I13.09.91.htm

"SETTING THINGS STRAIGHT" REGARDING THOSE
WITH FAITH AND UNACCEPTABLE RELATIONSHIPS.
(2 Timothy 3:16).

SOME EXAMPLES.
When the apostle Paul spoke of the sexual immorality existing at that time, he was addressing those of the Christian congregation at Corinth who had become self-satisfied while this corrupting influence existed among them. He ordered them to have nothing to do with "any so-called Christian who leads a loose life", but to hand such a man over to satan for the destruction of the flesh. In fact, they had been tolerating incestuous behaviour that not even pagans tolerated! (1 Cor 5:1-6 NEB). Paul added: "I was not, of course, referring to pagans who lead loose lives or are grabbers and swindlers or idolaters. To avoid them you would have to get out of the world altogether". (From 1 Cor 5:9-13 NEB).

When invited by unbelievers to a meal, we may eat everything that is set before us. (1 Cor 10:27,28 NEB). But while an allowance has been given for believers to eat with unbelievers, and to have regard for their consciences over foods, the apostle John also instructs us not to welcome into our own homes or give a greeting to anyone who does not bring the doctrine of The Christ. To do so would make one "an accomplice in his wicked deeds." (2 John V.9-11 NEB). Therefore, when attending a meal among unbelievers, only do so to make known the doctrine of The Christ. If they will not listen to you, no purpose is served by the association.

What is to be learned from these scriptures? Well, if one is invited to a meal, find out whether those attending are believers in The Christ. If they are not, one might still attend in order to enlighten unbelievers as to their obligations to God. Otherwise, no purpose would be served. It should be pointed out that Christians often have to associate with unbelievers at workplaces, so that they may earn a living. But while this may involve speaking to and working alongside unbelievers, one is not sharing in their wicked works unless the employment itself is wicked.

But while it is not a Divine requirement to completely isolate oneself from all spiritually unclean persons (otherwise to be free of guilt one would have to get out of this world altogether), one must avoid compromising one's faith by teaching scriptural principles while working as a paid employee.

UNBELIEVERS, AND THOSE NOT BAPTIZED, ARE DEAD IN THEIR SINS.
"Surely you know that the unjust will never come into possession of the kingdom of God. Make no mistake: no fornicator or idolater, none who are guilty either of adultery or of homosexual perversion, no thieves or grabbers or drunkards or slanderers or swindlers, will possess the kingdom of God. Such were some of you. But you have been through the purifying waters; you have been dedicated to God and justified through the name of the Lord Jesus and the Spirit of our God." (1 Cor 6:9-11 NEB). Those who make a vow of dedication to God, symbolizing this by water baptism, must do so in the accurate knowledge of God and by their obedience to His Holy Word.

Baptisms for the sake of being dead ones and baptisms of ignorant children and adults are not acceptable to God. Water baptism is for the progressive sanctification of one's spirit. Water itself cannot cleanse one's spirit, but is used to symbolize one's death as to former sins, a request to God for a good conscience, and one's spirit rebirth in dedication to God. It does not symbolize continuance in past sins or the apostate teachings of spiritually dead ones. (1 Cor 15:29 NEB).

        PAGAN: Heathen. Unenlightened person.
        SANCTIFICATION: Make productive of or conducive to holiness.
        KINGDOM OF GOD: Life under the administration of 144,000 anointed heavenly
                                               priests of God. A Kingdom of priests. (Rev 5:9,10. 7:4).

13/9/91.