DM#15: For whatever is not from faith is sin

Doctrine of the Mysteries #15

For whatever is not from faith is sin

Romans chapter 14 has such a wealth of information to keep us on the righteous path. In the previous post (DM#14) I dealt with Rom 14:1-5. Let's now look at some key statements in the last part of the chapter. 

Let's continue with Paul's advice,

Romans 14:22 Do you have faith [believing that what you do or choose is right in your heart]? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts [what he approves] is condemned [and sins] if he eats [or does or says], because he does not eat [or do or say] from faith [but acts under condemnation, not being fully convinced in his heart]; for whatever is not from faith is sin. (Gal.2:20)

This part of the passage is jam-packed with information that we can use to judge our heart and determine where we stand regarding 'doubtful' sins. It starts by pointing out again that we cannot judge another in any regard. These are personal convictions that we cannot place upon others. This is why it says, "Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God." Did you catch that? Have it to yourself before God! Your conviction is yours before God. You cannot place it on someone else! If you are convicted of smoking, then you cannot tell someone else that they are sinning because they are smoking! That person might not have been convicted in their heart about it. The Holy Spirit might be dealing with them about other issues that they perceive as sin, but smoking might not be one of them yet. We are all on a different part of the road to sanctification.

Paul reminds us again about conviction, albeit from a slightly different angle. He says, "happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves". If you are convicted of something and ignore that conviction, you will experience condemnation. You cannot control this. It is as sure and universal as gravity. Whatever you do or say, if your conviction approves of it, there is no condemnation, as there is no sin committed. If your conviction is triggered and you ignore those proverbial red flags, then you will fall into condemnation. You will experience a separation from your stance before God. You have fallen into sin. I'm pretty sure you are thinking of Romans 8 right now. Well, now you will understand in full what this verse means,

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

You will now understand what it means about condemnation, and (as a bonus) you will now also know what it means to walk in (or after) the Spirit. Walking in the Spirit is to walk in constant conviction of your heart, taking care to do what it is convicted of is right and avoiding or stopping the things that it is convicted of is wrong. It's as simple as that! Walking in the Spirit is not a profound spiritual experience. It is not a voice out of heaven. It's a matter of living based on faith in your personal convictions to the truth of the written Word in you. The more you exercise it, the more you will change into the image of Christ. In Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).

Paul ends Romans 14 with a confirmation that when you do not follow your convictions, when you do not walk in faith regarding your conscience, then for you, that is sin.

The bible does not need to list the endless actions that can be considered sin in God's eyes. As a matter of fact, it probably did not even have to list the 10 commandments, although at that time it was necessary, as the Jews in the wilderness did not have the Spirit of Christ within them. But for us in this day and age of grace, we can judge our actions by our inner convictions to the Word within us. This is our guide and moral compass before God.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

The life I now live, I live by faith.........by faith. This means that I trust in the convictions that the Word produces and follow after the Spirit of Life who works in me, directing my path in those things to do, and those things not to do. Remember, whatever is not from faith, is sin. This means, that whatever you do, if you are not persuaded in your mind concerning it; if you feel condemned in what you approve (say or do), then it is not in faith and conviction, because you will experience an inner doubt concerning its truth and righteousness. 

May these insights of Paul provide you with revelation and understanding in how you are to walk today, as members of the Body of Christ, who are not dictated by external laws that bind up and choke, but are guided by life, and freedom, and love.