While Gods Word does not cover every situation we will face, it is all-sufficient for living a Christian life. Most things we can simply see what the Bible says and follow the proper course based on that. In the cases where Scripture does not give explicit instructions for a given situation, we need to look for the principle behind it. Again, in some of those cases it will be easy. Most of the principles Christians follow are sufficient for most situations. In the rare case where there is neither explicit Scripture nor seemingly clear principle, we need to rely on God. We must pray over His Word and open ourselves to His Spirit. The Spirit will teach us and guide us through the Bible to find the principle we need to stand on so we may walk and live as a Christian should.
A holy Watcher notes every work and action of our lives, and weighs every motive that prompts to action. The hand that traced the characters on the wall of Belshazzar's palace is everywhere writing, "God is here." God is in every place. All our words, all our plans, all our secret motives, are weighed in the balances of infinite justice and truth. {UL 207.3}
There were many that during the war were hiding Jews in their homes in secret places. People felt that they had to lie to protect the innocent. But in a book by Corrie Ten Boom her sister did not lie when the German soldiers asked her where she was hiding the Jews. She promptly told them that they were under the table. It was truth that under the table was a rug covering a trap door to the basement where some were hiding. Interestingly, the German soldiers laughed and did not believe her.
If we have faith, God will work behind the scenes to do His will.
Advent Review and Sabbath Herald (vol.3) 01-26-1886 **************************** The Bible presents a perfect standard of character. This sacred book, inspired by God, and written by holy men, is a perfect guide under all circumstances of life. It sets forth distinctly the duties of both young and old. If made the guide of life, its teachings will lead the soul upward. It will elevate the mind, improve the character, and give peace and joy to the heart. But many of the young have chosen to be their own counselor and guide, and have taken their cases in their own hands. Such need to study more closely the teachings of the Bible.
Sister in Christ, is it best that we go to the Sunday-keepers to find our doctrine to base our lives on? Sure, they have many good things, but why go to polluted waters when we have the "Lesser Light"? Let's stay close to the path of truth, and remember that the Bible DOES apply to all circumstances of life.
Lying is breaking the 9th commandment. It is not right. God seems to have winked at Rahab's lie because of her knowledge level, but that doesn't mean it is right to lie.
Is it right to lie to keep the Sabbath? to honor your parents? to not bow to idols? to protect a life?
This article (from the Journal of the Adventist Theological Society) points out that when faced with perplexing ethical difficulties or life-or-death dilemmas: 1) We should not attempt to project the future and make decisions based on consequential speculations. 2) We should not operate out of fear of the future but we should operate by faith in our Father.
"In deciding upon any course of action we are not to ask whether we can see that harm will result from it, but whether it is in keeping with the will of God." Patriarchs and Prophets 634
"Death before dishonor or transgression of God's law should be the motto of every Christian." Testimonies for the Church 5:147
We cannot calculate the eternal results or the rightness of our actions. We should not speculate but rather live for God's glory.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16