What Is Bible-based Counseling?

You need to know what Bible-based counseling is. 

Psychological Theories Have Become Dominant

"Biblical counseling" is a term that has been weakened by counseling centers across the country which call themselves biblical, while in reality, they are heavily influenced by psychological theories of human behavior and healing. What is the difference between genuine Biblical Counseling and integrated systems (those which attempt to integrate psychology and the Bible)? To answer that, we need to lay out some of the significant characteristics of Genuine Biblical Counseling.

Based Upon God and Scripture

Genuine Biblical Counseling derives its understanding of God and Man from the Scriptures. We must base our practice upon the inspiration, infallibility, inerrancy, and absolute sufficiency of the Word of God. It is a fatal error to say that the Bible is sufficient for salvation, but that we need psychological solutions for sanctification.
 

Rests Upon the Sovereignty of God

Genuine Biblical Counseling has a high view of the sovereignty and power of God. Psychotherapy thrives because Christians have allowed a weak view of God to infiltrate the Church. Jesus addressed this very problem in Matthew 22:29, when he said, "You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures, or the power of God." To suggest that God can get us to heaven, but in the meantime, He is powerless to transform our lives and heal our minds borders on blasphemy.
 

Loving and Gentle

Genuine Biblical Counseling is loving and gentle in the application of the Scriptures. There is a false and negative stereotype that exists toward genuine Biblical counselors-that all we do is look for a sin and pounce on it harshly. The Bible says, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently." (Gal. 6:1).
 

Rooted in Factual Truth

Genuine Biblical Counseling is focused on truth. Biblical counselors want to arrive at a true understanding of God and how He works in our lives. We want to know the truth about the person we are counseling and to help him acknowledge and respond to the truth. We will not focus on dreams, subjective feelings, and hazy memories unless they can be tested for accuracy and verified. Repressed memories, unconscious motivations, and denial of personal responsibility are not part of genuine Biblical counseling. While we acknowledge that we can learn from general observation of human behavior and the physical world, we must never elevate "general revelation" to an equal standing with Scripture. It cannot guide our counseling philosophy or our basic understanding of the heart of man. The phrase "all truth is God's truth" may be philosophically correct, but it does not answer the vital question, how do we know what is true? We should be cautious in accepting counsel from anyone who defends his practice with "all truth is God's truth."
 

Systematic Theology

Genuine Biblical Counseling is based on solid Biblical study. A sound systematic theology and Biblical method of interpretation is essential for the genuine Biblical counselor. There is no substitute for the counselor having an in-depth knowledge of the Scriptures and how to apply them to the problems of daily living.
 

Work of the Holy Spirit

Genuine Biblical Counseling is dependent upon the work of the Holy Spirit. Biblical counselors realize that we cannot read the hearts of those we counsel. Only God is able to understand the deepest thoughts, motives, confusions and sins of the counselee. A Biblical counselor does not rely upon his own "expertise" or credentials to delve into the "subconscious" regions of the mind. Rather, he relies upon the truths of the Scripture as the Holy Spirit convicts with power (Jn. 16:8, Acts 2:37).
 

Repentance and Restoration

Genuine Biblical Counseling leads toward repentance and restoration. The ultimate goal of the Biblical counselor is not to merely help his counselee to feel better temporarily. God is not so concerned with our relief from pain as He is with the molding of our character toward Christlikeness. To relieve guilt without dealing with the issues of the rebellious heart is a disservice to a fellow believer. Paul writes to the church at Corinth: "Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it. I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while-yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." (2Cor.7:8-10).
 

The Goal of Maturity

The ultimate goal of Genuine Biblical Counseling is spiritual maturity. Paul writes in Ephesians 4 about this goal "to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (vv.12-13).
 

Degrees Not Essential

Genuine Biblical Counseling is not dependent upon degrees, certification, or licensing. Romans 15:14 says, "I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another." Biblical counselors realize that there are only a few essential qualifications for a competent counselor: one must have an extensive knowledge of the Scriptures (Rom.15:14), a good measure of divine wisdom (experience and common sense under the illumination of the Holy Spirit) (Col.3:16), goodness (consistent, righteous lifestyle with a humble attitude) (1Pet.5:5), an ability to relate to others (Col.4:6), an ability to communicate (Titus 2:8), and a genuine desire to help others (1Thess. 5:14)." (from Why Christians Can't Trust Psychology, by Dr. Ed Bulkley, p.79)
 

Licensing May Be Detrimental

Secular licensing does not insure competence or effectiveness in a counselor. On the contrary, training that leads to secular certification is likely to impair one's effectiveness in the counseling ministry. A Biblical counselor will never allow himself to be intimidated by secular "experts" or their degrees. Paul writes, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate," (1Co. 1:18,19).
 

Church Accountability

Genuine Biblical Counseling is church-based. It is not profit-motivated and is under the authority of and accountable to a local body of believers and the pastor and elders. The professional clinical counseling setting has no biblical basis and little accountability.

Why Should You Choose Bible-Based Counseling?

Man's search for ways to explain and to "cope" with his problems has produced many interesting and often conflicting theories such as: man is basically good and is able to live up to this potential; man has been victimized by his conscience, leaving him insecure and in need of resocialization; man is just a high-level animal who has been conditioned by his environment and needs to be reprogrammed; man's basic problem is a lack of self-esteem and an inability to love himself.
 

These are only a few of the most popular theories currently being used in the counseling field. All of these theories are predictably contrary to God's Word, since they have been devised by man operating outside the divine revelation of God (I Corinthians 2:14).
 

DEPENDING ON THE BIBLE
 

Is it necessary to turn to these worldly counseling theories and techniques to solve problems of living? Isn't it possible that understanding and overcoming life's problems can be accomplished by applying biblical truths?
 

The Bible itself states that the truths contained within it are entirely sufficient to enable a person to live a life pleasing to God (II Peter 1:3-4). It provides all the needed principles and guidance for understanding our mental processes, analyzing our emotional responses, and exercising control over our behavior. The laws, testimonies, precepts, commandments, judgments, and principles in the Old and New Testaments provide the only authoritative guide for man's thoughts, words, and actions (Psalm 19:7-14; Hebrews 4:12).
 

The promises and authority of God contained in His Word offer the basis for a vital and abundant life. The Scripture contains the solutions to every problem of attitude, relationship, communication, conduct, and behavior (II Timothy 3:16-17).
 

DEVELOPING BIBLICAL HABITS
 

Biblical principles can be applied in a systematic manner to overcome any problem of life and are not a mixture of man-contrived theories sprinkled with a few Bible verses unrelated to problem solving. Instead, these biblical principles provide the essential foundation for any person to change his unbiblical patterns of living and establish new habits of biblical behavior. While extensive and unalterable, these biblical principles are not meant to be all inclusive due to the living and active characteristics of God's Word (Hebrews 4:12).
 

In counseling that is true to God's Word, a biblical counselor will collect enough information to enable him to recognize and understand the problem in order to formulate the biblical solution. Counselees are encouraged to confront the failures and shortcomings of their personal lives from a biblical point of view (Matthew 7:1-5). In doing this, they should begin to see the necessity of turning their focus away from their own desires(II Corinthians 5:14-15; Galatians 5:17, 19-21; James 4:1-3) and should determine to live in a manner pleasing to God (II Corinthians 5:9; Ephesians 4:1-3; Colossians 1:10-12).
 

In order for biblical counseling to be effective, both the counselor and the counselee must be deeply committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the authority of God's Word. They must be continually committed to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10). This commitment will change a person's focus from loving self to a focus on loving God and loving others in response to God's gracious love demonstrated in Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:21-35; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 4:32; l John 4:11).
 

APPLICATION OF BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES

Even if the counselee has little or no concept of a biblical relationship with God and a limited knowledge of what is meant by a sincere commitment to Christ, biblical counseling can be extremely effective. As the biblical counselor continually focuses the counselee's attention on the authority and sufficiency of Scripture and explores the counselee's problems from a biblical standpoint, the necessity for a wholehearted commitment to Christ will be repeatedly presented.  As the counselee begins to view his problems from a biblical standpoint, he will begin to understand that the peace and joy promised by God do not depend on his financial situation, his work environment, the behavior of his spouse, or on any other external circumstance. A discouraged or despondent counselee can gain great hope as he learns from Scripture that God's peace and joy can be his as he depends solely on his relationship with God through Jesus Christ (John 14:27, 16:33).

BIBLICAL ANALYSIS OF A PROBLEM
 

In analyzing problems from a scriptural perspective, biblical counselors recognize three levels of every problem. 
 

1. THE FEELING OR PERCEPTION LEVEL

A person will often seek counseling when there is a disruption or discomfort of feelings, most notably a lack of peace and joy. Following a scriptural pattern, biblical counselors carefully explore the feeling level of a problem in order to define the nature of the problem being presented and the what, when, where, and how of the problem as depicted in Genesis 3:8-13, 4:6; I Kings 19:9-14; Proverbs 18:13, 17; Luke 24:13-35; John 20:11-18.

2. THE DOING LEVEL 

Biblical counselors attempt to help the counselee identify specific thoughts, words, and actions which violate biblical injunctions. A person focused on self tends to allow his feelings to dictate his behavior, regardless of what effect this may have on others. Living by one's feelings inevitably leads to doing the wrong things, which leads to more problems and further violations of biblical principles. For our instruction (Romans 15:4), numerous examples of this self-centered pattern of behavior are given in Scripture (Genesis 3:6-13, 4:5-8, 37:11-33; II Samuel 11:1-27, 13:1-33; II Chronicles 26:16-21).

However, God's Word says that all of one's thoughts, words, and actions should result from a commitment to please God by obeying Him (John 14:15; II Corinthians 5:9-15; Colossians 1:10). When a counselee begins to obey God, regardless of his feelings (Romans 6:12-13; II Corinthians 5:15; Galatians 5:17), then God's promised blessings are available to him (Genesis 4:7; James 1:25). Foremost among these blessings are lasting peace, joy, and righteousness (Romans 14:17).
 

PROBLEMS CAN BE OVERCOME

While trials and tribulations are a part of life, God has a purpose for all of them (Romans 5:3-5, 8:28; James 1:2-4). No matter what difficulties arise, God has promised that a believer in Christ can be an overcomer in every situation (Romans 8:35-37; I Corinthians 10:13; I John 5:4-5) as he responds in obedience to God's Word (James 1:25). Even though obedience to God may not be easy (Romans 7:18-19), it can be done as a response of love for what Jesus Christ has accomplished for a believer (John 14:15; Romans chapter 6; l John 5:3; II John 1:6). Following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, a child of God is to remain obedient even during times of suffering (Hebrews 5:8; I Peter 2:20-22), looking beyond present circumstances to the glory that will be revealed (Romans 8:18; II Corinthians 4:16-18).Today, there is a critical need in the Body of Christ to return to the exclusive use of God's Word in overcoming personal problems and counseling others to do likewise in their difficulties (II Corinthians 1:3-5). The biblical principles contained in the courses of study are based solely on the Word of God and not on human assumptions, opinions, experiences, theories, or any other secular philosophies.
 

PRESUPPOSITIONS OF BIBLICAL COUNSELING

In His Word, God has given us everything we need to live in a manner that pleases Him (II Peter 1:3-4). We must not integrate man's theories with biblical truth in order to face and deal with our problems and live a victorious life. As a matter of fact, Scripture promises us that when we seek to place God's Word on a level with man's thinking, serious consequences occur (Proverbs 1:22-32, 14:12, 30:5-6; Isaiah 5:20-21; Romans 8:6-8; I Corinthians 3:1 9-20). 

Biblical counseling is based upon the biblical teaching that we will each give an account of ourselves to God. Even though believers in Christ will not be condemned for their sins in eternity as will unbelievers, there are consequences for sins (Ezekiel 18:20; Colossians 3:25). Counselees are shown that they are responsible before God solely for their own thoughts, words, and actions and that they are not responsible for changing anyone else's life .In learning to assume responsibility for one's own behavior, a counselee needs to understand the conflict between his old self and his new nature in Christ. A counselee must determine, by an act of his will, to lay aside his old way of life with its lusts and deception and to begin to act in a way that reflects the new Christ-like nature God has given him (Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:5-17). A counselee must develop godly patterns of thought, speech, and actions if he is to have a renewed mind and be successful in living a life that corresponds to the new nature (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23-24). 

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF BIBLICAL COUNSELlNG

In every biblical counseling session, four elements are emphasized:
 

1. UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM
Gaining God's perspective on any difficulty is important for those involved in facing and dealing with problems biblically (Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 5:3-5, 8:28-29; James 1:2-4). You must begin to look honestly at yourself in light of God's Word (Matthew 7:1-5; Luke 6:42-49; I Corinthians 11:31). Understanding a problem requires that biblical inquiry be made (Proverbs 18:13, 17; II Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:19) and truthful answers be given (Ephesians 4:15, 25), in order for the total spectrum of the problem to be revealed (Mark 7:20-23; James 1:22-25, 4:17).A biblical counselor asks questions and listens carefully to the responses so sufficient facts can be gathered to understand the problem. God's solutions are practical and personally applicable to every person's problems, so it is necessary to address the true problems - not merely "fix the feeling" or manipulate the circumstances (Proverbs 18:2, 13; James 1:19). 

2. HOPE
In His Word, God has promised that He will not let you be tried or tempted, suffer "stress" or anxiety, or face any problem beyond your endurance. Instead He will provide ample help and direction in every situation as you deal with the problem His way (I Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:15-16). The biblical counselor can confidently assure the counselee that there is hope in every situation. The counselor demonstrates this hope from the Scripture whenever it is needed.

3. CHANGE
You must learn how to lay aside (or "put off") the old self-centered habits and destructive thoughts (such as anxiety, bitterness, and resentment). Instead, you are to "put on" biblical patterns of thought, words, and action (Romans 6:6-7, 12-13; Ephesians 4:22-32; Philippians 4:6-9; Colossians 3:5-17). 

4. PRACTICE 

You must take action to put God's solutions into practice in your everyday activities. If you hear the Word and do not put it into practice, you deceive yourself and your problems become worse. But if you become a doer of the Word, God has promised that you will be blessed and will experience His peace and joy in spite of any turmoil around you (Psalm 85:8-10; Isaiah 32:17; John 15:10-12, 16:33; Hebrews 5:14; James 1:22-25, 3:14-18; I Peter 3:8-12).
 

MEDICAL ISSUES
 

Biblical counselors believe in considering your total health. Some problems are organic in origin. It is recommended that a complete physical exam be performed to rule out purely physical causes. It is also recognized that wrong behavior and sinful attitudes can bring on a host of medical problems. Whenever possible, a relationship needs to be established with a conscientious Christian physician to help evaluate physical issues.