Stop Using Scripture and Christian Morality to Justify Your Unbiblical
Point of View
With
various social issues in our culture, we seem to be confused. We often say that
there are two sides to each coin, but in our culture, we seem to have more than
that at times. This is why it is very difficult for Christians to rebuke sin.
We are certainly called to do so, but not only do our rebukes often contradict
cultural norms, they often contradict the teachings of other Christians. This
should not be the case. Believers should be unified in their approach and in
their biblical world view. I do not dismiss the fact that there can be
differences in interpretations of secondary issues, but in primary issues, we
must be unified. One of those primary issues is the fact that sin is sin when
clearly spelled out in scripture. We cannot justify sin period. I could point
to many sin issues in our culture to give examples, but it is likely very easy
to think of some on the spot yourself. What makes these issues so complicated
to some is that often scripture and Christian morality is used to justify
unbiblical points of view. On social media, we see many who may even profess to
be Christians (but in no way live like that) using scripture to justify their
sin or their points of view. Why would one use a book they don’t even follow to
justify their stance? Perhaps even they, deep down, realize that morality is
based on the word of God. Whatever the case, it needs to stop.
Christians
are often caught up in this trap as well but almost in another way. Many
professing Christians use the Bible to justify the corrupt or sinful behavior of
others in the name of loving them. The truth, however, is that if we do not
rebuke sin, we are not loving them. I, for one, know of sin’s stronghold and
how easy it is to justify sin on our own merits without it holding up under God’s
holiness. Sin is sin period and should be seen as hated by God no matter how
much we desire it, and let’s be honest; we all are not only tempted by sin but
we often love it. In fact, when we sin, we are saying that we love it more than
God, and we need God to work in our hearts and lives, convict us, and bring us
to a point of repentance where we do not make excuses but seek to live in
holiness.
Often
people using the Bible and Christian morality to justify sin are not even
Christians themselves. Whether the issue is homosexuality, abortion, racism, or
anything else, the Bible is clear that sin is sin and dishonors God no matter
how we feel about it. If we are going to live by the word of God, we cannot
justify sin, and when we make mistakes (which will happen), we should immediately
repent and turn from it. The point is this. Stop using the Bible to justify
actions and behaviors that are already against the Bible. It is not only a contradiction,
but it is a lie. We can say Jesus calls us to love everyone including sinners,
which is true, but it is only a half truth, for Jesus also said to go and sin
no more. Loving people does not mean neglecting sin. It does not work. So to
people who seem to blame Christians for all the world’s trouble, stop; to
people who are not Christians but seem to be OK with using the Bible to justify
your position, stop; to people who are Christians but neglect sin in your life
and in the lives of others, stop; and to people who absolutely do not care
about anything going on in our culture, stop. God is still at work, and he is
still in control. One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess
that he is Lord to the glory of God the Father. I just hope and pray that those
who bow and confess do so before that day as well. Be holy, for he is holy.
Amen.
