Excuse XXVIII
A Matter of Conscience
Question:
Doesn’t the Bible teach that God will not impute an act as sinful if it can be done in faith?
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In its defense of dining out on the Sabbath, a prominent COG association suggests that this issue is a matter of personal conviction, not Biblical mandate. When doing so, they invoke a teaching of the apostle Paul to make their point. At first glance, what they say may sound plausible. However, it lacks one very critical component. It anchors its argument on an assumption that is found nowhere in the scriptures. As a matter of fact, this COG intimates something that actually contradicts God's word.
Their assertion centers on the belief that if something can be done in good conscience it is acceptable with God. Notice how this particular group advances their argument.
The issue of eating out on the Sabbath has been raised occasionally over the years. Clearly Christianity involves personal choice for conscience sake.
In the book of Romans Paul offers a statement about conscience. “But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. (Romans 14:23)
Manipulating Scripture
Imagine for a moment that this debate was not over dining out on the Sabbath, but rather whether one may eat pork or some other unclean meat. Those who believe it is acceptable with God to eat such things could employ this COG’s position word for word. They could argue that eating a ham sandwich was a matter of conscience just the same as whether one was a vegetarian or not. As a matter of fact, many Protestants use Paul's words to make that very argument. However, it is doubtful that any member of God’s Church would be persuaded by this use of scripture. This is because Paul is NOT addressing unclean meats in this chapter. He is also NOT addressing dining out on the Sabbath, conscience not withstanding.
Putting the Issue in Perspective
Consider for a moment what is taking place when God's people engage in this behavior. First, they must go out into the world (spiritual Egypt) and consciously seek out those who are profaning what God made holy. They must do this because it is absolutely essential for someone to be breaking the Sabbath in order for them to do what they contend is acceptable with their Savior. This is done despite the fact that His word emphatically forbids His people from going out of their place (spiritual camp) on the Sabbath (Ex. 16:29. See also Re. 18:4). But it doesn't end there.
Those who dine out on the Sabbath must also direct Sabbath-breakers to prepare a meal for them according to their specifications. This is done despite the fact that God Himself prohibited food from being prepared on this day (Ex. 16:23). He actually proclaimed that this aspect of His Sabbath law was to test whether or not His people would obey Him (Ex. 16:4).
Finally, those who dine out on the Sabbath must pay Sabbath-breakers for their labor. This too is done, despite the fact that God adamantly prohibited His people from patronizing those who sell their products, including food, on His Sabbath. Furthermore, His prohibition was all encompassing. It included ALL food. Notice the use of the word "ANY."
And if the people of the land bring ware or ANY victuals (food) on the Sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the Sabbath, or on the holy day. (Ne. 10:31)
Tragically, the majority of God's people, including His ministers, reason that because they can engage in this activity without feeling a tinge of guilt, it must be acceptable with their Savior. But is this understanding born out of Biblical truth or human reasoning?
A Great Misunderstanding
There is a great misunderstanding in the church concerning Paul's instruction regarding faith as recorded in Romans 14. In truth, this Great apostle NEVER said that faith makes everything right, he said the absence of faith makes everything wrong.
Sadly, a significant number of God's people incorrectly assume that Paul was making two points when writing about this issue. First, many contend that he was teaching that if you can't do something in faith it would be a sin to do it. This understanding is absolutely correct. That is what the apostle was declaring.
However, some then manufacture a corollary to Paul's words by implying something that is not there. They argue that Paul was also teaching that if something could be done in good conscience it would not be imputed as sin. This is absolutely FALSE. Simply because a person believes something is right does not make it so. If such a belief was true then every well intended sin, such as keeping Christmas, Easter, and even Sunday worship would be acceptable with God. It most definitely is not.
Those who believe their conscience will carry the day concerning this issue are greatly mistaken. Consider the words God inspired Solomon to write.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but the ends thereof are the ways of death. (Pro. 14:12)
The argument that dining out on the Sabbath is a matter of personal belief does not have Paul's words to support it. They simply are not there. To be sure, faith is a driving force in our Christian walk. But faith in sin is worthless.
