THERE IS FORGIVENESS!

One Revival Centre group expells 'fornicators and adulterers' without possibility of return to fellowship. However, Scripture indicates that a sincere confession of our sins to the Lord will bring us cleansing (Ps.32:5; 2Cor.7:8-11; 1Jn.1:9).

For example, the person put out in 1 Corinthians 5:9 Scripture seems to have been reinstated in 2 Corinthians 2:6-8, after his repentance (also 7:11-12; 12:21). Jesus likewise forgave the woman caught in adultery, commanding her to not sin again (John 8:1-11).

Another example comes from David. We read in 2.Sam.11:1-27 of David's adultery with Bathsheba. David was sincerely repentant. He later wrote Psalm 51, "Have mercy on me, O God ... wash me thoroughly from my iniquity ... Against you, you alone, have I sinned ... wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow". David was forgiven (2.Sam.12:13). This is because the Lord understands our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15), and is quick to forgive. In Ezekiel 34:23, 24 and 37:24,25 the Lord again recognises David as "my servant". In Acts 13:28, David is even described as "a man after [God's] own heart"! David had clearly been restored 'whiter than snow' by God's grace. Most incredible is that David was even made a forefather of Jesus. The Son of God was not ashamed to say, "I am the root and the descendant of David" (Rev.22:16). David's sin was behind him... and as far as God was concerned, it was as far as East is from West because David repented.

Forgiveness is at the heart of the Christian message. If we do not understand forgiveness, then we surely do not have Christ. Not only is God willing and powerful enough to forgive sin, but we are meant to follow his example. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, deserving death, and God has graciously forgiven us all (Rom 3:23,24). Like the servant who has been forgiven so much, we must likewise forgive the brethren when they sin (Luk.15:11-32). Remember, we are commanded to forgive (Luk.17:3,4; Eph.4:32; Col.3:13). By failing to forgive the brethren or ever fellowshipping with them again is to disobey the command of God.

If you have made a mistake in the past, the Lord can and will forgive you if you can come to him with your sins. Forget what some geriatric tells you, bring your problem to the Lord. In fact, if they refuse you forgive you, it is they who are the sinners. Contact us if you need to chat about stuff.