Does "all things lawful" permit us to sin?

Definition and Background

The phrase often rendered “all things are lawful” appears in two key places within Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 6:12; 1 Corinthians 10:23). These expressions have sometimes been misapplied to suggest total freedom to behave as one wishes, including sinning without repercussions. In examining the broader context of Paul’s teaching throughout Scripture, it becomes clear that this idea of “lawful” or “permissible” does not grant a believer the license to sin.

Scriptural Context

1 Corinthians 6:12 states, “Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything.

1 Corinthians 10:23 reiterates, “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying.

These verses show Paul echoing or quoting a Corinthian slogan—“Everything is permissible”—only to qualify it. While the Corinthians may have claimed a certain liberty, Paul counters that not everything is beneficial or builds up. Scripture must interpret Scripture; in Romans 6:1–2, Paul famously asks, “What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase? Certainly not!” This underscores that Christian freedom is never intended to sanction sinful behavior.

The Corinthian Context

In Corinth, believers came from backgrounds steeped in idolatry, sexual immorality, and diverse pagan practices. Historical excavations of ancient Corinth, including the famed Erastus inscription discovered in 1929 (corresponding to Erastus in Romans 16:23), confirm the reality of these first-century believers living in a vibrant and morally complex city. Some Corinthian Christians took the message of God’s grace too loosely, assuming that “freedom in Christ” allowed them to continue indulging sinful habits.

Paul corrects them by clarifying that, while the ceremonial and civil constraints of the law differ from the old covenant, the moral underpinning rooted in God’s holiness remains intact. Christian liberty is not a blanket endorsement of sin but liberation from bondage to sin. As 1 Corinthians 6:18 succinctly puts it, “Flee from sexual immorality.” Clearly, Paul’s instruction aims at holiness, not permissiveness.

No License to Sin

Christian freedom must be framed by two guiding principles:

1. Edification: The question “Does it build up others and honor God?” should define a believer’s actions. Paul specifically underlines this in 1 Corinthians 10:23, indicating that not all actions—though “permissible” in a technical sense—are edifying or beneficial.

2. Mastery: Sin enslaves, whereas Christ sets free (Romans 6:6–7). When Paul says, “I will not be mastered by anything,” he rejects the idea of indulging sin on the grounds of “lawfulness.” Believers live under God’s authority, transformed by the Spirit and guided by love for God and neighbor (Galatians 5:13–14).

Harmony with Other Scriptural Teachings

1. Grace and Holiness: Ephesians 2:8–10 affirms that salvation is by grace alone, yet the saved are created for “good works.” Therefore, authentic grace produces a desire for obedience, not a loophole for sin.

2. Walking by the Spirit: Galatians 5:16–17 contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, illustrating that believers who are led by the Spirit will desire righteousness rather than license for immoral behavior.

3. Christ’s Example: Jesus’ life (1 Peter 2:21–22) exemplifies sinless living. Believers are called to follow His steps. Christ’s freedom was never displayed as a justification to engage in wrongdoing.

Practical Application

When evaluating choices, believers should ask:

• Does this align with God’s revealed will in His Word?

• Does this activity glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31)?

• Does it potentially harm others or damage one’s witness?

• Will it lead to spiritual addiction or mastery by sin?

Sinful behaviors remain forbidden, regardless of a Christian’s freedom. True Christian liberty brings the capacity to choose righteousness and reject sin, reflecting the new life given by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:2–4).

Conclusion

“All things lawful” never grants permission to sin. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians address a confusion in Corinth, where a misunderstood slogan about freedom had led some astray. Seen in full context, the principle is that believers have genuine liberty in Christ—but it is a liberty to pursue holiness, serve others, and honor God. Far from a license to indulge sin, the Scriptural teaching emphasizes that anyone united with Christ is called to be free from sin’s mastery, living instead as God’s holy people.