Theology for Everybody: Romansنموونە

As we come to this closing section of Romans, Paul addresses an important question: can two Bible-believing Christians coexist with different “lines” of what’s “right” or “Christian”?

As I mentioned in Romans 15, I look at this issue in terms of national versus state borders. National borders are those things you must believe in to be a Christian. Once you cross over those, you’re no longer a Christian. We can disagree about state borders while still being friends, going to different churches, and remaining Christians.

There is a difference between biblical truth (doctrine) and our opinions and preferences. In Romans 14:1, Paul wrote, “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.” Many churches and Christians divide over opinions, but the Bible calls us to live among each other as fellow believers.

If you disagree on a national border, then you may need to reset your relationship. But if you disagree on a state border, you need to love each other and have grace for one another in your differing viewpoints.

Paul has a few admonitions for the Roman church. They seem like a fantastic, Spirit-filled church, but he warns against those who try to cause divisions. Even in heaven, Satan rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven, along with one-third of the angels who decided to follow him. Even in the perfect Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve fell prey to the serpent’s schemes and committed the first sin. In a perfect environment, people can still be led astray. This is why Jesus came to earth on a rescue mission.

Satan is not creative. He does not create things; he only breaks things. He only destroys what God constructs. In other words, God creates, and Satan counterfeits. The battle that led Adam and Eve astray will come for your family, business, and relationships. It’s going to come for the Church. We shouldn’t be shocked; instead, we should be prepared.

In the Bible, Satan tries to tempt and draw away three men in particular: Jesus, Peter, and Judas Iscariot. With Jesus, the enemy is unsuccessful—Jesus never sinned or did anything wrong. With Peter, Satan was almost successful. The apostle denied Jesus three times, but then he later had the opportunity to profess his love for Jesus three times. With Judas, Satan was successful. Judas was one of Jesus’ 12 disciples, the men who walked closest with Jesus while He was on the earth, but Judas ultimately betrayed Jesus and was instrumental in his physical death.

Today’s Reflection

How can you protect your family and church from division?