I was reading a very short post on Pulpit Magazine by John MacArthur about the decision making process of the Christian. He boils it down to three factors. First, if it is prohibited by Scripture, don't do it. Second, you need wisdom. Third, consider your own desires.
In short, if it's okay to do, then do it if you desire. I agree with this, and don't think I hear it enough from conservative leaders that doing what you want, if it's not wrong, is what God uses to advance his kingdom. But in real life there's a catch...
What is prohibited by Scripture or dictated against by wisdom is a great debate within Christianity. Coming to your own conclusions may irk quite a few people and gain their judgment against you. Laundry lists of sins not actually prohibited by the bible make an impact upon people that can be very negative, and liberty is lost.
I've never heard a legalist describe himself as such, have you?
"I've never heard a legalist describe himself as such, have you?"
ReplyDeleteNope...
I think the problem boils down to how we view the purpose of the Scripture. Was the purpose of the Scriptures to give clear answers on all issues? I've heard Bible based arguments for almost every imaginable topic - often some for and others against the same topic. This approach to the Scriptures has also given merit to many dangerous movements throughout history (Slavery, Crusades, Inquisitions, Apartheid, Hitler's actions against Jews, Condemning interracial marriage, Ku Klux Klan, Many harmful cults).
I think we have to be mindful of what the major themes are in Scripture - those things which are very clear, yet still difficult to live out. The rest can be open for discussion, and each individual needs to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance.
Good thoughts, God bless!