There
have always been differences of opinion among folks when they come together to
discuss the things of God. Well meaning individuals can arrive at opposite
points of view regarding ethics and proper Christian behavior, based on their
particular understanding of the word of God.
Some things may not be
easily resolved because of differing perspectives regarding the limitations of,
or the extent of, ones freedom in Christ. Views range all the way from crass
legalism (universal theonomy) to antinomianism (no law at all) and every degree
of restriction or license in between. Each one must follow their own conscience
while at the same time considering others views in sincerity and with charity.
One guiding principle regarding questionable areas of interpretation is that
each person must act according to the way that they understand the scripture to
be instructing them personally. That being said, no one has the right to
mandate his or her understanding upon another that may see it differently. Of
course, some things are clear and non-negotiable. This is not what we are
talking about here. However, if someone holds an opinion so strongly that it
will not permit them to fellowship with one of another opinion, then that is
why we have different denominations etc.
As with
all disputes, the answers must be sought out in the scriptures. Reliance upon
the Holy Spirit, a humble heart and an open mind are the way to approach any
question. So following are some passages
for consideration. At the end of the day, it is possible that no resolution may
be found. But it is good and proper to consider both sides objectively, for the
sake of unity and harmony in the church.
1 Peter 3:15
But in
your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to
everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
But
do this with gentleness and respect,
Each
one should be ready and able to present their position based upon valid interpretation of
scripture.
1 Cor 11:18-19
I hear that when you come together
as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe
it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to
show which of you have God's approval.
It is not a bad thing to have
different opinions, this is the way that we learn and expand our understanding
of truth. Ultimately we must rely upon God to resolve the questions and we must
be willing to accept His answer.
2 Cor 6:14-16
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For
what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can
light have with darkness? What harmony
is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an
unbeliever? What agreement is there
between the temple
of God
This is
the passage under consideration. The question here is how far do we take this
admonition to be separate from those who have not come to faith in Christ? Are
we to not allow them into our fellowship or meetings? Are we restricted from
all association with them? Are we to never engage in any business, social or
spiritual activities with them at all, and what about marriage? Some would
insist that believers are never to enter into any partnership with unbelievers
under any circumstances. Others would see that position as extreme and
impossible to maintain in all practicality. Furthermore, it is not clear that
the text is mandating such a restriction. Regarding worship, for example, there
will always be believers and unbelievers in the church. Similarly, it would not
be possible to refrain from business dealings with non-Christians. The clear implication of this text is to
refrain from participation in the activities that derive from their unbelief,
as the apostle lists in the text: lawlessness, darkness, satanic behavior, and
unbelief. Beyond that, the passage is open to interpretation. The only scripture
that addresses restriction on marriage is found in I Cor. 7:39, and it
specifically deals with the remarriage of a widow in the church.
1 Cor 7:39
A wife is bound by law as long as
her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to
whom she wishes, only in the Lord.
1 Cor 5:9-13
I have written you in my letter not
to associate with sexually immoral people-
not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the
greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world.
But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who
calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a
slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.
What business is it of mine to judge those
outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the
wicked man from among you."
This text speaks for itself.
Christians are not forbidden from associating with unbelievers, to do so they
would have to move to another planet, the probation is from participating in
ungodly activities. The restriction is from association with other Christians
who habitually practice sin.
1 Cor 14:29-31
Two or three prophets should speak,
and the others should
weigh carefully what is said. And
if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should
stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be
instructed and encouraged.
Where
there is more than one view held, each one should have opportunity to express
their view and then the group should consider all views before coming to a
conclusion. This is not to encourage “A pooling of
ignorance” as it were, but to allow for the Holy Spirit to work through all
present.
Rom 14:1-23
Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over
doubtful things. For one believes
he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not
eat, and let not him
who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to judge
another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will
be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day above another; another
esteems every day alike. Let
each be fully convinced in his own mind.
He who observes
the day, observes it
to the Lord; and
he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who
eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to
the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.
For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if
we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the
Lord's. For to this end Christ died and
rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the
living. But why do you judge your
brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand
before the judgment seat of Christ. For
it is written:
"As I live, says the
LORD,Every knee shall bow to Me,And every tongue shall confess to
God."
So then each of us shall give account of
himself to God. Therefore let us not
judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling
block or a cause to fall in our brother's way.
I know and am convinced by
the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who
considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Yet if your brother is grieved because of
your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the
one for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as
evil; for the kingdom of God
This
long passage is the key text to consider when the questions of restriction and
freedom in Christ arise. The relevance of these principles goes far beyond just
what one may or may not eat or drink, or on what day one is to worship. They
are universal in their application. It is well established in the text that some
are weaker and some are stronger in their understanding of their standing in
Christ. Some have faith to participate in activities that others see as
forbidden. Neither is to judge the other as regards their freedom in Christ,
but to be true to their own convictions. Christ will judge each one. Each one
must be convinced himself of the correctness of their actions.
Gal 5:1
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free,
and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
We should
not seek to impose questionable restrictions upon ourselves nor should we seek
to impose our own personal scruples upon others.
Gal 5:13-15
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use
liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word,
even in this: "You
shall love your
neighbor as yourself."
Love is
to be our primary motivation when considering the proper course of action in
any situation. But we must always be aware of the deceitfulness of the lust of
the flesh in our decision making, be it based upon pride and self-righteousness
or upon blatant justification of our own selfish desires.
Gal 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Seek
the leading of the Spirit in all disputes.
Gal 6:9-10
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we
shall reap if we do
not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all,
especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Consider others above ourselves and
do good on their behalf.
Rom 8:1-2
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ
Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ
Jesus has made me free
from the law of sin and death.
Even if we err on the side of
love and compassion, the Lord has covered our sin.
Fathers, do not embitter your
children, or they will become discouraged.
Here is
another area of great concern and of some difficulty regarding interpretation
and application in the real world. The question arises, that if after all
consideration and instruction as to what a parent believes the bible has to say
about proper Christian conduct in a given area, i.e. marriage, the child
chooses to disregard the admonitions and desires of their parent. Should the
parent break off relations with the child in the name of the Lord? Certainly
the child will be embittered toward the parent and perhaps even toward the
things of God. This would seem to violate the spirit of this text. But, one
might argue that a Christian must place their obedience to Christ above their
love for a child. While another might say that in areas of debatable personal
interpretation, forbearance and love should be the guiding principles before
any harsh actions are taken. This is the crux of the question at hand.
Following
are some passages for contemplation. May the Lord lead each one into the light
and may the unity of the Holy Spirit be the arbiter in all things.
Matt 9:9-13
As Jesus passed on from there, He
saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him,
"Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him. Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in
the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with
Him and His disciples. And when the
Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors
and sinners?" When Jesus
heard that, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a
physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this
means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call
the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
Mercy
and compassion would seem to trump legalism in this passage.
1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one
another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
This is
the overriding guideline for all Christian relationships.
Eph. 4:1-7
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord,
beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness,
with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to
keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you
were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one
God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
But to each one of us grace was
given according to the measure of Christ's gift
Grace,
lowliness, patience, peace and love: if these are ones guiding principles, then
few mistakes will be made. And even if errors in judgement are made, there is
forgiveness in the Lord. He judges the motivation of the heart.
1 Peter 4:8-11
Above all, love each other deeply, because love
covers over a multitude of sins.
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has
received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various
forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it
as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with
the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through
Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen
