Admonitions of the Scripture apply primarily to the Church.

It is difficult for us to understand the New Testament passages concerning sin because we have for so long a time applied such rebukes to the unsaved. Yet, the setting and text of the New Testament writings show that the exhortations to godly behavior are addressed to the Church.

Current Christian teaching implies that God overlooks the sins of the believers and then pours out frightful afflictions on other people who are doing no worse than we. What kind of righteousness would that be? Would God look at two people performing some lustful deed, visit one with wrath, and let the other go free because he names the name of Christ or attends a Christian church? Would not God rather chasten His own son and be more lenient toward the unsaved person because of his ignorance?

Would God destroy one individual because he is full of hate, and pass by another person who also is full of hate but who names the name of Christ? Would this be true of Him of whom it is said: "True and righteous are your judgments" (Revelation 16:7)? Instead, would not God rebuke His own child in advance so he would be prepared for the chastening to come?

Let us review a few more of the admonitions from the Apostles that we may understand God's judgment on sin in the Christian life, and that we may not be confused concerning the manner in which grace operates under the new covenant.

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. (II Corinthians 6:17)

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (II Corinthians 7:1)

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness [immorality] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)

How can we, in the light of such words, continue in the concept that God overlooks sin in the Christian because of his profession of belief in Christ?

Concerning Galatians 5:19-21, we of today might exclaim: "Isn't it wonderful that God doesn't hold us accountable for such things now that we have found Christ!"

To think or say such things is to be deceived. In contrast, Paul, speaking to the Church, proclaims: Those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Perhaps it is time for us to examine once again the manner in which God deals with sins of motive, thought, word, and deed in the Christian life.

That ye put off concerning the former conversation [former way of life] the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)

To be continued.