Since everyone is a biblical expert now...

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I created this chart to help you sort out what's biblical and what's not. Hope it helps!


Explicitly Biblical — “The Bible says it”

These are truths directly stated in Scripture with little to no ambiguity.

• Clear commands, doctrines, or events 

• Repeated or strongly affirmed in multiple places 

• Not dependent on inference 

Examples: 

• “Jesus is the only way to the Father”

• “All have sinned” 

• “Love your enemies” 

• “Christ rose from the dead” 

• “Salvation is by grace through faith”


Implicitly Biblical — “The Bible supports it”

These beliefs are not always stated in one verse but are clearly derived from the whole counsel of Scripture.

• Built from multiple passages working together 

• Strong theological consensus 

• Solid, faithful inference 

Examples: 

• “God is sovereign over all things” 

• “Believers are called to make disciples” 

• “Sin separates us from God” 

• “The church is essential, not optional” 

• “Christians should live differently from the world”



Reasonably Inferred — “The Bible points to it”

These are thoughtful conclusions drawn from Scripture, but with a bit more room for discussion.

• Logical conclusions based on biblical patterns 

• Not universally agreed upon 

• Open-handed conversations 

Examples: 

• “Christians should be careful what they watch/listen to” 

• “Dating should honor God” 

• “You shouldn’t live together before marriage” 

• “God cares about how we use social media” 

• “A nation benefits from biblical values”



Speculative — “The Bible is mostly silent”

These ideas go beyond what Scripture clearly reveals. They may be interesting, but they are not authoritative.

• Built on limited or unclear data 

• Often driven by curiosity 

• Should not be taught as certainty 

Examples: 

• “God just wants you to be happy” 

• “Follow your heart” 

• “Everything happens for a reason” 

• “If it feels right, it must be God” 

• “God won’t give you more than you can handle”



Extra-Biblical — “The Bible doesn’t teach it”

These beliefs come from tradition, culture, or personal opinion rather than Scripture itself.

• May not contradict Scripture directly 

• Not grounded in biblical teaching 

• Should not carry doctrinal weight 

Examples: 

• “Speak it into existence” 

• “Manifest your blessing” 

• “God helps those who help themselves” 

• “You create your own reality with faith” 

• “Prayer is mainly about getting what you want”


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