Do unbelievers belong in the assembly?

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Paul's statement indicates unbelievers being in the assembly was an exception, not the rule. He said 'IF one comes in' etc. Thus, while unbelievers were not unilaterally excluded from all meetings whatsoever at all times, it was nevertheless RARE for an unbeliever to come into the assembly.

They certainly had no concept of the assembly as being the primary place for evangelistic efforts. That was reserved for 'out there'.

No he does not indicate it is an exception. He indicates it's possible and not forbidden.

Even in my church we don't always have an unbeliever visiting.

BTW Im not sure but it seems like you just agreed with me except that for some reason you want to argue over how often?

[mizpeh]

Ekklasia, the Greek word for church, also means assembly.

[tv1a]

That's a huge stretch tying unbelievers to wickedness.
Other points are valid.

Originally Posted by Esaias

Are unbelievers in their sins? Are they still sinning? Are they sinners?

If so, then they are by definition 'wicked'. The wicked believer expelled in Corinthians was a believer who was sinning. Are sinners sinning? Do they sin?

Anyway, if the bible indicates the lost are 'saved' by Christians 'going forth' with the gospel, then why do we reverse that and establish a pattern where the lost 'come to church to hopefully get 'em saved'?