§ 1 The text
NASB
Romans 14:23, NASBBut he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.
The claim this verse counters
“Incrementalism is a faithful, prudent approach.”
§ 2 The argument
'Whatever is not from faith is sin.' The speaker argues incrementalism proceeds not from faith in God's word and power but from fear of man, desire for consensus, and unbelief that obedience will work. On that diagnosis, it fails the Romans 14:23 test.
§ 3 Context & notes
Used in V2 to argue the root of incrementalism is a lack of faith ('an unbelief problem'). The verse supplies the general principle: action not springing from faith is sin.
§ 4 Themes
faith unbelief motive incrementalism as sin
§ 5 Discussion questions
- If a strategy springs from fear of man or doubt that obedience 'will work,' how does Romans 14:23 assess it?
- What would it look like to pursue abolition 'from faith'?
Source transcript
Drawn from
The Sin of Pro-Life Incrementalism (T. Russell Hunter) — 'whatever does not proceed from faith is sin... a lack of faith, a fear of man.'
§ 6 Related
Editorial note
Verse text is quoted from the NASB. Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org