Seventh-Day Adventists and legalism
I get into a lot of discussions with a Seventh-Day Adventist. One such discussion was that he believes eating processed foods is a sin. I believe that is legalism. The only dietary mandate for the New Testament Christian is "everything in moderation." If a person puts themselves in a position where eating too many processed foods is harming them, then it could be a sin, yes. Otherwise, processed foods are neutral and something to be eaten with thanks. Is this correct? He insisted that only "natural" foods are worthy of thanks. "Unnatural" foods are not gifts from God. I took the approach that "the earth and all that is within it is the Lord's." In an effort to make my point to him about legalism, I brought up the subject of marijuana. If marijuana was legal, would a Christian be sinning by using it in "moderation?" Since there is no biblical mandate on marijuana, I said it could be possible. That really angered the Seventh-Day Adventist because Ellen G. White has made statements on drugs, which they have to take as God's word on the subject, because they elevate her writings to Scripture in some cases. Of course, it is a moot point. Marijuana use is a sin because it is illegal, and that puts it under the category of obeying the government. Nevertheless, am I correct in my attempts to not get mired in legalism in my discussions with this Seventh-Day Adventist? We do not have the authority to make things sin that God has not called sin.
You are correct in saying that “we do not have the authority to make things sin that God has not called sin.” Seventh-Day Adventists have a history of taking “indifferent matters,” including items of food and drink that God has neither commanded nor forbidden in his word and putting them on a “forbidden list.” Their web site lists such items. The book of Galatians is a wonderful exposition and application of Christian freedom. Do share that book with your friend.
While some 23 states have legalized medicinal marijuana usage and four other states have legalized “recreational” marijuana usage, the substance remains illegal elsewhere in our country. Where it is illegal, it is a matter of obeying the government, as you noted. Where it has been legalized, Christians will recognize that government legislation does not necessarily or automatically make something God pleasing. Consider the legalization of abortion, no-fault divorce and same-sex marriage.
Thoughts of using that legalized substance need to be balanced by asking: If something is permissible, is it beneficial? (1 Corinthians 10:23) Is an activity beneficial for me—and others? The 1 Corinthians 10:23 passage occurs in the context of exercising our Christian freedom with an eye on how our actions might impact others—especially emboldening them to act against their conscience, and so to sin against their conscience. Would usage lead a person to dull his/her senses and lose self-control? (Proverbs 31:4-5; Luke 21:34; Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:21; Ephesians 5:18) The Bible tells us to “Be alert and of sober mind” (1 Peter 5:8). Would usage lead to addiction? The first time the phrase “everything is permissible for me” occurs in 1 Corinthians is in chapter 6. There (verse 12) Paul explains that we will not want to “be mastered by anything.” Might a person act in doubt and thus sin? (Romans 14:23) Will a person be harming the body that God created and which belongs to him? (This is a 5th commandment issue.) Questions like these urge extreme caution in a specific area of which the Bible is silent.
Finally, you are correct in that you do not want to “get mired in legalism” in your discussions with your friend. To a person who belongs to a church which officially teaches work righteousness, point your friend to Jesus Christ as Savior—complete Savior, perfect Savior. Show your friend from Scripture that salvation is entirely God’s work not ours (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7). God bless your discussions!