Quote:
Originally Posted by bbyrd009
Hmm; I don't see how it possibly could not; but understand that while this might seem personal, you espouse a popular pov. I am just asking you to (try to) defend it. This Q, below, might be more to the point.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bbyrd009:
Ok, well then how does being 'in Christ' (with you, supposedly) change your attitude/actions toward...me, say, as opposed to if/when I were not deemed to be 'in Christ,' and how is this...judgement made, exactly? Ty
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and, good luck  |
Sorry, the question is a bit murky, but I think I get the gist.
1) what's the difference in my attitude/actions between those I consider brothers/sisters in Christ and those who are not;
2) how do I make a judgement of who is 'in Christ'?
Let's start with the second question. I didn't make the judgement, the Scripture did.
About 'in Christ':
Rom 8 describes being 'in Christ' as "those who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit."
2 Cor 5:17 says "if any man be in Christ, he's a new creature. Old things are passed away and all things are new."
Being 'in Christ' is as described in
John 15 -- thru salvation, we are grafted into the vine.
A person in sin, whatever the sin is (murder, theft, adultery, homosexuality, etc), cannot, by scripture be 'in Christ.' Sin separates mankind from God, there is no fellowship. Because of that, a person who is in sin cannot be a brother/sister of a believer. It's not possible.
About attitudes/actions towards a brother/sister vs one who is not:
Paul said don't be yoked with unbelievers.
2 Cor 6:14-15 "What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
Fellowship. Communion. Concord (agreement/harmony/treaty). Agreement.
These words express being united for a purpose, or having a shared view or goal. Paul's word picture is of two beasts being yoked together to walk together, one would assume to work together for a common purpose.
My attitude or action changes only with regard to the common goal or purpose. Paul says to let your speech be full of grace, seasoned with salt; and in another scripture he says to speak the truth in love. I am friendly with everyone, believers and non believers; but I do not have a common purpose or common goal with a non believer or person living in sin. This is why I say that someone who is not 'in Christ' cannot be my brother/sister.
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