Romans 3:8
And not rather, ( as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. And not rather, ( as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
Doing evil so that good may come from it is never justified, and a wrong act is never made right by the claimed good result. Those who follow that course deserve condemnation, and their damnation is just.
The plea that the end justifies the means is a persuasion of Satan to depart from principle and from the holy principles of heaven, and accepting it places a person in the ranks of the great deceiver. With great profession of piety the Pharisees constantly tried to lead Christ to swerve from His allegiance to the principles of God's government, but He never yielded. From a human standpoint men still excuse wrongdoing and unfaithful dealing by saying God's cause will gain by it, and political men leave the banner of Christ under pretext of serving God's cause when in reality they are serving their own lust.
Genuine saving faith never leads a person to do wrong so that good may result. Refusing to work for the glory of God, acting as one's own judge, following ambitious plans and projects, and trusting one's own methods even when they seem right in one's own eyes are opposed to such faith. Pure faith clothed with the righteousness of Christ works by love and sanctifies the soul, so that under its influence every action is done to advance the kingdom of God in harmony with divine thoughts and plans. Sanctified faith never steps onto questionable ground, but proceeds from a good conscience, works toward justification and sanctification, and performs good works with an eye single to the glory of God.
Doing what harms the individual is forbidden even under the pretext that the money gained will pay for a good work, such as bringing foods and confectionery onto the campground that work against health reform in order to profit from their sale. Discernment is called for to firmly resist the temptation to indulge appetite for financial gain. The lesson is to learn to be self-denying, healthful, active missionaries.