Beyond Osmosis, Part 1: A Christ-Centered Approach to the Scriptures
"His Word comes alive as Christ expresses Himself through us."
In a recent discussion during a biblical counseling group, a pastor friend made an interesting comment regarding how we as believers interact with Scripture. He emphasized strongly—and rightly so—the importance of studying and applying the Word of God. He mentioned that in counseling, he instructs his counselees to identify behaviors clearly spelled out in the Bible, intentionally putting off what grieves the Holy Spirit and putting on behaviors that please Christ.
At face value, this approach seems sensible, even commendable. But beneath the surface lies a subtle yet critical issue—a tendency toward Law-focused living. My friend’s statement unintentionally suggested that the Christian life is mainly about striving in our own effort to behave better, perform harder, and achieve righteousness through personal determination to follow biblical commands.
In response, I gently suggested another view, one rooted deeply in the glorious truth of the new covenant: The Christian life is not primarily about behavior modification but about Christ Himself living His life in and through us. This is not passive or mystical inactivity; rather, it’s a vibrant reality of trusting the indwelling Christ through the Holy Spirit to fulfill His perfect will and righteous desires within us.
Understandably, my comment raised eyebrows, prompting a good-natured yet revealing retort: "How are they supposed to learn the Bible, by osmosis—by putting it under their pillow?" While amusing, this remark highlights a common misunderstanding about what it truly means to depend upon Christ as our life.
As believers united with Christ, we’re not left to merely externalize commands from an ancient text or rely on our self-effort. Scripture clearly proclaims a more profound and liberating reality: "I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts" (Hebrews 8:10). Romans 8 reinforces this beautifully, emphasizing that we are led by the Spirit and live according to the Spirit. The law of God isn't something merely external we try to memorize and perform; it is divinely internalized—already written upon the new heart we received at the moment we trusted Christ.
Yet—and this is vital—none of this diminishes the value of Scripture itself. Reading, studying, and meditating upon God’s Word is absolutely crucial. But the purpose of Scripture isn't simply to instruct our flesh how to behave better; rather, it's to reveal and remind us of Christ’s finished work, to continually renew our minds with the truth of our identity in Him, and to draw us deeper into fellowship and dependence upon Christ Himself.
When we approach the Bible correctly, its living words resonate with the life of Christ already within us. The Scriptures confirm what the Spirit speaks internally, training us to discern the difference between the impulses of our flesh and the beautiful promptings of Christ in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). As we yield in trust to His indwelling presence, Christ Himself manifests the righteous behaviors we long to see—effortlessly, genuinely, and sustainably.
Here’s a clear picture of what this looks like practically:
Law-based approach:
"I see these commands in Scripture, and now I must discipline myself to achieve them. If I try hard enough, God will be pleased."Grace-oriented, exchanged life approach:
"I see these commands in Scripture as a reflection of Christ’s character. Praise God, He already lives in me and is fully capable of producing this righteousness through me! Lord, I trust You to express this truth in my daily life. I yield to Your Spirit’s leadings and rest confidently in Your promise."
Beloved, we must avoid reducing Scripture to mere behavioral guidelines. Instead, we rejoice that the written Word confirms the reality of the Living Word—Christ Himself—actively and powerfully transforming us from within. No, the Bible doesn’t transform us by osmosis. Rather, it transforms us as we continually surrender to Christ, who fulfills its truth in and through our lives by His Spirit.
This is the life of freedom Christ purchased for us. Let's trust Him to live it through us.
Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice (Scripture)
You are a letter from Christ, the result of My ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God—not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. I have placed My laws within your heart and written them on your mind. Because you belong to Christ, you have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. It is no longer you who lives, but Christ who lives in you. The life you now live, you live by faith in the Son of God, who loved you and gave Himself for you.
Walk by My Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For My Spirit bears witness with your spirit that you are God’s child. My anointing teaches you about all things; remain in Me as I remain in you. It is I who work in you both to will and to act according to My good purpose. My word is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, discerning the thoughts and intentions of your heart. Abide in Me, and My words abide in you, and you will bear much fruit—fruit that glorifies My Father.
(2 Corinthians 3:3; Hebrews 10:16; Galatians 5:24; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:16; 1 John 2:27; Philippians 2:13; Hebrews 4:12; John 15:7-8)
Prayer
Lord Jesus, today I celebrate the liberating truth that You have fully accomplished in me what I could never achieve by my own efforts. Thank You that You have inscribed Your law upon my heart and mind, that Your Spirit continually expresses Your righteous life in and through me. I joyfully rest in Your completed work, trusting You moment by moment to manifest the holiness and love revealed in Your Word. Father, keep my heart focused not on striving to fulfill external commands, but on yielding fully to Christ who perfectly fulfills every requirement of righteousness within me. You are faithful, and I confidently rejoice in Your promise and Your presence today. Amen.
Insights and concepts adapted from interactions with biblical counseling discussions.
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