Rethinking the Logic of “No Prohibition = Permission” Through a Sacred, Spirit-Led Lens

Introduction:

There’s a popular argument floating around these days, especially in matters of sex, ethics, and behavior:

“If the Bible doesn’t specifically say it’s wrong, then it must be okay.”

On the surface, that sounds reasonable—even freeing. But when we lean into Scripture with sacred discernment and spiritual maturity, we find that biblical silence is not the same as divine approval.

As a pastor, a teacher, and a lifelong student of the Word, I offer this reflection—not to judge or condemn, but to call us deeper. Deeper into wisdom. Deeper into holiness. Deeper into covenant.

The Bible Is Not a Loophole Manual

God didn’t give us the Bible to be used as a checklist or a cosmic “do and don’t” ledger. Scripture is a revelation of God’s character, not a list of moral exemptions.

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are beneficial.

—1 Corinthians 10:23

This verse alone breaks open the myth. Just because the Bible doesn’t say not to do something doesn’t mean it leads to life, love, or holiness.

Absence of Prohibition ≠ Presence of Permission

The Bible doesn’t say “don’t exploit the internet.”

It doesn’t explicitly say “don’t pollute the environment.”

It doesn’t name “white supremacy” or “structural racism.”

And yet—when we listen with the Spirit, we know these things violate God’s justice, mercy, and truth.

To base our ethics only on what the Bible names directly is to walk a minimalist faith, not a mature one.

Jesus Deepens, Not Diminishes, the Standard

“You’ve heard it said… but I say to you…”

Jesus wasn’t lowering the bar—He was raising it.

He moved from behavior to heart posture, from legality to liberation, from minimal obedience to maximum holiness.

If we are truly disciples, we don’t ask: “Can I get away with this?”

We ask: “Does this reflect the love, justice, and holiness of Christ?”

Wisdom Isn’t Always Written—But It’s Always True

Books like Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes offer deep wells of sacred wisdom without listing commandments. They teach us that some choices are not wrong—but still unwise.

“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” —Proverbs 12:15

Silence in Scripture is not a green light for selfishness, recklessness, or disregard for the Spirit’s voice.

God’s Holiness Is Relational, Not Just Rule-Based

God is not a cosmic referee waiting to throw a flag when you break an unseen rule. God is a covenant partner calling us into transformational relationship. Our ethics must reflect that relationship—not just technicalities.

Holiness is not about avoiding the bad. It’s about embodying the good.

A Final Word from the Prophets and Poets

Bonhoeffer: “Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance.”

Baldwin: “If the concept of God has any use, it can only be to make us larger, freer, and more loving.”

Scripture: “Be holy, for I am holy.” —Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:16

Our calling is not to live by loophole, but by liberation.

A Call to Rethink, Reground, and Rise

Let us build a community that does not traffic in technicalities or exploit silence, but walks in Spirit-led clarity.

📖 Just because the Bible doesn’t mention a thing doesn’t mean the heart of God is silent about it.

🔗 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going…

At New Unity Baptist Church, we’re committed to deep, honest, Spirit-filled study and sacred dialogue. If this post sparked something in you—hope, questions, resistance, or revelation—join us in this journey.

Feel free to share, comment, or bring your questions to our next Bible study or community forum.

Let’s grow together.