Tradition vs. Biblical Instruction: What’s the Difference, and Does It Matter?
Ever wonder if something we do in church is rooted in Scripture or if it’s just, well… something we’ve always done? It’s a great question—and an important one! The church is a beautiful mix of tradition and Biblical teaching, but knowing the difference helps us stay focused on what really matters: the Gospel. So, let’s dig into the difference between traditions and Biblical instructions, whether it’s okay to switch things up, and how to honor both without losing sight of our mission.
Speaking of our mission, as a reminder, our mission here at Starnes Cove is to worship God, to bring people to Christ and into a loving fellowship of believers, and to disciple them for service and outreach to others. And we will accomplish this by... Our Vision, which is to relationally evangelize our neighborhood, nation, and world, and coordinate our Gospel-driven discipleship while we update our context, all through refreshed church systems.
What’s the Difference Between Tradition and Biblical Instruction?
Biblical Instruction: These are God’s commands and teachings from Scripture, like loving your neighbor (Mark 12:31), making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), and gathering together in worship (Hebrews 10:25). They’re not optional—they guide how we live out our faith.
Tradition: These are practices passed down over time, like how we do communion or having a Christmas Eve service. They aren’t commanded in the Bible, but they can help us live out Biblical principles and build community.
Is It Okay to Break Away from Tradition?
Sometimes, it’s more than okay—it’s necessary. Even Jesus had strong words about people getting stuck in traditions that distracted from God’s Word. In Mark 7:8, He said, “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” Yikes. The point here is that when a tradition becomes more about the routine than the reason, it can become a problem.
When thinking about whether it’s time to move on from a tradition, you can ponder and reflect on these questions:
Is this still pointing us to Jesus?
Does this point to Scripture?
Does it help people connect with God better?
Is it welcoming to newcomers, is it confusing or off-putting, or even creating barriers?
Is this still helping us actively bring people to the knowledge of the Gospel today?
Does this tradition reflect the mission of the church?
Are people participating with eagerness, or out of obligation?
Is this tradition adaptable to the needs of today's church?
Are we clinging to this tradition out of comfort or fear of change?
Can we modify the tradition to better align with Scripture and our mission?
These are some good prompting questions to help you determine whether to let go of a tradition or keep it!
Is It Okay to Hold On to Traditions?
Absolutely! Traditions can be a powerful way to express and celebrate our faith, build unity, and pass down important values. The Apostle Paul encouraged believers to hold on to traditions that reflect God’s truth (2 Thessalonians 2:15). The key is to make sure the tradition is serving its purpose—bringing us closer to God, bringing others to the knowledge of the Gospel, and not becoming a distraction or a “because we’ve always done it this way” kind of thing.
How to Keep Traditions Without Losing Focus:
Revisit the "why" behind them: Make sure they still align with God’s Word.
Teach the meaning: Help others understand the tradition’s purpose, especially new members or younger generations.
Keep the Gospel front and center: Traditions should support the message of Jesus, not compete with it.
How Can I Tell if Something Is a Tradition or a Biblical Command?
It’s not always obvious, so here are a few tips to help:
Read Scripture: Does the Bible directly mention or command it?
Ask church leaders: They can help guide you with Biblical context.
Look at the impact: Does it point people toward Jesus, or is it just something familiar and comfortable?
Pray for wisdom: Ask God to help you see clearly whether the practice aligns with His Word.
Balancing Tradition and Biblical Faithfulness
Traditions can enrich our faith, but they should never become more important than God’s Word. As Baptists, we believe the Bible is our ultimate authority, which means we hold traditions loosely. If they serve the Gospel and are aligned with Scripture, great! If not, it's okay to let them go.
When you’re trying to decide whether to keep or move on from a tradition, remember:
The Gospel comes first: Anything that shifts focus away from Jesus needs a second look.
Love > Legalism: It’s better to show grace than to hang on to a tradition just for the sake of it (Colossians 2:16-17).
Unity matters: Traditions should bring people together, not divide.
At the End of the Day, It’s About the Heart
Whether you’re a lifelong churchgoer or visiting for the first time, what matters most is our heart toward God. Traditions are great tools when they point us to Jesus, but they’re just that— tools. Whether we continue, adjust, or retire certain practices, our focus should always be on glorifying God and sharing His love with others.
Let’s cherish the traditions that deepen our faith, ask God to help us let go of the ones that no longer serve their purpose, and stay faithful to God’s Word in everything we do.
We’re grateful to have you on this journey with us. If you ever have questions or want to dig deeper, feel free to reach out—we’re here to walk this path of faith together!
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