Lesson 2024

(Lesson 2024)(05-18-17) Romans 14:1-9

"Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living."

In today's quote, Paul explained that we, the children of God, and members of the church that Jesus established, are not to judge the intent of those around us. He knew that there were those who might believe slightly different about some lesser elements of our faith. As an example, Paul was referring to some who believed that the Jewish rules of the Sabbath were to be honored, while some didn't. He also exampled those who might believe some foods to be unclean while some don't believe it matters. The overriding point is that the trivial differences in the way we believe about carnal things does not matter to God as it concerns our eternity, so long as our faith in Jesus Christ abides over all else.

Am I saying that those who believe in such things as water baptism and personal perfection as necessary steps to achieving eternal life are acceptable in Christ's church? NO, because they are not!

Those who believe such things can't really have perfect faith in Jesus Christ because a part of their faith is dedicated to their own earthly actions. One cannot have a split faith and be a child of God. We must believe that Jesus is the savior with NO caveats. Salvation is in an either or fashion, there is no half saved category in God's plan of eternal salvation. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)~