Executive Summary

The biblicist approach to reading the Bible—interpreting and applying Scripture in a plain, text-centered, and authoritative way—faces a central question: does fidelity to the biblical text foster skepticism of worldly involvement, or does it require active engagement in society and its affairs? This white paper examines the biblical data, historical tendencies, and theological implications of biblicist readings across various passages, demonstrating that the answer is complex and often context-dependent. Scripture contains both calls to separation and holiness from the world and mandates to pursue justice, service, and witness within it.

1. Defining the Biblicist Approach

Biblicism emphasizes the primacy of Scripture over tradition, philosophy, or cultural accommodation. It often assumes: Clarity of Scripture (perspicuity). Authority of Scripture (sola scriptura principles). Applicability of Scripture to all areas of life. The central tension: Scripture contains both world-denying and world-affirming passages.

2. Biblical Foundations for Separation from the World

Moral and Spiritual Distinction John 17:14–16: “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” 1 John 2:15–17: “Do not love the world or the things in the world.” Implication: A biblicist may conclude that loyalty to Christ necessitates suspicion toward worldly systems and priorities. Pilgrimage and Alien Status Hebrews 11:13: Believers confessed they were “strangers and exiles on the earth.” 1 Peter 2:11: Christians as “sojourners and exiles” abstain from fleshly passions. Implication: A biblicist may see the Christian life as essentially counter-cultural, calling for withdrawal from power structures.

3. Biblical Mandates for Engagement

Cultural Stewardship Genesis 1:28: Humanity is commanded to fill, subdue, and rule creation. Jeremiah 29:7: Exiles are commanded to “seek the welfare of the city” where they dwell. Implication: Biblicists may interpret this as a divine mandate for constructive participation in civic life. Justice and Mercy Micah 6:8: “Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.” James 1:27: Pure religion is to “visit orphans and widows in their affliction.” Implication: Active social engagement is required as obedience to God. Mission and Witness Matthew 5:13–16: Disciples as salt and light in the world. Acts 17: Paul’s engagement in Athens, reasoning with philosophers. Implication: Biblicists may see societal engagement as essential to gospel witness.

4. Historical Patterns of Biblicist Movements

Withdrawal Tendencies: Anabaptists, holiness groups, separatist fundamentalists. Rooted in literal readings of “come out from among them” (2 Cor. 6:17). Engagement Tendencies: Puritans, evangelical abolitionists, modern missions movements. Rooted in literal readings of mandates to seek justice and spread the gospel.

5. Key Tensions in Biblicist Application

Dual Citizenship: Philippians 3:20 (“our citizenship is in heaven”) vs. Romans 13:1–7 (submit to governing authorities). Holiness vs. Service: 2 Corinthians 6:17 (separation) vs. Matthew 25:35–40 (serving Christ through serving others). Eschatological Hope vs. Present Responsibility: Revelation 18 (judgment on worldly systems) vs. Luke 19:13 (“occupy until I come”).

6. Theological Implications

Biblicism does not lead necessarily to one posture but tends to polarize communities depending on which passages are emphasized. A biblicist hermeneutic highlights: Holiness: separation from worldly corruption. Mission: engagement for the sake of gospel witness. The result: biblicists are often simultaneously skeptical of worldliness and committed to worldly service.

7. Conclusion

A biblicist approach fosters both wariness and involvement. Taken holistically, Scripture calls believers to reject the world’s values while actively seeking its good through justice, mercy, and gospel witness. Thus, biblicism at its best yields a paradoxical stance: Christians are not of the world, yet sent into the world (John 17:18). We conclude that biblicism, far from producing uniform withdrawal, generates a dynamic tension that can enrich Christian engagement when held in balance.