You sure you want to take that definitive a position for all situations? That word ‘forgiveness’ in the Bible essentially means that once asked for and received, it’s as if the sin itself never happened. To not believe this is to assume that Hebrews 8:12 doesn’t exit….. “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” If God chooses to not remember it ever again, then on what grounds should people remember it? Frankly, I think it is entirely appropriate that sinners who have repented from their sins be given a public platform…. After all, we are all sinners and there is something about ‘casting that first stone’ (John 8:7) and that was in reference to a prostitute. Frankly, there is nothing more refreshing than listening to a forgiven sinner praising and thanking God in public for saving him from the hell that we all deserve.
There are two other Bible verses that come to mind in this discussion and they are very important for all to understand…. Matthew 6:14 “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 King James Version “15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
I tell you what my problem with Josh Duggar’s response…. I’m not interested in hearing that “he acted inexcusably, that he is extremely sorry, has deep regrets and that he confessed it to his parents”. Where does forgiveness have to come from and was there any reference in that speech that it was asked for and he believes that he has received it? That’s what was missing…. not a solitary reference to God and that is where forgiveness has to start. All of what he said was fine but what would actually have meant something is if he said “I am so thankful for 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I asked for that forgiveness from God, I believe his promise that I’ve been forgiven. Pray for me…. James 5: 16 “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Those are the comments that would have meant something. There is also the issue of timing….. all of the above should have been stated a long time ago. It’s one thing to proclaim your confession at the time it happens….. it’s quite different when one is exposed after the fact and one is forced to ‘own up’ as opposed to doing it voluntarily. This is what is so disingenuous about this.
Yes, even in the midst of forgiveness, I will not put a molester in a public position. It is not fair to the congregation. As Jesus said, there are wheat and there are tares. They aren’t sorted out until the harvest. There are wolves who will attempt to deceive the flock, and the shepherd must be vigilant.
If I’m dealing with a Christian who has received the forgiveness which you reference, they will be the ones who recognize the wisdom with which I speak. They will realize that it is the omniscient God who has forgiven them, and that fallen humans must be vigilant for we are easily deceived.
Honestly, hecticskeptic, would you as manager of a business put a convicted embezzler in charge of your books? Even if they’ve paid for their crime, it is not fair even to them to place that temptation before them.
Why should a church not be at least that vigilant given that we are not omniscient.