I would almost agree, but again, I would say it all depends on what the person's conscience is like. I mean there is no sin outside our own conscience, so to say, since no thing is unclean in itself (Romans 14:14), being unclean only to those who are afterwards convicted in their conscience of having sinned (Leviticus 5:3). Of course, as I already said before, some people have their conscience seared -- they have chosen to disregard their conscience towards certain sins, and haven't promptly dealt with guilt, thus ruining their faith, whose integrity depends on clarity of conscience (1 Timothy 1:19). Though they may think they are saved, they are not, and the lack of inner peace testifies of it.
As a result of these things, it is hard to say that because this or that person leads a sloppy life, he or she is unsaved. I mean what if this person has enough faith to not judge themselves for it and thus continues to have clarity of conscience unhindered (we are said to not judge others to avoid being judged, but we are also told to treat our selves as we treat others!)? To everyone a different measure of faith is given.
Having said that, I would agree that because Paul did preach what you are saying -- how we must show forth the glory of Christ in our daily walk -- that if we only shame God by our walk, it is highly likely that this person's relationship with God is suffering, his or her conscience is often unclean, and his or her salvation often in jeopardy, perhaps requiring an interference of other Christians with advice / prayer, in order to help get the person onto a more solid ground.
Hi,
I used to think Romans 14:14 meant that the conscience determines sin, and to a certain degree it does. But not to the degree that we can say "there is no sin outside our own conscience".
You have to look at the context of the passage Paul was talking about food, now food types were classed as "clean", or "unclean". Other sins such as Homosexuality, were called abominations to God, thefts, murders, etc.
Now lets look at the passage in context, Paul is talking about food and eating, so about clean and unclean foods:
Rom 14:2-3 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.
Rom 14:14-15 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Now note Romans 14:17 it says the Kingdom of God is not about food, but what is it about? Righteousness doing God's commands.
1Jn 3:6-7 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
1Jn 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
But in saying all that above, we have to be careful that we don't make everything a sin. i.e. like watching a movie, etc.
Ecc 7:16-17 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
