An Apologetic Sheepdog
Well-Known Member
Oh I don't know about this...
Jesus ate with sinners, he came to save sinners.
I believe Jesus was very patient and "tolerant" let's call it merciful.
That's because they were the target audience (The well have no need of the physician)- in no way is that and indication of "tolerance" or 'acceptance" or anything else regarding the sin. Don't misread or add that which is not there
it 'sounds' warm and fuzzy or otherwise "religious"
If we had to wait on forgiveness on the contingency of repentence, no one would ever get saved.
God loves us so much, we are already forgiven. We have to acknowledge that, believe that, accept that.
And only then is repentance an option.
That's a combination of wishful thinking, romanticizing and complete disregard for what scripture actually says and uses as examples.
Repentance is the FIRST step ( by the sinner) in the "salvation process" and it is clearly stated in many places that without repentance 9 the literal changed mind) there is no forgiveness.
You have to be wise and understanding.
Coming at people with sticks and stones only chases them farther away.
That's not the game plan.
You also have to be firm, steadfast in the truth too ( even when its unpopular and hurts) and Jesus didn't "save" everyone and others he made no serious attempt to (The pharisees). Its not a "game plan"- its a Commission and Command for those who are called for it.
Tell us about 'sticks and stones" when Jesus himself dealt with the money changers or when he properly made it clear the pharisees were a "brood of vipers" (an insult in that culture which could justify a death penalty) or them being of their father the devil?
One thing we need to remember..
We are not God.
We don't hold the sceptre and make the laws.
Our job is to love our neighbors, our enemies, and introduce them to the one that can change their lives.
If they don't listen... walk away.
The Lord will deal with them in his good time.
Actually no, thats a weak milksop interpretation of what scripture says that gives the weak and lazy an excuse to do little or nothing they deem "not nice".
We have the commission, we have the scripture, we have the Spirit and part of that "love" is rebuke, reproof, teaching and standing fast.
If it was all a situation of just "letting the Lord" then why does He call us to do His work?
I suggest you read and study a good bit deeper.