THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DESCRIPTIVE AND PRESCRIPTIVE SCRIPTURE

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

Definitions;

Descriptive: A descriptive passage paints a picture with words. It focuses on providing details about something – a person, place, object, event, or even an emotion – in a neutral and objective way.

Prescriptive: A prescriptivepassage specifically teaches that something should happen. Simply put, is it a command, giving exact rules, directions, or instructions about how you should do something. 

Scripture is full of stories, prophecies, parables, and information. It is up to us to read the scriptures, study the meaning, and incorporate it into our daily lives. With such a wealth of information contained in the Bible, it is important that we understand the meaning of scripture and how to use it not only in our lives but how to use it to help disciple others. With that in mind it is important that we understand and correctly identify which scriptures are prescriptive and which ones are descriptive.  

DESCRIPTIVE: Most scholars feel the Bible is mostly descriptive in nature. Most of the writings are focused on describing what happened from the beginning of creation to what will happen at the end of times. The story of David and Goliath is an example of descriptive information. We can and do learn from descriptive information. The most important thing we can learn from this description of the story is to have total faith and trust in God. While it describes the loyalty we need to have, it never prescribes (commands) us to follow David’s actions on the battlefield.  

PRESCRIPTIVE: Prescriptive passages and the importance of being clear on which scripture is descriptive and which is prescriptive is very important to the understanding of scripture and it prevents us from having incorrect thinking and behavior. Another reason prescriptive scripture is so important is that prescriptive teachings mean they involve commands, rules, directions, and instructions on what one should or must do. We do not want to ignore prescriptive teachings because they guide our Christian Walk and faith. Another reason the prescriptive teachings are so important is that it includes the only way to receive the gift of salvation.   

The book of Acts (history) is mostly descriptive while much of the New Testament Epistles are prescriptive (instructions). 

There is also the combination of both prescriptive and descriptive teachings mixed in the scriptures in a variety of ways and some scriptures could be considered both. That creates a dilemma, which is another reason to acquire the knowledge of correctly identifying one from the other.

Some examples of possible confusion in discerning certain scriptures are to follow.

Early concerns in the New Testament revolve around meeting (gathering) in homes to worship, learn, and praise the Lord. Some worshippers were led to interpret scripture as they must (prescriptive) worship in homes while others thought worshipping in homes was not a command (therefore descriptive.)  When we read Acts 2:46; 20:20; Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; and Colossians 4:15 we find that none of the passages command that believers meet in homes. The Bible describes believers meeting in homes, but there is no command to do so. So, meeting in homes is allowable, but it is not advocated or even necessarily preferred.

Communion is another example where one side takes the view that we are commanded (prescribed) to take communion weekly while others view scriptures to describe how often we commune (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:20–25).

The gift of tongues is another area in which it is important to separate descriptive from prescriptive passages. The book of Acts gives us several instances of people speaking in tongues, such as Acts 2:4, “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Some take this and other passages describing tongues and assume they are prescriptive, but this is a wrong interpretation. The Bible describes certain occasions when Spirit-filled people spoke in tongues, but the descriptions of what happened should not be confused with commands to make it happen. The Bible certainly commands us to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), but nowhere does it say that speaking in tongues always accompanies the filling, and neither does it mandate speaking in tongues for everyone.

If a verse or passage simply recounts a situation, then it is descriptive and should not be considered something we are commanded to do. It is only when Scripture specifically instructs (prescribes) New Testament believers, that we are to take it as a command to obey.

Taking a stand on scripture without knowing the difference between prescriptive and descriptive can, and has, caused major conflict and dissension in the church. That is something His church does not need!