The Burden of Proof

by Terry Wane Benton

We sometimes hear someone say “prove it is a sin,” with the idea that unless the Bible says “this is a sin,” it is acceptable to the Lord.

But, the criteria is that for something to be acceptable to the Lord, one must “prove it is acceptable” (Romans 12:1-4). If you cannot prove it is acceptable, then you sin by doing something you cannot and did not first prove is acceptable by correct use of evidence.

We do not have to prove that a separate priesthood and an incense altar are sinful in the church, but those who utilize such must prove it is acceptable to the Lord. Men could not be priests in Israel unless they could first prove their genealogical credentials (Ezra 2:62). The burden of proof was not on others to prove they were not properly credentialed. It was each man’s responsibility to prove genealogical records properly credentialed them to be descendants of Aaron. If you could not prove it, you were disqualified or too defiled to risk using you in the priestly role.

It was Nadab and Abihu’s responsibility to prove that the source of fire they used was acceptable (Leviticus 10:1-10). They had no right to think “this is acceptable unless someone can show us a ‘Thou shalt not get fire from this particular source.'” The burden of proof is on each of us to “prove what is acceptable” (Ephesians 5:10; I Thessalonians 5:21). Prove first, then act on the proof. To do otherwise is sin.