Romans 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
I am about to say something that is uncomfortable to almost everyone. If you will hear me out, let me explain, perhaps you will understand why I think this way about sin.
Anything and everything I do that is not in obedience to faith is sin. I do not expect you to view sin in the same way, but allow me to explain why I take this hard line on sin.
John 8:46a Which of you convinceth me of sin?
Over the years I have engaged many people about sin. Almost all of those conversations contain one sentence which resonates true throughout time, history and the hearts of all mankind. “Who are you to judge me?” If you say God has defined sin, then you will find revisionist that disagree about what the bible says about sin. If you disagree you will only be met with resistance and at some point you will part company frustrated and at risk of losing your peace.
My viewpoint puts us all on equal footing. We all have sin and on that point regardless of what you think is sin, it will make us equally guilty of something. At some point in this conversation, hopefully, someone will ask; “How do you deal with sin?” My answer is simple, “I don’t have to.”
Jesus Christ has dealt with sin at the cross, once and for all time, for all mankind. God has provided the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. Yours mine, everyone, believers and unbelievers alike. He will judge because He bore all sin for all of us. We are either guilty for shedding His blood or we have remission of sins by faith in Him. It is for our sins He died. So I do not get to judge you or myself. It isn’t for me to judge. So this is my foundation for dealing with sin.
How I live with this knowledge is simple. Strive to obey the only two commandments Jesus gave us in discipleship. Love God and love one another. Sure you will miss the mark occasionally, after all you are human. The intent of the heart to love will guide you much better in your walk than trying to tip toe around sin.
If the Holy Spirit convicts you of what you are doing, obey. He is God and is loving you. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Rev. 3:19
My comments this morning focuses on your paragraph 3 and gives another basis for your remarks, with which I totally agree. Romans 10:17 “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God”. Our Lord Jesus gave His life for me because of sin–only 1 was needed because of God’s holiness, and that sin began in Eden—DISOBEDIENCE,– so, as I see it, obedience to the Word of God is the foundation for faith and a fruitful, happy Christian life. Love your post, and the great Gospel message in it.
Thanks Ron, and may is offer find the lost and draw them home.
I am so with you on this. Immediately after mankind fell in the garden of Eden, God said lovingly “Adam where are you?” He has been seeking the lost ever since, and has put this in our heart’s desire.
Crystal clear, my brother – beautiful re-make.