Many of us use a “Red Letter Edition (RLE)” of God’s Word. Of course, this means the words of Jesus are printed in red. There is certainly nothing wrong with an RLE since they can be helpful when looking for a quote from Jesus. However, I see some problems if an RLE Bible is not handled correctly.
The main problem is that when you emphasize something, you necessarily deemphasize something else. A reader of an RLE can be influenced to believe the black print is not as important and perhaps even be led to believe only the red words need to be followed. This is not true!
For one thing, we need the black print to understand the context of what Jesus is saying. For example, Jesus says to the rich young ruler, “Sell all that you have and give it to the poor” (Luke 18:22). Without context this would appear to be a command to us today.
Furthermore, Jesus told the disciples that more teaching would come through the Holy Spirit. “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However when He the Spirit of truth has come He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you (John 16:12-14).
Finally, we should also consider II Timothy 3:16-17, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Let’s all make it our goal to be thoroughly equipped Christians!
For the elders, Dave Benner