Replies

>> I am against the act NOT the person. Folks be very very careful telling people they are going to Hell for you are not the judge.

Amen.

>> I may get flamed for this too.

Maybe so, but not by me: you have Holy Scripture on your side, and it’s very clear.

This of course does NOT meant that homosexual *behavior* is to be accepted without speaking out against it, or otherwise condoned; the scripture is *very* clear on that point, as well. And we are admonished in Scripture *not* to accept sin among us.

However, as you point out, it is *not* for any of us to judge the fate of anyone’s eternal soul. Even Jesus does not claim that role, although He could (Ref John 8:15,16); instead, He serves as an advocate for all of Christendom before the Father. I pray I will *never* sin by usurping the power of the Almighty by judging another in that regard. To be fair, I must pray for forgiveness, because I have in fact done just that on occasion, and it is very much *not* my role to do so.

FRegards

However, as you point out, it is *not* for any of us to judge the fate of anyone’s eternal soul.

There is a Biblical basis for Church discipline. While it is tempting to use the above argument against it, Church discipline is Biblically called for in the case of those Congregation members who walk disorderly. The Bible teaches that when error and sin are left alone they spread.

The past couple hundred years, during which so many Churches have wandered away from true doctrine, including Church discipline, bear out the wisdom of Scripture. I Corinthians, I Timothy, II Thess, Matthew, all have some references to this doctrine. A very thoughtful reading of Hebrews 12 is wholeheartedly recommended which I hope you will find most edifying.

I'd be happy to quote a few verses if necessary; in any case the more conservative denominations certainly adhere to this and there are many writings which explain the Biblical mandate, allowing one to interpret Scripture correctly. It is a subject that certainly deserves study, since, although very rare, it is a very important part of Church life and a blessing.

Actually, were it not for the concept of Church discipline, which the Reformers thought was misapplied, they would have had no need to flee Europe and come to America.

Blessings.