Romans Chapter 14
“In every generation, there is an attempt to justify a ‘broader fellowship’ to include those preaching and practicing some sin or doctrinal error. The attempt to justify such invariably includes Romans 14. The advocate of a ‘broader fellowship’ notes the apostle's instructions to ‘receive’ the one with whom we have a difference in preaching and practice (Romans 14:1). The next step is to say the differences discussed would include a doctrinal matter or practice of some sin. Thus, we are told we must receive those who are preaching some errors or practicing some sins if we obey this instruction. The crux of the issue is this ‘Does Romans 14 include doctrinal error and sinful practice in the differences under discussion?’” 1 In the January 2nd, 1992 issue of the Guardian of Truth it was pointed out that “every false doctrine to appear in the last 200 years has appealed to Romans 14-15 to pave the way for compromise to open doors of fellowship”. Those who advanced instrumental music in worship, missionary societies among the churches, and subsequent forms of liberalism constantly appealed to Romans 14. When Premillennialism was infiltrating churches of Christ in the 1930's -40's, many pleas for tolerance were based on Romans 14-15. In fact it was argued that we could maintain fellowship with those that taught Premillennialism: “In conclusion, my proposal for a ground of unity and fellowship to our challenging brethren is a follows: on the basis of Romans 14, although we feel that you misinterpret many of the prophetic passages, we will receive you as brethren; and on the basis of Romans 14, though you think we are unwarranted in giving these prophetic passages their literal import, we request that you receive us”2 “Ed Harrell wrote 17 articles in Christianity Magazine explaining why he can continue in fellowship with brethren holding ‘five or six, perhaps more", contradictory positions on divorce and remarriage’. In seven of those articles Romans 14 was used. After granting that the issues found there ‘were not matters bound by God’, he adds, ‘but the intent of the passage clearly encompasses more than that’” 3 The question remains does Romans chapter 14 describe a situation in which one brother is right and another is in the wrong and holds a false practice? Romans 14:1 “But him that is weak in faith receive ye, yet not for decision of scruples” 1 2
Sin, Doctrinal Error, and Romans 14. Harry Obsorne pg. 1 'Unity and Debates'. Word and Work, 1951, pg. 57-50 J.R.
Clark 3
Halbrook pg. 31