What Makes Counseling Biblical?
For centuries mankind has been searching for explanations and solutions to the complex
problems of living in a fallen world.

Man's search for ways to explain and to "cope" with his problems has produced many interesting
and often conflicting theories such as:

1) Man is basically good and is able to live up to his potential
2) Man has been victimized by his conscience, leaving him insecure and in need of
re-socialization
3)Man is just a high-level animal who has been conditioned by his environment and needs to be
re-programmed.
4) 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 (1Cor2:14).

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 Bible Truths? ( Ps 33:10, "THE LORD brings the counsel of the nations (heathen)
to nothing (frustration)...11) The counsel of THE LORD stands forever, the plans of HIS heart
to all generations.")  Isn't it possible that understanding and overcoming life's problems can be
accomplished by applying Biblical Truth? (John 14:6, "JESUS said to him, ' I AM THE WAY,
THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE. No man comes to THE FATHER except through ME.'; John
8:32, 'And you shall know THE TRUTH (JESUS) and THE TRUTH (JESUS) shall make you
free. 36) And if THE SON makes you free, you shall be free indeed.'

The Bible Itself states that the truths contained within It are entirely sufficient to enable a person
to live a life pleasing to GOD. (2Pet 1:3-4) It provides all the needed principles and guidance
for our mental processes, analyzing our emotional responses and exercising control over our
behavior. The laws, testimonies, precepts, commandments, judgements, and principles in the
Old and New Testaments provide the only authoritative guide for man's thoughts, words, and
actions. (Ps 19:7-14; Heb 4:12)

Developing Biblical Habits

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 (Matt 7:1-5). In doing this, they should begin to see the necessity of
turning their focus away from their own desires (1Cor 5:14-15; Gal 5:17-21; James 4:1-3) and
should determine to live in a manner pleasing to GOD (2Cor 5:9; Eph 4:1-3; Col 1:11-12).

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 fruits in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of GOD. (Col 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 CHRIST JESUS. (Matt
18:21-35; Rom 5:8; Col 1:11-12)

Constant 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 views this 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; 16:53)
Any changes that a counselee makes must be done in order to please GOD and not to gratify
himself or please his parents, spouse, or anyone else (2Cor 5:9;15; Col 1:10; 1Thess 2:4,6) This
requires a commitment to obey GOD's Word and not to depend on or be ruled by his feelings,
regardless or how strong or persuasive they may be (2Cor 5:14-15; Gal 5:16-17).

Biblical truth is not only verifiable, but is also effective in every part of the world. in all age
groups, and in all levels of society. Biblical principles are based on the inerrant Word of GOD
which transcends all man-made distinctions between people.

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 (Rom. 8:35-37; 1Corinthians 10:13;
1John 5:4-5) as he responds in obedience to GOD's Word (James 1:25). Even though obedience
to GOD may not be easy (Rom 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 6; 1John 5:3; 2John 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; 1Peter 2:20-21), looking beyond present
circumstances to the glory that will be revealed (Rom 8:18; 2 Cor 4:16-18).

Today there is a crucial 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 (2Cor 1:3-5).

The Biblical principles contained in the courses of study prepared by the Biblical Counseling
Foundation (BCF) are based solely on the Word of GOD and not on human assumptions,
opinions, experiences, theories, or any other secular philosophies."

Copied from "Self-Confrontation" Manual by Biblical Counseling Foundation in hopes of encouraging you to
purchase and apply the principles in the Manual.....
www.bcf.org