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grey areas?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by mont974x4, Oct 29, 2012.

  1. mont974x4

    mont974x4 New Member

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    I have heard, and I have used, the term "grey areas" to delineate issues that God does not directly address in Scripture in a sin/not sin manner. For example. God clearly says stealing is a sin. However, He does not say all alcohol use is sin.

    What has been gnawing at me the last couple of weeks is the calling of the alcohol issue (and similar issues) grey areas. Is that really what they are? To call them grey, IMO, is to suggest that the issues are murky, unclear, and lack the possibility of ant firm resolution. I have been thinking, and spurred on by the thread hoping to define legalism, that it would be better to call them areas of freedom instead. These are areas where the individual can be informed by the Spirit thereby being "fully convinced" as a matter of conscience to determine the practice as sin, or not sin, for them.



    Am I making sense? :laugh:
     
  2. Ed B

    Ed B Member

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    It makes sense to me. I think calling this an area of freedom rather than a grey area is the right way to look at it. And the Bible tells us about liberty.

    Galatians 5:13: For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.​

    For some people drinking any alcohol will lead to sin for them or those they influence. For others, light or moderate use of alcoholic beverages will not be a stumbling block. I think we are at liberty here but as you said we should listen to how the Holy Spirit and scripture directs us when we exercise our liberties.

    A few more passages that talk of how to handle our liberties.

    1 Corinthians 6:12: All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.


    1 Corinthians 10:23: All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.​
     
    #2 Ed B, Oct 29, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 29, 2012
  3. mont974x4

    mont974x4 New Member

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    Thanks. That is what I was thinking.






    It's nice to know I am not always the odd man out. LOL
     
  4. Oldtimer

    Oldtimer New Member

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    Mont974x4, check my reply in the Legalism thread. Post #9. The referenced e-book may be helpful as you sort through this.
     
  5. 12strings

    12strings Active Member

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    What you have said is true, but could what not say everything you just said and use the words "grey areas" to mean the same thing?

    The simple fact is, that while both sides believe they have the correct answer...(therefore neither believe it is murky or unclear)...that in fact the reason different conclusions are drawn is because not everyone sees it with the same "Clarity".

    So for those who believe all alcohol consumption is a sin...they do not believe that to be an area of "freedom." So your argument would not convince them that you are not sinning by drinking wine.
     
  6. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    Listen, dont mess this up for me.......I can have a snort now and again & not be damned to hell for it....now the nuts will come outa the wood work and start yamerin about the evils of the poteen. Ehhhh, they do upset my good mood that they do.:(
     
  7. mont974x4

    mont974x4 New Member

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    I understand what you are saying. I don't expect to change anyone's mind on the issue, even when I am acting in a pastoral role. My job is to point people to the Word and help them to understand what it says, however in all cases it is the Spirit who teaches.

    That said, calling them grey areas implies confusion and Scripture says God is not the author of confusion.

    People are, of course, free to call them grey areas. LOL Just so people can't accuse me of being a legalist.
     
  8. mont974x4

    mont974x4 New Member

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    LOL Well, you know I enjoy a good microbrew now and again, especially with a good steak. Being stationed in Germany for 3 1/2 years ruined the average American beer for me. I do like a glass of wine on special occasions, and I use wine for family Communion. Generally I save liquor for rare occasions, like a drink for "absent companions" or when I am sick and a hot toddy is prescribed.
     
  9. Yeshua1

    Yeshua1 Well-Known Member
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    to me , the term Grey Area would refer to those positions that we can freely disagree over, but usually are issues that we agree on int he main, just disagree in the minor!

    Like water baptism, its mode
    Second Coming the timing
    isreal/church same or different

    law/grace
     
  10. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    That was my Father's idea of medicine (hot toddy that is) when I was small & had a cold. I can tell you I did go right to sleep. LOL

    Absent comrades I think is what your saying---then yes, that I understand. Scotch sometimes makes the pain go away & again, then I can sleep.

    Regarding the beer, wifes fathers family is from the Father Land & some were brew masters. They came to this country as Mueller's & changed it to Miller....funny though, none of them will drink it.....cant tell you what they call it.....LOL.
     
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