Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." (James 5.19, 20)
It is no small thing to take scripture out of context. Great error, injustice and harm is done to the Holy Word when this happens. Rest assured it is done regularly and intentionally by the wicked one who would "exalt himself above the most High..." (Isa 14.14) It is also a stumbling block to the unlearned, ignorant and babes in Christ.
For the sake of the "straight and narrow way," let us examine the closing passage in James 5.
All dissension would cease if one would focus on the first word in verse 19, "Brethren..." This passage flows from "Brethren," to "the sinner." All "brethren" agree that we are "sinners saved by grace." (Eph 2.8, 9)
One would think it should be no hard thing to keep "brethren" in context with "sinner," rather than "sinner" OUT of context with a lost person.
Yet, there is one school of thought which does just that. It allows that "sinner" is the lost person and we (the saints) are to buttonhole a "sinner" every time an unbeliever crosses our path. If this is done, outside of the leadership of the Holy Spirit and without a believer who has been with the Lord and walking as upright as possible, it is disaster. The unbeliever will scoff, mock or worse, believe to his/her on damnation in a truth that has not been placed in their heart by the awakening power of the Holy Ghost. (Rom 6.11) That is, the have not been "awakened" by the Holy Spirit to their lost condition and will walk on just that way because the ignorant, unlearned believer has misread the scripture. (vain religion, Jms 1.26)
Back to point. Correctly read, "sinner" in this passage refers to a believer. Note again, "Brethren, if any of you ERR from the truth, and one convert him, Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the ERROR OF HIS WAY... How could one know their way is in error if that one is lost and dead to Christ? The truth is that believers are to guide other believers when they see their brother/sister is in error. In this way, the body of Christ stays as clean and pure as possible "until the coming of the Lord." (I Thes 4.15, 5.23)
Maybe this explanation is a bit scattered or muddled but if every believer will take the time to pray and meditate on this passage, this blogger is in full assurance the truth will be made very clear.
Amen and blessings to each reader.
One would think it should be no hard thing to keep "brethren" in context with "sinner," rather than "sinner" OUT of context with a lost person.
Yet, there is one school of thought which does just that. It allows that "sinner" is the lost person and we (the saints) are to buttonhole a "sinner" every time an unbeliever crosses our path. If this is done, outside of the leadership of the Holy Spirit and without a believer who has been with the Lord and walking as upright as possible, it is disaster. The unbeliever will scoff, mock or worse, believe to his/her on damnation in a truth that has not been placed in their heart by the awakening power of the Holy Ghost. (Rom 6.11) That is, the have not been "awakened" by the Holy Spirit to their lost condition and will walk on just that way because the ignorant, unlearned believer has misread the scripture. (vain religion, Jms 1.26)
Back to point. Correctly read, "sinner" in this passage refers to a believer. Note again, "Brethren, if any of you ERR from the truth, and one convert him, Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the ERROR OF HIS WAY... How could one know their way is in error if that one is lost and dead to Christ? The truth is that believers are to guide other believers when they see their brother/sister is in error. In this way, the body of Christ stays as clean and pure as possible "until the coming of the Lord." (I Thes 4.15, 5.23)
Maybe this explanation is a bit scattered or muddled but if every believer will take the time to pray and meditate on this passage, this blogger is in full assurance the truth will be made very clear.
Amen and blessings to each reader.
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