accountable faith

 In the context of doubtful things and Christian liberty, we read in the book of Romans, “whatever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). Christians in good conscience can disagree over what is acceptable to do. This can go beyond just what we can eat and drink—even though that is the main issue but involve social philosophy and the role of government. There are things that the Bible clearly identify as sin—even though those can be debated too.

We need to be true to our conscience and go with what we believe until otherwise persuaded differently. If you think someone is wrong or misinformed, then be willing to discuss the issue(s). The problem is whether we can follow Jame's directive: “let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; ²⁰ for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (the book of James 1:19-20). Usually, no one wants to discuss the issues, or they only want their view heard or they get mad-which shuts the conversation down.

There is the fact that we are all ultimately accountable to God. The context of Romans 14 concerning doubtful things makes that point (14:7-12). That is what I say to those who ask me as to how someone can be a Christian and believe certain things that they (the one to asks me) find disagreeable or unacceptable. I say they are accountable to God just as you (the one asking) and I are. In the end, we are both accountable to God for what we believe and do.