adds to or subtracts from its prophecies [4], highlighting the need for reverence and care in handling God's Word.
The practice of remaining open to correction and instruction from Scripture is thus deeply rooted in biblical teaching and Christian tradition. It involves a commitment to prayer, a willingness to be guided by Scripture, and a recognition of the importance of perseverance in faith. As the Psalmist reflects on his own experiences, he demonstrates the value of recollecting and learning from past struggles, using them as opportunities for growth and improvement [10].
Sources
- 2 Timothy “Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, -- 2 Timothy 3:16”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Access to God — Is of God -- Ps 65:4. Is by Christ -- Joh 10:7, 9; 14:6; Ro 5:2; Eph 2:13; 3:12; Heb 7:9, 25; 10:19; 1Pe 3:18. Is by the Holy Spirit -- Eph 2:18. Obtained through faith -- Ac 14:27; Ro 5:2; Eph 3:12; Heb 11:6. Follows upon reconciliation to God -- Col 1:21,22. In Prayer -- See Prayer. De 4:7; Mt 6:6; 1Pe 1:17. In his temple -- Ps 15:1; 27:4; 43:3; 65:4. To obtain mercy and grace -- Heb 4:16. A privilege of saints -- De 4:7; Ps 15:1; 23:6; 24:3,4. Saints have, with confidence -- Eph 3:12; Heb 4:16; 10:19,20. Vouchsafed to repenting sinners -- See Repen”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer, Private — Christ was constant in -- Mt 14:23; 26:36,39; Mr 1:35; Lu 9:18,29. Commanded -- Mt 6:6. Should be offered At evening, morning, and noon. -- Ps 55:17. Day and night. -- Ps 88:1. Without ceasing. -- 1Th 5:17. Shall be heard -- Job 22:27. Rewarded openly -- Mt 6:6. An evidence of conversion -- Ac 9:11. Nothing should hinder -- Da 6:10. Exemplified Lot. -- Ge 19:20. Eliezer. -- Ge 24:12. Jacob. -- Ge 32:9-12. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:22,36,39. Hannah. -- 1Sa 1:10. David. -- 2Sa 7:18-29. Hezekiah. -- 2Ki 20:2. Isaiah. -- 2Ki 20:11. Manasseh. -- 2Ch 33:18,19. Ezr”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 22:18: 22:18-19 I solemnly declare: John issues an oath to protect the integrity of the book of Revelation. He declares a curse upon anyone who alters the contents of the book or its message (cp. Deut 4:2; 12:32). The curse contrasts with the statement of blessing on all who read aloud, listen to, and obey the prophecy (Rev 1:3). At the time Revelation was written, scribes would sometimes alter books to suit their own views. Early Christians quickly developed means of authenticating both messages and messengers (see John 21:24; 1 Cor 16:21; Gal 6:11; Col 4:18; 2 The”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 1, section 14.27: as if the whole world had revolted, still we ought boldly to persevere; and even though God hath hid his face from his people, and they who professed his name have been cast off, still we ought to wait for him with unshaken hope. This is the only remedy that is left to us. The word wait is exceedingly emphatic; as if he had said, “Still I will not turn aside from God, I will persevere in faith.” He increases the force of it by adding, I will look for him ; for the occurrence of any offense is wont to make our faith waver and faint, and it is”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:43: Here is, 1. David's humble petition for the tongue of the learned, that he might know how to speak a word in season for the glory of God: Take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth. He means, "Lord, let the word of truth be always in my mouth; let me have the wisdom and courage which are necessary to enable me both to use my knowledge for the instruction of others, and, like the good householder, to bring out of my treasury things new and old, and to make profession of my faith whenever I am called to it." We have need to pray to God that we may never be”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 1:16: Scripture is the true source of all authority in questions of doctrine and practice. Be ye . . . for I am--It is I with whom ye have to do. Ye are mine. Therefore abstain from Gentile pollutions. We are too prone to have respect unto men [CALVIN]. As I am the fountain of holiness, being holy in My essence, be ye therefore zealous to be partakers of holiness, that ye may be as I also am [DIDYMUS]. God is essentially holy: the creature is holy in so far as it is sanctified by God. God, in giving the command, is willing to give also the power to obey i”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 12:14: Looking diligently,.... Acting the part of bishops, or overseers, as the word signifies; and so this exhortation either respects officers of the church of the Hebrews, whose business it was more especially to inspect into the principles and practices of the members of it, and take care that they did not imbibe false doctrines, or live immoral lives; or rather the several members of the church, whose business it is to watch over one another, since this epistle seems to be written to the whole church. Lest any man fail of the grace of God; not the free favour and lo”
- Revelation (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Revelation 21:25: The gates of it shall not be shut at all - The Christian Church shall ever stand open to receive sinners of all sorts, degrees, and nations. There shall be no night there - No more idolatry, no intellectual darkness; the Scriptures shall be everywhere read, the pure word everywhere preached, and the Spirit of God shall shine and work in every heart.”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 39:1: David here recollects, and leaves upon record, the workings of his heart under his afflictions; and it is good for us to do so, that what was thought amiss may be amended, and what was well thought of may be improved the next time. I. He remembered the covenants he had made with God to walk circumspectly, and to be very cautious both of what he did and what he said. When at any time we are tempted to sin, and are in danger of falling into it, we must call to mind the solemn vows we have made against sin, against the particular sin we are upon the brink of. God can”