All sin, including adultery, theft, homosexuality and murder, etc., must be repented of (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). To know all Scripture without the power and love of the Holy Spirit leads to death. To have all Spirit without a good knowledge of the Scripture can lead to error and also to death.

Men, there is a balance in all Scripture. All Christians should seek the Lord to keep them in the place of balance. I recently watched a DVD which showed the different approaches to winning the lost. One was to stand up in the middle of “red light” areas of our inner cities and hold up signs with Scriptures condemning sin and calling people to repent (somewhat pharisaical). The others reached out with arms of love without any reference to repentance.

I favor the second approach above the first. However, the true gospel or “good news” is what Peter stated to the crowd that gathered at Pentecost whose hearts had been pricked by Peter’s preaching. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38).

Paul’s preaching to the Athenians was “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained” (Acts 17:30-31).

I believe there is a difference between love and acceptance.

The truth is that God loves sinners.

The truth is also that God accepts sinners into His family based on repentance. Believing in Jesus implies repentance (John 3: 6-21).

May God help us to walk in discernment (Malachi 3:18).

Be encouraged. Colin