Beliefs on oft overlooked aspects of Judging and Forgiveness

[Unity]

1Co 5:12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

1Co 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

So don't judge... those outside the church. There is a line between those inside the church (a church member) and those who don't claim Adventist beliefs (aka Church Membership). Just like there was in the OT.

Mat 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

So if a church member trespasses (sins) against you, you aren't to discuss that person with anyone.

Mat 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

So the unapologetic sinner can now be discussed openly with a few. The sinner should be present.

Mat 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

AKA Dismembership.

Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Rom 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

From the Church Manual:

Quote:

The standards and practices of the Church are based upon the principles of the Holy Scriptures. These principles, underscored by the Spirit of Prophecy, are set forth in this Church Manual. They are to be followed in all matters pertaining to the administration and operation of local churches. The Church Manual also defines the relationship that exists between the local congregation and the conference or other entities of Seventh-day Adventist denominational organization. No attempt should be made to set up standards of membership or to make, or attempt to enforce, rules or regulations for local church operations that are contrary to these decisions adopted by the General Conference in session and that are set forth in this Church Manual.

So authority is the General Conference in session. Here's some more from that authority.

Quote:

Reasons for Discipline

The reasons for which members shall be subject to discipline are:

1. Denial of faith in the fundamentals of the gospel and in the fundamental beliefs of the Church or teaching doctrines contrary to the same.

2. Violation of the law of God, such as worship of idols, murder, stealing, profanity, gambling, Sabbathbreaking, and willful and habitual falsehood.

3. Violation of the seventh commandment of the law of God as it relates to the marriage institution, the Christian home, and biblical standards of moral conduct.

4. Sexual abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults, fornication,promiscuity, incest, homosexual practice, the production, use, or distribution of pornography, and other sexual perversions.

5. Remarriage of a divorced person, except the spouse who has remained faithful to the marriage vow in a divorce for adultery or for sexual perversions.

6. Physical violence, including violence within the family.

7. Fraud or willful misrepresentation in business.

8. Disorderly conduct which brings reproach upon the church.

9. Adhering to or taking part in a divisive or disloyal movement or organization. (See p. 59.)

10. Persistent refusal to recognize properly constituted church authority

or to submit to the order and discipline of the church.

11. The use, manufacture, or sale of alcoholic beverages.

12. The use, manufacture, or sale of tobacco in any of its forms for human consumption.

13. The use or manufacture of illicit drugs or the misuse of, or trafficking in, narcotics or other drugs.

...

No Additional Tests of Fellowship—No minister, congregation, or conference has authority to establish tests of fellowship. This authority rests with the General Conference in session. Anyone seeking to apply tests other than those herein set forth does not, therefore, properly represent the Church. (See 1T 207.)

The Church Manual is not a suggestion yet that is what it too often is.

Quote:

“God holds His people, as a body, responsible

for the sins existing in individuals among them. If the leaders of the church neglect to diligently search out the sins which bring the displeasure of God upon the body, they become responsible for these sins.”—3T 269.

“If there were no church discipline and government, the church would go to fragments; it could not hold together as a body.”—3T 428.

God's displeasure upon us is the result. Disunity is the result. True miracles cease.

Mat 18:2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, Mat 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Little children know they are loved when they are kept within safe boundaries by those who care about them. That is love.

Mat 18:5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

The Church receives Christ when they love you.

Mat 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

By deduction The Church does not receive Christ when they allow open sin. The results of sin in the Church are placed upon those who are passive.

1Co_5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

The leaven is open sin. Hidden sin is between God and the sinner. Hidden sin does not spread because it never touches, or effects, those who never see it.

Luk_12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

I have never heard a Pastor, or teacher, speak of the Church Manual. At the most I heard some vague election or quorum rules. I had to came across the source on my own and I was shocked by what's in it. I've listened to a lot of sermons by many different pastors concerning Judging and Forgiveness. Not once have I heard any of them point to the Church Manual despite it having SO MUCH to say on the subject and it being the source of their own authority within the church organization. When I bring it up it is consistently referred to as a suggestion. It isn't and I believe it behooves all Church Members to read it. Often I have heard things that contradict it when the topic of Judging and Forgiveness comes up. At best they say nothing of consequence and their conclusions about Judging and Forgiveness have little definition. I wonder sometimes if anyone else in deed submits to the Church Manual as an authority.