Defining Bible engagement.
Defining Bible engagement …
Building on biblical, theological, historical, and cultural insights, and utilizing relational and interactional language, here’s a working definition of Bible engagement:
The process whereby people are connected with the Bible such that they have meaningful encounters with Jesus Christ and their lives are progressively transformed in Him.
To elaborate, Bible engagement is the process (that which occurs in and through the stages and courses that mark the journey of our lives) whereby people are connected with the Bible (reciprocating with the Story) such that they have meaningful encounters (significant meetings that involve coming together with and developing a vital relationship) with Jesus Christ (the One who by grace and through faith saves us from sin and sanctifies us by the Spirit) and their lives are progressively transformed in Him (marked by evident ongoing obedience and life-change that takes place individually and in community).
A process of change.
One word in the above definition of Bible engagement requires illumination – the word ‘transformed.’ It refers to the process of change whereby a person becomes progressively more Christ-like (cf. Galatians 6:15). That is not to say that transformation is something that people can do to themselves. Transformation does not happen naturally, and it does not come easily. The prophet asks, “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots?” (Jeremiah 13:23).
No outside force can change people to become more like Christ. Something internal is required. Transformation begins when a person realizes that “the whole head is sick and the whole heart faint” (Isaiah 1:5) and proceeds when forgiveness for sin is sought and received (the heart is changed, Psalm 13:5), and by faith in Christ being “the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 2:2), a right relationship with Christ is formed (the heart believes and is justified, cf. Romans 10:10) and love for Christ ensues (cf. Mark 12:30).
Being shaped by Christ.
Forming a right relationship with Christ isn’t of a person’s own doing but comes from the Holy Spirit (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 2:8-9); that is, transformation cannot happen apart from Christ. Thus, transformation is being shaped by Christ and living out lives that imitate His life. It is refusing to “be conformed to this world” and is the change that comes “by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
Please share your insights about defining Bible engagement.
Related Resources
Working Definitions of Scripture Engagement
Summary
Bible engagement is the process through which people connect with the Bible, leading to meaningful encounters with Jesus Christ and progressive transformation in Him. This transformation involves becoming more Christ-like, marked by ongoing obedience and life change. Such transformation is not self-driven but requires the work of the Holy Spirit, beginning with repentance and faith in Christ. Through the renewal of the mind and the shaping of one’s life by Christ, this transformation takes place, enabling a deeper relationship with Him and alignment with His will.
© SU Canada 2011
