What does it mean that whatever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23)?

Response

In the early church, some believers struggled with the issue of compromising with the world, specifically concerning the food they consumed. Paul was “fully convinced in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself” «I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. », (Romans 14:14). However, some believers could not eat meat sacrificed to idols with a clear conscience. Paul taught that each believer must establish and adhere to biblical convictions on disputable matters. When we are unable to do something with a clear conscience, we should abstain from it entirely, for anything not done in faith is considered sinful, or as the Amplified Bible explains, “whatever is done with doubt is sinful” «And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.», (Romans 14:23).

Consuming meat is not sinful. In fact, “all food is clean” «For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. », (Romans 14:20). The matter of consuming or abstaining from certain foods is a disputable issue. As followers of Christ, we should diligently study God’s Word and be guided by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13;Romans 8:14) to align our doctrines and convictions with God’s truth. James 4:17 reminds us, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” For matters clearly outlined in Scripture, we should adhere to the provided guidance. In cases of disputable matters or gray areas, we should seek to act in accordance with our conscience and biblical principles.Should live by our convictions, following the principle that whatever is not of faith is sin. The Living Bible puts it this way: “Anyone who believes that something he wants to do is wrong shouldn’t do it. He sins if he does, for he thinks it is wrong, and so for him it is wrong. Anything that is done apart from what he feels is right is sin” «And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.», (Romans 14:23).

Some people approach gray areas with extreme care, while others approach them with more liberty. Some might say it is sinful to go to the movies or to wear certain clothing while others have no problem with doing those things. A believer’s life is marked by seeking to please and glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31;Colossians 3:23). The Holy Spirit also lives within believers «That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. », (2 Timothy 1:14). Regarding disputable matters, whatever is not of faith is sin. That is, if our conscience produces guilt, we should refrain from that activity. It doesn’t matter if others say the activity is permissible; we must choose to follow our own convictions because “whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin” «And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.», (Romans 14:23). In other words, if you are not fully convinced that what you are doing is good, do not do it. Do not act against a doubting conscience, for whatever is not of faith is sin.

Not all things are beneficial. “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”, (1 Corinthians 10:23), even if they are not sinful, and believers will seek to do only those things that please God and edify their brothers and sisters in Christ. Whatever is not of faith is sin. Colossians 1:10 provides a good guiding principle: “Live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way.” When a matter arises that is not specifically addressed in Scripture, we must consider scriptural principles to help us determine if it will please God. We must ask ourselves, are we seeking to please ourselves or God (Colossians 3:1-4;2 Timothy 2:4;2 Corinthians 5:14-15;Galatians 5:16-18)? Is the activity addictive (1 Corinthians 6:12;Ephesians 5:18)? Will my Christian witness be upheld (1 Timothy 4:12;Colossians 4:5)? Will doing this build me and others up to godliness (1 Thessalonians 5:11;1 Corinthians 10:23)? Our convictions must be molded to obey Christ, and then we must not go against them. “Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves” “Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.”, (Romans 14:22).