Bible Question:
When is lying justified? Never. The verses you cited and others never justified lying. Situation ethics will get you into trouble. So I'll do it. Situation: You have Christians hiding in your house and the authorities come and ask you if you are hiding Christians. You have only two choices: -say nothing. -or tell the truth. Do you think God won't know what to do when you show where they are hiding? Do you think God will be surprised? Is He not in control? You are not the one who decides who will live or die. God has that fully in control. If you lie and evn worse, plan to tell a lie, it is sin. Do I sin more, so I'll get more grace. May it NEVER be (Rom 6:1b-2a). I'll tell you what, go ahead and even plan to lie, then be ready to meet the fate of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). Lying to Christians or non-Christians matters not. |
Bible Answer: Dear Steve, Lying is indeed a sin and something that should not be practiced! I agree with you on the basis of several verses.. 1.. Lying is viewed as a sin (Psalm 59:12) 2.. God never lies (Numbers 23:19) 3.. Condemned by one's own words (Job 15:6) On the other hand, "lifesaving" is viewed as being 'higher on the ethical scale' then truthtelling in Ex. 1:15-19, 1 Sam. 20:5-7, Joshua 2:2-6. How do I explain this? We must follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. If it is clear that you are lying in a situation in which you shouldn't lie (which is almost every time), then you have sinned. If you are lying in a situation in which there are extenuating circumstances that justify the lie (such as protecting someone's life) and if the action is not in conflict with the Holy Spirit, then God may even reward you for your merciful act (Ex. 1:20). But by no means whatsoever am I advocating that you can or should practice lying to another human being. --Nolan |