August 10, 2003

RECEIVE YE ONE ANOTHER

Romans 14:1-15:7

   In Romans 14:1 thru 15:7 the issue is reception. We are to "receive one another." It is not comparing right and wrong or orthodox and heretical, but strong and weak. The passage deals with a situation unique to the transition period where law gives way to grace. While the spirit and attitude are applicable for today, this exact situation is rare and hardly ever experienced in the church today. It treats the Jewish believer who has difficulty letting go of things taught by God.

   The reception of weak brethren was not to be with "doubtful disputations." This might be better understood to mean "not passing judgment on others' scruples," or "not criticizing their thoughts." The context and the issues considered will clarify this. In the matter of eating we find the strong eating "all things," and the weak eating only "herbs." The "eaters" are not to despise the "non-eaters," and the "vegetarians" are not to judge the "eaters." They are to receive each other because "God has received him [that is, both]" (14:3). Failing this, they are charged with judging another man's servants, and assured that God is able to make the criticized one to stand!

   The matter of observing "days" is considered next. Some esteem "one day above another" and "another esteems "every day alike." Both are exhorted to "be fully persuaded in his own mind," that is, they are to follow their own convictions in the matter, at least for the present.

   The far greater issue is the Lordship of Christ and the intent of the heart. Those who regard special days do it "as unto the Lord." And those who do not regard any day special do that as "unto the Lord." The one who eats all things, eats them "to the Lord," and the one who "eats not," eats not as "unto the Lord" and gives God thanks. Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's, and "to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, in order that He might be Lord of the dead and living" (14:8-9). The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ are brought to bear, but salvation is not at all the issue! What is this but the applying the work of the cross to our sanctification and honor, living in peace with one another by receiving those whom God has received in harmony, love, and peace? The real issues are not things eaten or days observed, but the Lordship of Christ and consideration for others in the matter some call scruples. May we all say with Paul, "I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus..."

Ivan L. Burgener