Topical Encyclopedia The concept of sin in the Christian tradition is deeply rooted in the understanding of faith and its relationship to human actions. The phrase "whatever is not of faith is sin" is derived from the Apostle Paul's epistle to the Romans, specifically Romans 14:23, which 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" . This passage highlights the intrinsic connection between faith and moral conduct, suggesting that actions devoid of faith are inherently sinful.Biblical Context In Romans 14, Paul addresses the issue of disputable matters among believers, particularly concerning dietary practices and the observance of certain days. The broader context of this chapter emphasizes the importance of acting according to one's convictions and the principle of not causing others to stumble in their faith. Paul underscores that believers should act in accordance with their faith and conscience, as actions not rooted in faith betray a lack of trust in God and His provisions. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the statement "whatever is not of faith is sin" implies that faith is the foundation of righteous living. Faith, in this context, is not merely intellectual assent but a deep-seated trust and reliance on God. It is the lens through which believers are to view their actions and decisions. When actions are not grounded in faith, they are disconnected from the divine will and purpose, thus constituting sin. This understanding aligns with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes faith as central to the believer's relationship with God. Hebrews 11:6 reinforces this by stating, "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 portrayed as the essential element that pleases God and aligns human actions with His will. Practical Application In practical terms, the principle that "whatever is not of faith is sin" calls believers to examine their motives and the basis of their actions. It challenges Christians to ensure that their decisions, whether in mundane or significant matters, are informed by their faith in God. This principle encourages a life of integrity, where actions are consistent with one's beliefs and trust in God's guidance. Moreover, this concept serves as a reminder of the importance of a clear conscience before God. As Paul writes in 1 Timothy 1:5, "The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith" . A life lived in faith is marked by a conscience that is attuned to God's voice and responsive to His leading. Conclusion The phrase "whatever is not of faith is sin" encapsulates a profound truth about the nature of sin and the role of faith in the believer's life. It calls Christians to a higher standard of living, where faith is the guiding principle in all actions and decisions. This understanding of sin emphasizes the necessity of a vibrant, active faith that permeates every aspect of life, ensuring that all actions are aligned with God's will and purpose. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 14:23And 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. It is not Correctly Said in the Catechism, that "God is Angry with ... Before his Fall, Adam had not the Power to Believe, Because There ... The Works of James Arminius, Vol. 1 On Sin in Believers Fruitless Faith Baptism not to be Presumptously Received it Requires Preceding ... Faith and Repentance Inseparable Weighed, and Found Wanting The Great Privilege of those that are Born of God Resources What does it mean to be a slave to sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the sin nature? | GotQuestions.org What is the worst sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |
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