OceanSide church of Christ
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THE
CORINTHIAN SINNER:
How Would They Have Treated
Him?
Victor M. Eskew
When the apostle Paul penned I Corinthians, the church in
One sin that was being openly practiced was fornication. Paul described the sin vividly in
Corinthians 5:1. “It is reported
commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so
much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.” The situation was horrible and deserved
immediate attention. Paul exhorted
the church “to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh,
that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (I Cor.
5:5).
Apparently, the church gave heed to Paul’s instructions. They put away from among themselves that
wicked person (I Cor. 5:13). This
act of disciple had the desired impact upon the sinner. His heart was filled with sorrow that
led him to repentance. In the book
of II Corinthians, the beloved apostle exhorts the church to receive this man
back. “Sufficient to such a man is
this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to
forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up
with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I
beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him” (II Cor. 2:6-8). Surely, the church at
This writer makes that last statement based upon some of the actions
witnessed among brethren in the church today. He has seen many who are quick to
rebuke, chasten, and withdraw. This
writer does not fault them in these actions. The Word of God is plain in its command
to withdraw from the disorderly (II Thess. 3:6). However, when one repents of his sins
and confesses them, these same brethren are not nearly as eager to forgive. They seem almost intent on the brother’s
destruction, instead of being desirous of his restoration. Taking such a harsh position against
one’s brother is shameful. It
certainly does not manifest the spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ (Luke
22:31-32).
This writer is well aware that sin has consequences, sometimes grievous
consequences. However, sins
repented of and confessed do not carry the consequences of eternal
condemnation. Neither should they
carry the consequence of lifetime alienation. They should not carry the consequence of
forever being labeled a sinner.
They should not carry the consequence of never being able to use one’s
talents to the glory of God.
Paul understood the forgiven sinner’s need for forgiveness and acceptance. If such an one is not forgiven and comforted, he could “be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow” (II Cor. 2:7). Onesimus was a very wicked slave. He treated Philemon with much disrespect and contempt. However, he was forgiven of his sins by the blood of Christ. Therefore, Paul exhorted the slave owner to receive him back. “I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels” (Phile. 10-12). Paul was confident that Philemon would obey (Phile. 21). Could he have this same confidence in us?