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NASB | Matthew 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble and sin [by leading him away from My teaching], it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone [as large as one turned by a donkey] hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. [Mark 9:42; Luke 17:2] |
Bible Question:
Last night I was asked by the 27 year old son and 30 year old soon to be daughter in law of a friend to explain my thoughts on whether they should be allowed to be baptised right away. I have been a Christian for 30 years and work with Youth and believe that I am a very loving and accepting person. However, I do believe that God expects certain standards from us and that we answer truthfully to our best ability when others need answers to questions even if the answer is not obviously what they are looking to hear. This young couple explained that while they still live together, they do not live as husband and wife any more. My counsel was that we should avoid the appearance of evil and that their baptism could be interpreted by the youth in particular as an endorsement for living together prior to marriage. They became quite discouraged about this opinion and felt that people who would conclude such a thing should mind their own business. The family has suffered many tragedies in recent years and my friend is overjoyed that her son is now considering coming back to the church he grew up in. I encouraged them to continue coming to church and that it was a place for all people to come to regardless of their sin but baptism is a public demonstration of a greater personal commitment to renounce our former life. I have been troubled ever since that I may have discouraged them and caused them to rethink their stance on joining the church. The thoughts of other Christians on this issue would be most welcome? Lillian |
Bible Answer: Lillian: Theo-Minor advice is not where I would come from at all. When someone wants to join the Elks, Moose, or any organization, they have to agree to do certian things. This is common knowledge, and if one wants to abide by these requirements they can join or they can chose to not join. The church has the right and Biblical responsibility to do the very same thing,but as Jesus left instructions to follow. Marriage is a Holy Union. In continuing to live with each other they have not fully repented, and they have for some reason remained unmarried. How does anyone know they are not sexually involved? The appearence of wrong doing is there, that is enough to cause someone to stumble. If their commitment to Christ is not strong enough to either marry or depart from living together then there is not a clear understanding of what to follow Jesus in baptism means. I doubt many Biblically based churches would allow them to be baptized without this area of their lives being settled one way or the other. Repentence is the turning away from sin. I understand you love and concern for them, but this is not the time to lower the standard in fear they will not follow up with their Christian lives. Blessings. justme |