Jehovah Blesses Those Who Forgive - WHEN A CHRISTIAN COMMITS A SERIOUS SIN

 Serious sins must be brought to the attention of the elders. Examples of such sins are found at 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.  Serious sins are gross violations of God's Law. If a Christian commits  such a sin, he must approach Jehovah God in prayer, and he must  go to the elders of the congregation.  (Psalm 32:25; James 5:14) What role do the elders play?  Only Jehovah has the authority to forgive sins fully, which he makes possible on the basis of the ransom sacrifice.  Jehovah, however, had entrusted the elders with the responsibility of determining from the Scriptures whether the sinner can remain in the congregation.  (1 Corinthians 5:12)  Among other things, they will endeavor to answer the following questions:  Was the ins intentional?  Did the person scheme to do what was wrong?  Did he practice the sin over and extended  period of time?  Most important, is there evidence that he is sincerely repentant?  Are there indications that Jehovah has forgiven him? - ACTS 3:19.

When the elders meet with the wrondoer, their goal is to reach the same decision on earth tghaty has already be reached in heaven.  (Matthew 18:18) He does this arrangement benefit the congregation?  It ensures that unrpentand wrongdoers who might harm Jehovah's precious sheep are  removed. (1 Corinthians 5:6, 7, 111-13; Titus 3:10, 11) It may also help a sinner  to repent and benefit from Jehovah's forgiveness.  (Luke 5:32) The elders pray in behalf of a repentant one and ask  Jehovah to help him recover spiritually. - JAMES 5:15. 

Next time: Jehovah Blesses Those Who Forgive - WHEN A CHRISTIAN COMMITS A SERIOUS SIN -Conclusion

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