Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Phelps
I know you're dodging the point, and I can understand why.......it's a sticky wicket.
Ok, let's make this distinction:
How did Jesus treat those who seemingly didn't know the truth, i.e., the woman at the well......and those who DID know the truth but chose to ignore it, turn their backs on it, or just violate it outright?
For instance - how did Jesus deal with the demon possessed man in the cemetary, vs. the Pharisees?
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We talk about condemnation what exactly are we talking about? Because Jesus didn’t condemn people but her certainly did condemn sinful actions.
His driving the money changers from the Temple is a good example. So are all the instances where he said "go and sin no more".
We also have biblical example of how to deal with someone in the church who is a continual source of evil. In the end the individual is driven from the congregation.
Sin is condemned. Sinners are at the very least treated in a way that would bring them to fellowship.
But the rich young ruler provides some insight. While Jesus was clear with him, he was also unbending. There was no negotiation. Was it condemnation? The man went away sorrowful. Jesus did not chase after him and offer him some watered down request. The mean walked into eternity separated from Christ because he would not give up everything he had. That was a pretty hard request.
The man condemned himself. Jesus didn’t pat him on the back and tell him they were still buds.
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