Christians have long objected to the
demands for union and tolerance among denominational people. We have
rightly pointed out that sincerity is simply not sufficient in
determining acceptance before the Almighty. The claim that as long as a
person is sincere in his worship, he is accepted by God does not jibe
with what is revealed in His will. Notice
Matthew 7:21-23,
"Not
everyone who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of
heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say
to Me in that day, `Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name,
cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' "And
then I will declare to them, `I never knew you; depart from Me, you who
practice lawlessness!'" This
verse clearly indicates that acceptance by God is dependent upon
obedience to Him. He is accepted who
"does the will of
My Father in heaven."
Other verses teach the same exact
thing. Notice
II John, verse 9,
"Whoever
transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have
God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the
Son." John is stating that
acceptance by God is contingent upon fidelity to His revelation.
We may notice as well that God expects
us to mark and avoid those with whom He has no fellowship. Following the
declaration of John noted above, he further states in verses
10 and 11,
"If anyone
comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into
your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil
deeds."
It is alarming that some brethren are
now espousing the fellowship of someone who teaches false doctrine, or
practices certain sins. Such clearly conflicts with the principles we
enumerated above. However, some believe that they have found a
"loophole" in the
fourteenth chapter
of Romans. The contention is
that the principles outlined in that chapter, in which we are to,
"Receive one who is
weak in the faith, {but} not to disputes over doubtful things"
(vs. 1),
includes matters of doctrine.
Not only does this conflict with such
passages as
II John 9-11, as indicated
above, it also does violence to the context of the chapter. Notice the
following about the scenarios, (eating of meats, and observance of
days), as revealed in the context.
1. Nothing is said of the one who
abstained from eating meat being sinful, only weak (v.
2).
2. It was equally right to eat meat or
eat only herbs, esteem or not esteem a day (vs.
3-5).
3. One could eat or not eat
"to the Lord"
(v. 6).
In effect, God does not care whether
one eats or not. It is a matter of indifference to God, and therefore
those who differ should receive one another. To insert matters of faith
or doctrine, or things sinful into this passage does violence to the
context. Put other things into the context...false teaching, adultery,
immorality, idolatry, etc., and the true meaning of Romans 14 becomes
clear. To say that any Christian could practice sin, or espouse false
doctrine and do it "to the Lord" is absurd! There is no comfort to be
found in that great chapter for those who would fellowship error.
Brethren, let us remain pure!
Other Articles
by Stan Cox
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