"SETTING THINGS STRAIGHT" REGARDING THOSE IN
THE FAITH AND UNACCEPTABLE RELATIONSHIPS.
SOME EXAMPLES.
When Paul the apostle spoke of the sexual immorality existing at that time, he was addressing only 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 these 'loose livers' in the congregation, that they hand such a man over to satan for the destruction of the flesh. The fact was that they were tolerating incestuous behaviour that not even pagans tolerated. (1 Cor 5:1,2 NEB).
Paul also said: "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).
But when invited by unbelievers to a meal, we are advised to eat everything that is set before us. (1 Cor 10:27,28 NEB). There is an allowance for us to eat with unbelievers, even to having regard for their conscience over foods. Yet the apostle John advises us not to greet or invite anyone into our homes who does not bring the doctrine of The Christ. Because doing so is having a sharing in his wicked works. (2 John V.10,11 NEB). Therefore, when attending a meal among unbelievers, do so only for the reason of making known The Christ to them. But if they do not listen to you, there will be no purpose served in this kind of association.
What should we understand from the above scriptures? Well, personally speaking, if I am invited for a meal, I would find out whether those attending are believers in The Christ. If they are not, then I might still attend in order that I may enlighten the non-believers as to their obligations. Otherwise, no further purpose would be served. At this juncture, I think it necessary to point out that Christians often have to associate to some degree with unbelievers at workplaces, that they may earn a living. And if this means speaking to and working with unbelievers, this cannot be deemed as sharing with or condoning their wicked works, unless of course the work itself is wicked.
It is not a Divine requirement to totally isolate oneself from all unclean ones, or we would have to get out of this world altogether to be free of sharing in the guilt of others. We are also informed that we cannot slave for two masters (administer the things about our Lord while working as a paid employee at the same time), and that, "love of the world is enmity to God." (James 4:4 NEB).
UNBELIEVERS, AND THOSE NOT BAPTISED, 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). Meaning, through the process of baptism after being known by God, out of our accurate knowledge and obedience to His Word.
No baptisms for the sake of being dead ones or baptisms of ignorant children or adults are acceptable. For these "waters" are the sanctification of one's spirit by Holy Spirit. Literal waters cannot cleanse one's spirit, but is used to symbolise being "buried" (dead as to further sinning and coming out to a rebirth in dedication to God), for the forgiveness of one's past sins, and not a continuance of them.
SANCTIFICATION:
Make productive of, or conducive to, holiness.PAGAN:
Heathen; unenlightened (person). (Oxford Dictionary).KINGDOM OF GOD:
Life under the administrations of 144,000 anointed heavenly13/9/91.