Let me first say I am NOT saying this includes ALL churches. Like many things we will find exceptions.
But on the other hand this situation is generally true. Most of us have had moral failures since we have been saved. And although we've repented and the Lord has welcomed us back into the family of GOD many "church folk" and the secular world perceive us according to past sins. When the LORD restores us, it is NOT to be questioned and neither is condemnation from any source right . Why?? because it is Jesus who died and rose again for the propitiation of our sins
Definition: the act of propitiating, something that propitiates; specifically : an atoning sacrifice.
Rom 8:33 Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies;
This Bible Blog post is intended to bring you encouragement. Look at yourself as the LORD sees you and NO ONE else!
True repentance is shown by our behavior, have we stopped doing what we know offends GOD.
Matt 3:8 Bring forth fruit that is consistent with repentance [let your lives prove your change of heart];
If our behavior lines up with our confession of repentance we find the loving forgiveness of Jesus is abundantly provided.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Alright, so how should the "Church" handle the fallen??? There was a man who commited the terrible sin of incest by having his father's wife, his step mom. But he repented. Let us read the instructions for handling the repented man.
2 Cor 2:5 But if someone [the one among you who committed incest] has caused [all this] grief and pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure, not to put it too severely, [he has distressed] all of you.
2 Cor 2:6 For such a one this censure by the majority [which he has received is] sufficient [punishment].
2 Cor 2:7 So [instead of further rebuke, now] you should rather turn and [graciously] forgive and comfort and encourage [him], to keep him from being overwhelmed by excessive sorrow and despair.
2 Cor 2:8 I therefore beg you to reinstate him in your affections and assure him of your love for him;
It would not be surprising to me if our restoration because of past failures makes us better Christians.
Yes, it would have been far better if we had never sinned. Often sinning ruins our testimony and credibility to an unforgiving world. Yet GOD is able to take the mired clay of our lives and shape once again to a vessel of honor.
Peter denied the Lord
Moses committed murder
David committed murder and adultery
Sampson fornicated with Delilah
Isiah used profanity
The list goes on and on and on, and we too have our stories.
Jesus loves you and awaits your return to HIM.
Luke 15:21 "And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
Luke 15:22 "But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet;
Luke 15:23 and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate;
Luke 15:24 for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.' And they began to celebrate.
People when you see your brother or sister entangled again in sin please adhere to the following instructions:
Gal 6:1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
Gal 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ
Do not shoot your wounded!!!
