Topical Bible: Faith: Whatever is not of, is Sin

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Definition and Context

Faith, in the Christian context, is a profound trust and confidence in God and His promises as revealed in the Scriptures. It is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is foundational to the Christian life, serving as the means by which believers are justified and live in accordance with God's will.

Biblical Foundation

The phrase "whatever is not of faith is sin" is derived from Romans 14:23, where the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of personal convictions and the exercise of Christian liberty. The full verse states: "But the one who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that is not from faith is sin" (Romans 14:23). This passage highlights the importance of acting in accordance with one's faith and conscience, emphasizing that actions not rooted in faith are considered sinful.

The Role of Faith in the Christian Life

Faith is central to the believer's relationship with God. It is by faith that individuals are justified and receive salvation, as articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast" . Faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves trust and reliance on God, leading to obedience and righteous living.

Faith and Works

While faith is the means of justification, it naturally results in good works. James 2:17 states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead" . Genuine faith manifests in a life that seeks to honor God through obedience and service. The relationship between faith and works is not one of earning salvation but demonstrating the transformative power of faith in the believer's life.

Faith and Conscience

Romans 14 addresses the issue of differing convictions among believers, particularly concerning dietary practices and observance of special days. Paul emphasizes that each person must be fully convinced in their own mind and act according to their faith. Acting against one's conscience, even in matters not explicitly sinful, is considered sin because it violates the principle of faith. This underscores the importance of living with integrity and sincerity before God.

Faith and Assurance

Faith provides believers with assurance and peace, knowing that their lives are in God's hands. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him" . Faith is the means by which believers approach God, receive His promises, and experience His presence.

Challenges to Faith

Believers may face challenges and doubts in their faith journey. The Bible encourages perseverance and trust in God's faithfulness. In Mark 9:24, a father seeking healing for his son cries out, "I do believe; help my unbelief!" . This reflects the reality of struggling faith and the need for divine assistance to strengthen and sustain belief.

Conclusion

Faith is the cornerstone of the Christian life, influencing every aspect of a believer's relationship with God and others. It is through faith that believers are justified, live in obedience, and experience the fullness of God's promises. The admonition that "whatever is not of faith is sin" serves as a reminder to live authentically and in alignment with one's convictions, trusting in God's guidance and provision.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 14:23
And he that doubts is damned if he eat, because he eats not of faith: for whatever is not of faith is sin.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Error, Though not Always a Sin, is Always an Evil.
... trifling sin. In short, a mistake in matters of this kind, whatever its nature and
magnitude, does not relate to the way of approach to God, which is the faith ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 21 error though not always.htm

It is not Correctly Said in the Catechism, that "God is Angry with ...
... But whatever is a punishment is not properly a sin ... that what can be removed by it
may not be proposed ... him, and had conversed with him on the articles of faith. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/article xxxi xi it is.htm

Faith and Repentance Inseparable
... It is quite certain that whatever the repentance here ... is a repentance perfectly
consistent with faith; and therefore ... Christ to pardon it, is not the repentance ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/faith and repentance inseparable.htm

The Works of James Arminius, Vol. 1
... But whatever is a punishment is not properly a sin. CONCLUSION. NINE QUESTIONS.
I. Which is first, Election, or Faith Truly Foreseen, so that God elected his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/

Baptism not to be Presumptously Received it Requires Preceding ...
... which shall not be revealed." [8471] Draw whatever (veil of ... is not this gift taken
away from many ... the treasure), who, after approaching to the faith of repentance ...
/.../tertullian/on repentance/chapter vi baptism not to be.htm

Before his Fall, Adam had not the Power to Believe, Because There ...
... be saved by the Gospel, then it would not be possible ... service, and which could be
of none whatever, except when ... existed for the exercise of such faith in Christ ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/article xix before his fall.htm

On Sin in Believers
... I do not remember to have seen the least intimation of ... But whatever doctrine is new
must be wrong; for the ... Must I reply, "Then you have no faith?" Another says ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 13 on sin in.htm

The Righteousness of Faith
... mercy, not because thou art worthy of it, but because his compassions fail not;
not because thou ... seeing faith itself is the only root of whatever is really ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 6 the righteousness of.htm

The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin
... By a simple faith,. ... I say to every one of you, whoever you may be, whatever your
past condition ... The man who has been taught of God to think will not so readily ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/the doctrines of grace do.htm

Uniformity in all Things.
... does not will the sin, he does will our humiliation, our poverty, or our mortification,
as the case may be. It is certain and of faith, that whatever happens ...
/.../de liguori/uniformity with gods will/2 uniformity in all things.htm