The 8th verse of this passage is used by some to point out the eternal destination of certain groups of people. What is important to remember is that we all stand condemned under this verse. I haven't killed anyone (Well, except for that part where Jesus equates being angry with someone with murder, but it's easy to ignore verses like that). I'm not a sorcerer (I can juggle, however). But I've lied. I've put more trust in myself or the world than I have in Christ. (Sounds like faithlessness, doesn't it?) I've ducked from opportunities to talk about faith. (Sounds like displaying cowardice, doesn't it?)
I don't think any of these things are ok. I'm not going to justify my actions or anyone else's. Here's what I do believe: that each and every one of us who have sinned need to come back to Christ with true repentance in our hearts. He promises to forgive, and I believe what he says. If we are going to approach a brother or sister about their violations of one of these orders, we need to do so with humility, recognizing that we, too, are fellow violators of the commands God has given us.
When we do repent and turn back, we hear these wondrous words--I am making all things new. That includes us! We who were lost are found. We who are thirsty are given the water of life, and it is given for free. We could never afford it, but God pours it out freely, with grace and mercy, and we drink and give thanks to worship such a wondrous God! We who have sinned are washed clean, restored and redeemed, made new in the blood of Christ.
Blessings
I don't think any of these things are ok. I'm not going to justify my actions or anyone else's. Here's what I do believe: that each and every one of us who have sinned need to come back to Christ with true repentance in our hearts. He promises to forgive, and I believe what he says. If we are going to approach a brother or sister about their violations of one of these orders, we need to do so with humility, recognizing that we, too, are fellow violators of the commands God has given us.
When we do repent and turn back, we hear these wondrous words--I am making all things new. That includes us! We who were lost are found. We who are thirsty are given the water of life, and it is given for free. We could never afford it, but God pours it out freely, with grace and mercy, and we drink and give thanks to worship such a wondrous God! We who have sinned are washed clean, restored and redeemed, made new in the blood of Christ.
Blessings