When It Isn't Okay

When we consider the things the Bible doesn't speak directly to in the modern day like cloning, bioethics, genetic manipulation, etc...when you're not sure, adhere to the following list. If the Bible does speak to it, obey the Bible and stop reading this blog. Failure to obey inevitably leads to sin or something worse, possibly punishment. In the case of those that have not accepted salvation...it means damnation.

There are a set of principles or criteria we need and should try to adhere to when deciding whether or not something is okay to do or is a sin and disagreeable to God. If the deed, action or thought meet the following criteria than I would say they are okay for you to do.

Edification: Will it produce something spiritually beneficial for someone else or me?

1 Corinthians 10:23-All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable All things are lawful, but not all things edify.

Enslavement: Will it lead to spiritual/physical bondage for someone else or me?

1 Corinthians 6:12-All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.

Exposure: Will it expose someone else's or my mind or body to to defilement or sin.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20-Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

Esteem: Will it benefit others or cause them to stumble.

1 Corinthians 8:8-9-But food will not commend us to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.

Evangelism: Does it further the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a positive biblical manner?

Matthew 28:19-20-Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Ethics: Does it violate my conscience?

Romans 14:23-But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

Psalm 66:18-If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear;

Exalting: Does It bring glory to the Lord?

1 Corinthians 10:31-Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

So tell me...does abortion meet these qualifications? Cheating on a spouse? Sexual deviance? Calling truth lies and lies truth? Justifying murder because your religion calls for it? Manipulating people to your own ends to get financial gain, power?

Does it, can it or will it enslave or trap you or someone else? We are either slaves (Gk: doulos) to sin or slaves to Christ