Moralism vs the Gospel: Reading the Bible Through Christ

How should Christians read the Bible? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins addresses a subtle but deeply influential issue: moralistic Bible reading. Many approach Scripture primarily as a guide for self-improvement, focusing on what we must do rather than what Christ has already done. But the Bible is not ultimately about human effort. It is about God's redemptive work in Jesus Christ. Drawing from Luke 24:25–27, Romans 8:1–4, and Titus 3:4–7, this episode explains why: • Moralistic reading leads to pride or despair • Redemptive reading centers on Christ and produces assurance • Obedience flows from grace, not as a means to earn it Jesus Himself taught that all Scripture points to Him. When we read the Bible rightly, we see Christ more clearly, rest more fully in His finished work, and grow in joyful obedience. The Bible is not a self-help manual. It is the story of redemption in Christ. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/