Questions of Conscience
For these questions, I consulted the book written by David K. Bernard, “The Message of Romans”, pp. 286-299, which gives us the following notes: “It is very important to note that these guidelines relate only to non-moral, or morally indifferent, issues. No violation of biblical commands or basic biblical principles is at stake. Therefore, in such a matter two Christians can arrive at opposite decisions for their personal lives and still have fellowship with one another as believers.” This article contains excerpts from this book. If you would like to have a copy of it, visit the Pentecostal Publishing House.
We Must not Judge Others (Romans 14:1-12)
Accept the One with Different Conviction
“Faith” in this verse does not refer to “saving faith” in Christ; but this regards to the things which Apostle Paul specifies or which come into controversy on Christian knowledge, persuasion, or conviction. “Weak” means not fully established, or not with so clear and enlarged views about Christian liberty that others might have. Young converts may have sensitiveness on issues which matures Christians may be more fully established. They may lack maturity or understanding or they may have an inferior standard of judgment. In such a case, we are to accept those whose faith is weak, without arguing with them or passing judgment on them in debatable areas. We are to avoid controversies over personal opinions. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. There must be kindness, tenderness, and faithful teaching; not denunciation, or harshness, on one side or the other.
Eating Anything versus Eating only Vegetables
This verse cites the controversy between eating anything and eating only vegetables. Certain Christians refused to eat meat because of conscientious scruples, which could have been for one of three reasons:
- Religious belief in vegetarianism,
- Fear of eating meat that could have been offered to idols (I Corinthians 8:1-13; 10:19-33), or
- Fear of eating meat classified as unclean or prepared in an unclean fashion under Jewish law (as in Daniel 1:8, 12).
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
1 Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.
4 Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.
7 However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.
9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
1 Corinthians 10:19-33
19 What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? 20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?
23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.
25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake; 26 for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.”
27 If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake. 28 But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake; for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.” 29 “Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience? 30 But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks?
31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Daniel 1:8, 12
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
12 Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.
It is important to limit the teaching on Christian liberty to the context. The type of controversy discussed is not a question of morality, of obeying a scriptural command, or of implementing an important scriptural principle. Rather, the passage deals with a ceremonial issue—an issue without moral significance. The other major example—observance of special days (Romans 14:5)—is of a similar nature. In fact, in both cases the New Testament expressly allows the questioned conduct (Mark 7:19; Acts 15:19-29; Colossians 2:16-17). The teaching of Romans 14:1-15:13, then, applies only when the Bible allows the conduct or at most when the Bible is silent on the subject. If the Word of God addresses an issue, either specifically or in principle, then Christians do not have “liberty” to disobey.
Mark 7:19
"because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?"
Acts 15:19-29
19 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, 20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood.21 For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.
23 They wrote this letter by them:
The apostles, the elders, and the brethren,
To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:
Greetings.
24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law”—to whom we gave no such commandment— 25 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: 29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.[d] If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.
Colossians 2:16-17
16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.
Participator and Abstainer
The admonition to the one who participates in the questioned conduct is: The participator should not despise or look down upon the abstainer. Even though the participator has superior insight, he must be considerate of the views of the abstainer. The admonition to the one who abstains is: The abstainer should not judge or condemn the participator. There are several reasons for this teaching. First, God has accepted both parties, so they can do no less to each other.
God Is the Master of Everyone
Second, both are servants who belong to God and not to each other. God is the master of everyone. Since no Christian is the master of another, no individual Christian has the right to judge another. Each person is responsible to please God, not man. Third, God will give power to both participator and abstainer to enable them to persevere and to render satisfactory service to Him. (Refer also to Romans 14:10)
Every Day Is Sacred
The second example of the type of controversy under consideration is the observance of special days. This involved the designation of certain days as Sabbaths or holy days, probably under the influence of the Jewish law. Again, this is a ceremonial, non-moral matter in which the Bible actually grants liberty (Acts 15:19-29; Colossians 2:16-17).
Some consider a certain day to be more sacred than another, while others treat every day alike. There is room for both practices in the church. This clearly excludes any insistence upon particular religious rules for a certain day, whether it be Saturday as the Jewish Sabbath or Sunday as a replacement of the Jewish Sabbath. For Christians, every day is a day of spiritual rest and refreshing through the Holy Spirit. Every day is sacred and appropriate for worship. Of course, Christians should be faithful in attending local church services (Hebrews 10:25) and early Christians met on Sunday in commemoration of the Lord’s resurrection (Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 16:2), but there are no legalistic requirements as to certain days.
"not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25)
"Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight" (Acts 20:7).
"On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come" (I Corinthians 16:2).
Special Day versus Non-special Day
Regardless of what one decides about these issues, he should dedicate his conduct to the Lord. If he does so, the Lord will accept his action. If he chooses to observe a special day, he does it to honor the Lord and not out of legalistic or paganistic motivations. If he eats meat, he gives God thanks for it and thereby honors Him. (Apparently, this refers to the practice of offering a prayer of thanksgiving before meals.) If he abstains or fasts, he does so to honor the Lord and he still gives God thanks.
Our Lives Affects Others
No Christian lives or dies in isolation; our lives are bound up with Christ’s life. Everything we do affects people’s view of Christ. In everything we do we should glorify Him. From this truth we can derive a related principle, although not the contextual meaning of this verse: our lives affect others, particularly other Christians.
Devote Our Lives to the Lord
No matter what we do—whether we live or die—we are the Lord’s. By implication, then, whatever course of action we choose in non-moral matters, we can and should devote it to the Lord.
Jesus Christ is the Lord of All
In fact, Christ died and rose again that He might be our Lord in both life and death.
God Will Be the Judge of Each One of Us
In view of Christ’s lordship over all of us in all situations, including both life and death, how can we presume to criticize or show contempt for each other? Here the point is reiterated: We must not judge others. In addition to the three reasons given in Romans 14: 2-3, we must not be judgmental because God will be the judge of each one of us. All of us will stand before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10).
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Judgment for All
As proof of the reality of judgment for all, Romans 14:11 quotes Isaiah 45:23, which says every knee will bow and every tongue will confess to Jehovah (the LORD). Assuming Romans 14:10 does refer to the judgment seat of Christ, then applying this prophecy about Jehovah to Christ is a strong affirmation of Christ’s deity. It establishes that Jesus Christ is Jehovah—the one God of the Old Testament. Philippians 2:10-11 also specifically applies this statement in Isaiah to Jesus Christ.
"that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).
We Will Give an Account of Ourselves to God
Each one of us shall give an individual account of himself to God. This restates the reason given in Romans 14:10 for not judging one another.
Principles to Guide Our Conduct in Non-Moral Matters
- Each of us should have our own personal convictions.
- Each of us should follow our own conscience in these matters.
- In all things we must acknowledge the lordship of Jesus Christ.
His lordship will enable us to tolerate differences of opinion within the body of Christ (but not disobedience to God’s Word). Moreover, this gives us a guide in answering the practical questions of daily Christian living. In deciding whether to participate in a certain activity, we should ask, “Can I do this unto the Lord—giving Him thanks, glorifying Him, and acknowledging His lordship while I am doing it?” As Colossians 3:17 states, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
We Must Not Tempt Others (Romans 14:13-23)
We Should Take Care Not to Put a Stumbling Block or an Obstacle in Our Brother’s Path
Romans 14:13 restates the main point of the preceding verses: we must not judge one another. Then it proceeds to state a new point: we should take care not to put a stumbling block or an obstacle in our brother’s path. We should not let our attitudes or actions hinder someone else’s spiritual life. (See Luke 17:1-2.) The same Greek word meaning “to judge” appears in both clauses of Romans 14:13. In other words, if we want to do any judging, rather than judging others we should judge ourselves!
The verse uses two Greek words to describe what we should not cause. The first means a stumbling block, an obstacle, a hindrance, or an occasion to take offense. The other means a trap or a temptation to sin. We are not to do anything that might cause someone else to stumble in his spiritual walk or to fall into sin.
"Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones"" (Luke 17:1-2).
No Food Is Unclean in Itself
Nothing is unclean in itself. We must limit this statement to the context; it clearly relates to food (Romans 14:15). Thus the NIV translates, “No food is unclean in itself.” Paul certainly recognized that many activities could be spiritually unclean and sinful (2 Corinthians 6:17). In themselves physical things such as food are morally neutral, but they can become unclean to us because of what they represent to our conscience. This does not mean all physical things are good to use for all purposes. For example, it is not beneficial nor is it God’s will for us to drink hemlock, bathe in poison ivy, or smoke opium.
Paul was persuaded by the Lord Jesus Himself that foods were morally neutral. Perhaps his certainty came by direct revelation from Christ and the leading of His Spirit, but probably he also had access to the specific teaching of Christ on this subject, which is now recorded in Mark 7:14-23. Christ plainly taught that food going into a man could not defile him, but things proceeding from man’s heart could.
"Therefore“Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you" (2 Corinthians 6:17).
Mark 7:14-23
14 When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear Me, everyone, and understand: 15 There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. 16 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!”
17 When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. 18 So He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, 19 because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?”[b] 20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”
We Must Not Let Our Liberty Ruin Another
Although food is not intrinsically sinful, it can disturb the conscience of another. (The KJV word meat is an archaic English usage which, like the underlying Greek word, simply means “food.”) If a brother has a conscientious objection to eating a certain type of food, we should not partake of it in his presence. For example, if a brother thinks eating pork is sinful (though it is not), we should not eat it in front of him. If we do, we may encourage him to do something he thinks is wrong—thereby causing him to act contrary to his faith, to feel guilty, and possibly even to abandon his Christian walk altogether. Alternatively, even if he does not participate, he may lose confidence in our Christian example and may also lose faith in God.
If we seriously injure our brother by what we eat, then we are not walking in love. We must not let our liberty ruin another. We must not destroy a brother’s faith by indulging in a relatively minor thing such as eating a certain kind of food, even though it is morally allowable for us. Christ paid the ultimate price—His life—to save our brother; we must not destroy him for the sake of temporal pleasure. We must not insist on our Christian liberty to the point that it becomes an instrument of devastation to the weaker brother.
We should be so secure in our position in Christ and so unconcerned about personal ego that we can compromise on non-essentials for the sake of our brothers. If we are always fighting for our “rights,” we can actually become bound by our liberty! F. F. Bruce described the Apostle Paul well in this regard: “So completely emancipated was he from spiritual bondage that he was not even in bondage to his emancipation. He conformed to the Jewish way of life when he was in Jewish society as cheerfully as he accommodated himself to Gentile ways when he was living with Gentiles.” This explains why on one occasion he submitted to a Jewish vow involving Jewish ceremonial law (Acts 21:18-26). He knew this did not earn any favor with God, but for the sake of Jewish believers he was willing to affirm Jewish culture.
Acts 21:18-26
18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it,they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law; 21 but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. 22 What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come.23 Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. 24 Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law. 25 But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.”
26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having been purified with them, entered the temple to announce the expiration of the days of purification, at which time an offering should be made for each one of them.
Do Not Let Something That Is Allowable For Us Become A Harmful Thing to Someone Else
The Greek text literally says, “Let not your good be blasphemed.” We should not let something that is allowable for us become a harmful thing to someone else. “Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil” (NIV). “Do not give occasion for others to criticize that which is justifiable for you” (Amplified).
The Essence of Christianity Is Not in Natural Things but in Spiritual Things
We must not be insistent on our liberty to eat and drink, for, after all, the essence of Christianity is not in natural things but in spiritual things. The kingdom of God is righteousness (moral uprightness), joy (gladness, delight), and peace (inner tranquility) in the Holy Spirit.
The kingdom of God is the rule of God in the hearts and lives of men. Although Christ will establish a literal, earthly kingdom in the future, this verse speaks of the present kingdom of God within us (Luke 17:21). We can only enter this kingdom by the new birth—the birth of water and the Spirit (John 3:3-5). Since the present kingdom of God consists of righteousness, joy, and peace imparted by the Holy Spirit, it is clear that we can only partake of that kingdom through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. True Christianity stems from an internal relationship with God.
"nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”" (Luke 17:21).
John 3:3-5
3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”
5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
God’s Acceptance and Man’s Approval
The way to serve God is not in food and drink, but by bearing spiritual fruit produced by the Spirit’s rule in our hearts. In bearing this fruit we obtain both God’s acceptance and man’s approval.
Peace and Mutual Edification
Romans 14:19-21 summarize the proper course of action in questions of conscience. We are to follow after—literally, “pursue”—peace in all things. We must actively seek peace; we must truly be peacemakers. We must seek to edify one another—to build each other up, to be of mutual benefit and encouragement.
Something Allowable in Itself May Be Sinful If It Leads Others Astray
Romans 14:20 reiterates the thought of Romans 14:14-16. We must not destroy God’s work for the sake of a petty indulgence. Literally, we must not “overthrow” the work of God, which would be the opposite of building it up. Truly, all food is pure, but if we eat something in a way that causes someone else to stumble, then we do wrong. Something allowable in itself may be sinful if it leads others astray. We may tempt others to sin when we think it is innocent.
Again we must limit the phrase, “All things indeed are pure,” to the context—that is, to non-moral issues, specifically food. Thus the NIV says, “All food is clean.” Also, when the verse warns us not to cause “offense,” it does not refer to anything that displeases or upsets someone but rather to things that cause others to stumble in their Christian walk. Of course, we should avoid upsetting or displeasing others as far as possible, but we need not live in fear and bondage because of the personal “pet peeves” of others. Christians who consider themselves mature cannot threaten to “take offense” in order to demand universal conformity to their own personal convictions. The whole point of this passage is that Christians should not force their personal convictions on others. If one’s exercise of liberty could actually harm a sincere Christian’s spiritual walk, however, then one should avoid the action.
Abstinence from Questionable Things
It is good to deny ourselves of certain personal pleasures if this will prevent spiritual harm to others. This is a sufficient reason for abstinence from questionable things. This is why we must abstain even from the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Romans 14:21 uses two examples: eating flesh (meat) and drinking wine (grape juice, whether fermented or unfermented). Perhaps this speaks in general terms, citing one example each of food and drink, or perhaps it alludes to actual controversies. Eating meat could be questioned on grounds of vegetarianism, meat offered to idols, or meat unclean under Jewish law. Drinking grape juice could be questioned as being unclean under Jewish law (Daniel 1:8) or forbidden by a Nazarite vow (temporary or permanent) (Numbers 6:3). Apparently, all the controversies in this chapter—food, special days, drink—were related to Jewish ceremonial laws or similar customs among pagans.
There is no reason to suppose Paul endorsed the use of alcoholic beverages, which involves moral issues. In any case we should abstain from alcoholic beverages, because they do pose a stumbling block to others. (Refer to Chapter 10 of Practical Holiness: A Second Look by David K. Bernard.)
Exercise Your Conviction Privately Before God
Romans 14:22 presents the conclusion to the one who participates: If you have faith (i.e., conviction) in your liberty, keep it to yourself. Exercise it privately before God, but do not shock a brother by it. Be sure, however, that you actually have a clear conscience in this matter. Happy are those who have no misgivings about what they practice, who do not condemn themselves for what they allow.
If You Have Any Doubt about a Practice, Do Not Participate
Romans 14:23 presents the conclusion to the one who abstains: If you have any doubt about a practice, do not participate. If someone doubts but participates anyway he is condemned. The KJV uses the word damned, but the primary meaning of the word in Greek and in KJV English is “condemned.” This could mean that the one who acts despite his doubts is condemned in his own mind and feels guilty. The last clause specifically states, however, that any violation of the faith principle is sin. This does not mean all non-Christian works are sinful, but it does mean we may sin in doing what others regard as innocent. If we believe something is sinful but deliberately do it anyway, then we manifest a willingness to disobey and rebel against God. This attitude is sinful even if the act is neutral in itself.
Conclusion
“My old sinful life ended. It's dead and I choose not to continue living in sin. I became part of Christ Jesus when I was baptized. In baptism, I shared in his death. So when I was baptized, I was buried with Christ and took part in his death. And just as Christ was raised from death by the wonderful power of the Father, so I can now live a new life. Christ died, and I have been joined with him by dying too. So I will also be joined with him by rising from death as he did. I know that my old life was put to death on the cross with Christ. This happened so that my sinful self would have no power over me. Then I would not be slave to sin. Anyone who has died is made free from sin's control. If I died with Christ, I know that I will also live with him. Christ was raised from death. And I know that he cannot die again. Death has no power over him now. Yes, when Christ died, he died to defeat the power of sin one time - enough for all time. He now has a new life, and his new life is with God. In the same way, I should see myself as being dead to the power of sin and alive for God through Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:1-11, personalized). This is the righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, just as any essence of Christmas can deliver.