Recently a Christian who had been disfellowshipped took issue with the discipline, wanting some type of social interaction, saying, “It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.” Unfortunately many hold this view almost exclusively regarding religious matters.
Socrates, the well known Greek philosopher, is quoted as saying, “Moderation in all things.” In fact, the Bible teaches moderation as well, just not in all things. The concept of temperance contains moderation. Things like gluttony and covetousness and drunkenness occur because people take things too far!
But, regarding God’s will some things are different. When God calls for moderation, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. But when God calls for what the world considers an extreme response to a matter, the Christian must fully obey. Let’s illustrate with a few examples.
First consider the scenario above. What does God require as a response to the Christian who has been disciplined for unrepentant sin? Look at 1 Corinthians 5:11, “But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.” How about a false teacher? “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John 10-11). But what if the discipline brings about repentance? Are they to be held at arm’s length? Are we allowed to refuse to forgive? Remember the man of 1 Corinthians 5? He repented. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him” (2 Corinthians 2:6-8). This is a simple case of all or nothing. All if he is a faithful Christian, nothing if he refuses to repent of his sin.
What about worldliness? Is it really all that bad to just have a few minor vices? Do we really have to give up all sin? Most don’t think so. Many who claim allegiance to Christ still use profanity, still divorce and remarry, still practice homosexuality, still lie. They want to be known as a Christian, but they don’t want to be considered extreme, radical, too religious. What does the Bible say about it? “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). Sin is sin. Sin separates one from God. “Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2). Obviously another case of all or nothing.
Let’s try one other. Worshipping God is fine. But, is it acceptable to engage in another religion? Our nation is tolerant of all religions. But it is the considered view of many (even many who claim to be Christians) that one religion is as good as another. I beg to differ. Here is what the scripture says. “You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image — any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them…” (Exodus 20:3-5). And, “I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no God besides Me” (Isaiah 45:5). Regarding the Christ, Jesus asserted, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Again, this is an example of all or nothing. You have to worship God and Him alone.
There is a simple question that settles the matter: Do you believe the Bible or not? Paul wrote, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
True acceptance of the Bible as God’s word dictates whether any particular issue is an all or nothing concern. It doesn’t matter what I think or what you think. It only matters what God says. And this is the problem most have. They don’t want to accept what God says on the matter.
God says “don’t”. But, maybe it would be OK for me to “do” in a particular circumstance or situation. God says “do”, but maybe if I can just explain why it would be too uncomfortable, too burdensome or too awkward for me, He will make an exception. What God said 2,000 years ago shouldn’t be binding on me today. Many examples of this could be given, regarding ethics, doctrines, and sensibilities that have changed, sometimes only in the last few decades.
Instead of equivocation, God expects submission from us. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). This is certainly an “all or nothing!” matter. Whether we are willing to accept it or not.
