SETTING
THINGS STRAIGHT REGARDING THOSE SOME EXAMPLES.
When invited by unbelievers to a
meal, we may eat everything clean that is set before us. (1 Cor 10:27,28 NEB). But while an allowance has been given for believers to eat with unbelievers, and to
have regard for their consciences over foods, the apostle John also instructs us
not to welcome into our own homes or give a greeting to anyone who
does not bring the doctrine of The Christ. To do so would make one "an
accomplice in his wicked deeds." (2 John V.9 What is to be learned from these scriptures? Well, if one is invited to a meal, find out whether those attending are believers in The Christ. If they are not, one might still attend in order to enlighten unbelievers as to their obligations to God. Otherwise, no purpose would be served. It should be pointed out that Christians often have to associate with unbelievers at workplaces so that they may earn a living. But while this may involve speaking to and working alongside unbelievers, one is not sharing in their wicked works unless the employment itself is wicked. But while it is not a Divine requirement to completely isolate oneself from all spiritually unclean persons (otherwise to be free of guilt one would have to get out of this world altogether), one must avoid compromising one's faith by teaching scriptural principles while working as a paid employee.
UNBELIEVERS AND THOSE NOT
BAPTIZED ARE DEAD IN THEIR SINS. Baptisms for the sake of being dead ones and baptisms of ignorant children and adults are not acceptable to God. Water baptism is for the progressive sanctification of one's spirit. Water itself cannot cleanse one's spirit, but is used to symbolize one's death as to past sins, a request to God for a good conscience, and one's spirit rebirth in dedication to God. It does not symbolize continuance in past sins or in the apostate teachings of spiritually dead ones. (1 Cor 15:29 NEB).
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