Since the heart is only known by God, how can we be SURE?

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Can you enlarge on this? I'd be interested to hear more.

Not really, because I'm just thinking outloud as the thread progresses, but I'll give it a shot.

Here's the scripture:

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

Those are some common issues for non-Christians and Christians alike. In a perfect world a true Christian full of God's spirit wouldn't wrestle with any of the above, however - - it's not a perfect world. I know Christians that walk the walk and talk the talk, YET they are involved in one of those above - - - so, do we judge them and say, oh, man you talk foolish talk or you are greedy, so to enter the kingdom of heaven, I need to separate myself from you.

I think we all would like to think that people that deal with this are just non-Christians or unrepented people, but what saddens me is I'm afraid we sit in church with people dealing with this stuff every Sunday.