Non-Scriptural Examples Used to Justify Sin in Churches
The Problem of Non-Scriptural Justification of Sin
Some Christian traditions have been accused of using non-scriptural examples to justify sin within their churches. This issue arises when certain practices or behaviors are condoned or excused based on extrabiblical reasoning or cultural norms rather than scriptural teachings.
The concept of sin and justification is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. According to the apostle Paul, justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not by the works of the law [4]. The law, as outlined in the Old Testament, includes various provisions for sin offerings and trespass offerings, which were meant to atone for the sins of individuals and the community [1, 3].
In the New Testament, Jesus is seen as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, and believers are justified by faith in him [2]. The book of Romans emphasizes that justification is a gift from God, received through faith, and not earned through human efforts [2]. This understanding is echoed in the writings of the apostle Paul, who argues that no one is justified by the works of the law but through faith in Christ Jesus [4].
However, some Christian traditions have been criticized for deviating from this scriptural emphasis on faith and justification. For instance, certain practices or behaviors may be justified based on cultural or social norms rather than biblical teachings. This can lead to a watering down of the biblical standards for Christian living.
The Eastern Orthodox tradition, for example, emphasizes the importance of understanding sin and justification within the context of the church's teachings and traditions. According to this view, sin is not just a matter of individual transgression but also involves a communal dimension [5].
In contrast, Protestant traditions, such as the Presbyterian and Methodist/Wesleyan perspectives, emphasize the authority of Scripture in matters of faith and practice. They argue that justification is by faith alone, through Christ's sacrifice, and that sin is any deviation from God's will as revealed in Scripture [4, 6].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Atonement, Under the Law — Made by sacrifice -- Le 1:4,5. By priests alone -- 1Ch 6:49; 2Ch 29:24. Necessary for Propitiating God. -- Ex 32:30; Le 23:27,28; 2Sa 21:3. Ransoming. -- Ex 30:15,16; Job 33:24. Purifying. -- Ex 29:36. Offered for The congregation. -- Nu 15:25; 2Ch 29:24. The priests. -- Ex 29:31-33; Le 8:34. Persons sinning ignorantly. -- Le 4:20-35. Persons sinning wilfully. -- Le 6:7. Persons swearing rashly. -- Le 5:4,6. Persons withholding evidence. -- Le 5:1,6. Persons unclean. -- Le 5:2,3,6. Women after childbirth. -- Le 12:8. The altar. -- Ex 29:36,”
- Romans “The gift is not as through one who sinned: for the judgment came by one to condemnation, but the free gift came of many trespasses to justification. -- Romans 5:16”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Sin-offering — (Heb. hattath), the law of, is given in detail in Lev. 4-6:13; 9:7-11, 22-24; 12:6-8; 15:2, 14, 25-30; 14:19, 31; Num. 6:10-14. On the day of Atonement it was made with special solemnity (Lev. 16:5, 11, 15). The blood was then carried into the holy of holies and sprinkled on the mercy-seat. Sin-offerings were also presented at the five annual festivals (Num. 28, 29), and on the occasion of the consecration of the priests (Ex. 29:10-14, 36). As each individual, even the most private member of the congregation, as well as the congregation at large, and t”
- Galatians “yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law, because no flesh will be justified by the works of the law. -- Galatians 2:16”
- Leviticus (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Leviticus 4:12: Without the camp - This was intended figuratively to express the sinfulness of this sin, and the availableness of the atonement. The sacrifice, as having the sin of the priest transferred from himself to it by his confession and imposition of hands, was become unclean and abominable, and was carried, as it were, out of the Lord's sight; from the tabernacle and congregation it must be carried without the camp, and thus its own offensiveness was removed, and the sin of the person in whose behalf it was offered. The apostle (Heb 13:11-13) applies this in the most po”
- Galatians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Galatians 2:16: not justified by the works of the law--as the GROUND of justification. "The works of the law" are those which have the law for their object--which are wrought to fulfil the law [ALFORD]. but by--Translate, "But only (in no other way save) through faith in Jesus Christ," as the MEAN and instrument of justification. Jesus Christ--In the second case, read with the oldest manuscripts, "Christ Jesus," the Messiahship coming into prominence in the case of Jewish believers, as "Jesus" does in the first case, referring to the general proposition. just”