Dear friends, Here are some thoughts I shared with a brother this morning that I thought would also encourage you. Blessings with love, Steve
Thankfully, the Lord Jesus has informed us that all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men; and in this we rejoice. There is but one unforgivable sin and our vacillation and lapses do not account for that, neither our dullness nor circuitous wanderings – Jacob will yet worship, leaning on his staff [Heb.11:21] – and “How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob” [Ps.146:5].
In submitting to human ordinance, the Galatians were yet brethren though foolish and bewitched, but not condemned; otherwise, why write to them at all; why appeal to them to turn from the flesh to the Spirit and from law to grace? Those however who promulgated such were in another category; they will bear their judgment [Gal.5:10] and are consigned to be mutilated [Gal.5:12]. We must ever distinguish between the things that differ. Ignorant and misguided must always be dealt with gently [Heb.5:2]. Unruly must be admonished and fainthearted conversely be encouraged [I Thess.5:14]. And rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers must be silenced and rebuked severely [Tit.1:10,11,13].
Christ looked upon the weary multitudes with compassion as sheep having no shepherd. To my knowledge, He never looked thus upon scribes and Pharisees. Woes were reserved for them but not for the masses whom He often wished to gather under His wings though they would not. In short, dear brother, I John 1:9 retains its purging assurances to all broken and contrite spirits. Blessings with love, Steve
Steve Phillips
Insightful Truth
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