LIBERTY UNIVERSITY JOHN W. RAWLINGS SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Defining Biblical Counseling
A Paper Submitted to
the Faculty of the School of Divinity
in Candidacy for the Degree of
Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (Ed. D) Department of Christian Leadership and
Church Ministries
By
Mary Gracias
Lynchburg, Virginia
10/2022
Defining Biblical Counseling
Up to this point we have seen the necessity of biblical counseling in the life of every
believer. But before we can continue, it is necessary to make sure we are on the same page in
our use of foundational vocabulary. Since the word counseling can have different connotations
in our culture today, it is important to define what is meant when we use the term “biblical
counseling.”
First and foremost, the Bible is clear that counseling is primarily to be administered in
discipleship community in the context of the local church; biblical counseling is neither
independent from the church nor done apart from discipleship (Eph 4:14-16; Col 1:28). It
incorporates the community of believers by establishing relationships and providing resources
for every Christian to bless and encourage weak and needy believers (Col 1:28-29, 3:16). Biblical
counseling emphasizes reliance on the Word of God as sufficient to bring understanding and
give help and hope to people with relational, emotional, mental, and behavioral problems (Rom
15:4-5, 13). It is also not based on man’s reasoning or opinion, but solely founded on God’s
Word. Biblical counseling does not ignore true medical issues, but works diligently to see the
person as a whole (1 Tim 5:23; Ps 32:3-4). It is neither insensitive nor uncaring (Acts 20:31; 1
Thess 2:7-12). But rather, in love, uses God’s Word, by the Holy Spirit, to appropriate truth to a
person’s desires, thoughts, and behavior (Rom 12:1-2; Eph 4; 2 Peter 1:3). Biblical counseling
does not focus solely on behavioral issues or circumstances (Prov 4:23; Mark 7:21ff), but deals
with one’s sins or trials by strategically helping them connect and apply the truths and promises
of the gospel to their lives (Prov 18:13; 2 Pet 1:3-4). It equips a person with tools to live out
God’s commands by grace through faith (2 Cor 10:5; Col 3; Eph 4). This counsel focuses on the
gospel, and seeks to put these Christ-centered truths into action. Finally, it should be fully
realized that the ultimate goal is to give God glory through sanctifying the believer and
strengthening the church (John 17:17-19). ((Stuart W. Scott, “Discipleship Counseling” – lecture
in Introduction to Biblical Counseling course, fall 2011.))
In summary, biblical counseling is discipleship counseling. Too often discipleship is seen as
simply teaching a new believer the fundamentals of faith in Christ. However, the Bible clearly
commands consistent personal involvement in each other’s lives in order to bring God’s Word
to bear on specific life issues. The “Great Commission” in Matthew 28:18-20 says that we are to
baptize and teach others to observe (keep or live out) all that He commanded. The church has
neglected this essential directive and presumed that those who are familiar with the Bible know
how to apply it to every aspect of their lives (Deut 6:1-3; Eph 4:11-16). Biblical counseling in its
truest sense is coming alongside another with comfort and instruction from Scripture, helping a
person cultivate an understanding of how the gospel of Christ Jesus addresses every aspect of
life. This way of discipleship counseling teaches a person how to live for God’s glory.
Discipleship counseling is also multiplicative. We must disciple in view of equipping leaders
to then counsel others. As a believer effectively applies God’s word to his own life, he is then
able to pour out God’s principles, promises, and gospel application into other people’s lives. In
this type of intense discipleship, leaders are more adequately prepared and equipped so that
they may in turn counsel, prepare, and equip others. Discipleship counseling establishes a
system in which the gospel of Christ is effectively advancing and where leaders are consistently
trained and commissioned to train others.
A Lesson from the Judsons
In order to see the value of biblical counseling for missionaries, and by extension those
whom they disciple, it is beneficial to examine Judson’s response to trials as a practical example
of how God’s word is effective and powerful to give help and hope. It is also beneficial to
examine how the body of Christ can be God’s helpful instrument to speak his truth in love and
to bring clarity, encouragement, and hope to missionaries in times of need. Looking at Judson’s
circumstances through the lens of biblical counseling can serve as a catalyst for learning how to
glorify God in the midst of significant hardships.
Hope from God’s Promises
First, Judson needed hope from God’s precious promises (2 Pet 1:3). Recalling promises in
trials can keep the heart and mind attuned to who God is and what He is doing. Judson needed
to believe specific promises related to his situation. For example, God never leaves or forsakes
his own (Heb 13:5). God is for us because of Christ and not against us (Rom 8:31-39). God is
faithful to make all questions clear in time as we choose to abide in him and trust what he has
allowed (Ps 31:14-15, 62:5-8). God hears the righteous cry for help and delivers them out of
affliction (Ps 34:15-19). God will strengthen, help, and carry his people through (Is 41:10; Ps
59:16). And God will “take us by the hand and keep us” (Is 42:6). The faithfulness and goodness
of God can easily grow dim if the difficulty or trial gains the greater focus. Keeping a biblical
perspective of God through meditating on his promises and purposes will enable missionaries
to hold fast to hope during trials.
Progressive Sanctification
Secondly, Judson’s misguided belief on sanctification was the root issue in his painful
isolation. From the moment of his conversion, Judson had been zealous to attain “perfect
sanctification.” ((Hannah C. Conant, The Earnest Man: A Memoir of Adoniram Judson, D.D.
(London: J. Heaton & Son, 1861) 354.)) This zeal motivated him to compile a list of resolutions.
On this list he wrote “believe in the doctrine of perfect sanctification attainable in this life.”
((Edward Judson, The Life of Adoniram Judson (Philadelphia, PA: American Baptist Publication
Society, 1883), 304.)) It is no surprise from this belief that Judson tried to deal with his sin by
practicing self-denial and solitary asceticism. Scripture says: “Have nothing to do with irreverent
silly myths. Rather train yourself for Godliness; for while bodily training is of some value,
godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to
come. This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance” (1 Tim 4:7-9). Judson had
half of God’s truth correct. He valued godliness, but his method to attain to that godliness was
based on a belief contrary to Scripture. God’s word teaches that sanctification is progressive in
this life and perfection is only reached in the day of Christ (Phil 1:6, 2:12; 1 Thess 5:23-24). We
cannot attain perfection in this life as Judson thought, but are being made into Christ’s image as
we mortify habitual sin by calling on the power of the Holy Spirit for help to apply God’s
principles of change. Without utilizing the Spirit’s help, a believer is rendered helpless to fight.
Judson could not and was not meant to fight his fleshly motives by any other means.
Wrong View of Scripture
Thirdly, two important principles in Scripture need to be examined with regard to how
Judson responded to his circumstance by isolation. In turning to the counsel of quietist and
mystic writers, he opened his vulnerable heart to be influenced in a way contrary to Scripture.
We can learn from Judson’s life the need for community and a strong understanding of God’s
grace in times of hardship and pain.
Need for community.
God’s word consistently points in the opposite way of isolation. “Whoever isolates himself
seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment” (Prov 18:1). Being in the jungle
alone did not bring Judson closer to God as he had hoped; rather it lured him away from “sound
judgment” and hearing God’s truth—the only true source of comfort and hope. He did have his
Bible with him, but his response suggests that Scripture was not his authority to guide him
through this trial. Judson desperately needed to stay among other believers and hear them
speak God’s truth specifically to his situation. His mind was naturally clouded because of his
circumstances; therefore it was necessary and biblical to ask for a pair of “fresh eyes” to help
him see his thoughts and situation from God’s perspective (Prov 11:14, 24:6).
Victory accomplished only through Christ.
God’s word also teaches that asceticism of any kind has an appearance of wisdom, but
ultimately “has no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh” (Col 2:23). Secular counsel
influenced Judson to believe that through deep contemplation he could correct the wrong
motivations and thoughts in his heart and mind. On the contrary, God designed that victory
over sinful fleshly desires is accomplished in Christ’s death and resurrection (Col 2:13-15; 2 Cor
15:57-58). It is because of Christ’s ultimate victory that we gain personal victory in mortifying
the flesh through actively walking by the power of his Spirit (Rom 8:13; Gal 5:16). The battle
over fleshly thoughts, motives, and desires is active, and therefore must not be fought passively
as is prescribed in ascetical practices. ((Tim Dowley, Eerdmans’ Handbook to the History of
Christianity. (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1985) 498.)) It is only through
an understanding of Christ’s victory and an active involvement, empowered by the Spirit, that
we find victory over sin.
Taking Every Thought Captive
A fourth lesson to learn from Judson’s experience is the importance of the renewal of our
mind and taking thoughts captive. Discouragement or despair does not happen automatically. It
comes as a result of replaying hopeless, discouraging, untruthful thoughts over and over.
Judson’s thoughts became so distorted because he replayed in his mind the lies that self-denial
was the answer. The Bible commands us to take our thoughts captive (2 Cor 10:5) and to renew
the mind (Eph 4:22-24); these commands are not an option. It is important for missionaries to
know how to effectively renew the mind. We “take our thoughts captive” practically by
capturing heart responses (beliefs, desires, thoughts, and the emotions and actions that follow)
and replacing them with God’s truth found in his promises and principles. It is a careful process
to first examine the heart and mind’s responses during trials, emotional struggles, and/or sin.
Secondly, to ask for God’s help, by the Spirit, to see what thoughts are not truthful or God-
glorifying. And finally, to apply specific scriptures to aggressively attack those thoughts in order
to finally turn the mind/heart towards Christ and hope and away from ungratefulness,
disappointment, and despair. Lies and distorted, hopeless thoughts must be personally exposed
and attacked with truth; otherwise, they feed the soul destructive thoughts that eventually lead
to hopelessness and death (Jms 1:15). As believers, God’s word is our ultimate authority, and
therefore we must train ourselves to think according to His word and hope in it rather than our
own conclusions or feelings (Phil 4:8-11; 1 Tim 4:7-9). The only other alternative is to run from,
try to ignore, or continue in our thoughts, which will eventually lead down the spiral of despair.
A Wrong Understanding of Sin
Lastly, believers may know God’s truth, but in times of despair allow adverse circumstances
to distort that truth. One of Judson’s main distorted thoughts serves as a helpful example. In
the midst of suffering he writes, “By taking away all my loved ones, God is punishing me
because I had sinful motives and desires in coming to the mission field.” ((Courtney Anderson,
To the Golden Shore (Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 1987) 382-3.)) Judson knew that God had
fully dealt with his punishment for sin with Christ’s death. But a wrong theology about trials and
the burden of facing the deaths of multiple loved ones led him to the deception that he had
done something wrong to merit these losses. This belief, though common, is contrary to what
Scripture says about how God deals with sin. It is crucial in these moments to examine thoughts
with Scripture and bring God and his Word to bear. “He who trusts in his own heart [thinking,
desires, and feelings that follow] is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered” (Prov
28:26 NASB). Also, the Bible teaches us that God does not keep a record of wrong (Ps 130), nor
does he “repay us according to our sins” (Ps 103:10). And finally Scripture clearly reveals that
Christ has taken our punishment. Even though these deaths may have felt like punishment, it
was imperative for Judson to go back to the solid truth that God allows suffering to accomplish
his will. This is true whether we sin or not. He uses all suffering to establish his purposes, to
help us fix our gaze on him, and to grow us in Christ-likeness. With these essential truths, one
can glorify the Lord in pain by turning away from using feelings and the circumstance to
determine who God is and what He is doing. God can and will provide all the grace and help
needed to walk in full dependence on him. He is enough in our weakness (2 Cor 12:9-10), but
we must turn to him and his truth with all of our heart and mind.
