Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. (23) And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
I only detain the Reader at the last clause of this Chapter, to observe, in what a tone of the most solemn decision, the Lord declares by his servant, that whatsoever is not of faith is sin. We have a strong expression elsewhere, of the importance of faith, in the sight of God, when it is said, that without faith it is impossible to please God, Hebrews 11:6. But here, the want of it is said to be sin. And what becomes of the multitude of services, alms-givings, charities, and benevolent institutions, unfounded in faith? According to this Scripture, it is not enough to say, they have no claims to divine favor; but they are exposed to divine wrath. For whatsoever is not of faith is sin, According to this statement, (and let it be remembered it is scriptural), there can be nothing to escape the Lord's displeasure, however specious it may appear to men, but what is undertaken with an eye to God in Christ. Every act of the creature, as the act of a sinful creature, must partake of sin. And, it is by faith only in Christ, that the iniquity of our most holy things are done away, Exodus 28:38. But, if there be no respect to Christ in any act and faith of acceptance in Him, it is sin: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Perhaps it may be said, that upon this statement, all the high sounding deeds of thousands, which have filled the world with their praises, and their monuments, will come to nothing. No doubt they will. But it is not enough, according to this Scripture, merely to say, that they will come to nothing; for if they be found unfounded in Christ, they will be proved to be sin. And what a reverse of circumstances will take place at the great day of decision: while many who have given almost their body to be burned on the score of charity, but without faith in Christ, will be found in their very alms-deed in sin; many who have given nothing because they have had nothing to give, but the prayer of faith; will be then acknowledged, as the poor woman was by Christ when on earth, to have given a costly offering. Reader! may you and I have grace, to form a right estimate in all things. Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.