Friday, July 12, 2013

Disputable Matters and Judgment

Romans 14 and 15

In chapters 14 and 15 of Romans, Paul discusses the disputable matters that the early church experienced. It is in these chapters that Christians can find their basis of handling disputes within the church.

In chapter 14, Paul talks about meat, a common controversy between Gentiles and Jews in the early church, and comes to an amazing conclusion. Paul teaches us that it is not being right or wrong about a matter of unimportance that makes one justified in God's eyes, rather it is how we handle those beliefs in regard to other Christians. You can be right on an issue, but be wrong in God's eyes.

We are taught that it is right that all meat is clean in the sight of God. Because of this, it is clear that those who think that eating meat is wrong or immoral are the ones actually in the wrong, but that is not what is important to God. Paul teaches that God does not care whether you eat or don't eat meat, as long as you do not go against the conscience that God gave you, rather that you sin when you pass judgment on one who believes and acts differently than you.

When one abstains from eating meat and passes judgment on a brother or sister that eats meat, then that believer is in sin. Likewise, the one who eats meat falls into sin when he judges the brother that abstains as ignorant, or lacking knowledge of God.

After completely fleshing out both aspects of this debate, Paul makes an extremely important statement near the end of chapter 14 and the beginning of chapter 15:

Romans 14:17-19 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Romans 15:5-7 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

The crux of Paul's assertion is that as Christians, it is perfectly fine to disagree, but he maintains that once these disagreements proceed to judgments, they become sinful. Finally, we see that Paul commands us that even amidst all of these disagreements that we find unity in Christ.

There are plenty of things that have caused massive schisms in the church today due to biblical silence. Whether our disagreements be about instruments, artwork in the church or how communion is performed, it does not matter. None of these things are specifically ordained in scripture, and thus it is perfectly fine to disagree. What matters is that we find our unity in Christ, and that Jesus and His gospel supersede all arguments.

Do you agree or disagree with the assertions I have made? Feel free to comment below, and let me know!

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