Dissension Is Not the Unforgiveable Sin

[lftc]

In Galatians 5, the Apostle Paul says:

The acts of the flesh are obvious: ... dissensions, factions .... I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

This is a remarkable passage as it is embedded in a letter Paul wrote where his stated purpose is remind the believers in Galatia what the true Gospel is.  Paul says he is astonished that the Galatians are so quickly abandoning the true Gospel and following false believers that were teaching them another gospel.  He then proceeds to give them history of the struggle between the true Gospel and the other gospel.  In which he specifically recounts how even Peter (Cephas) and been deceived.  This struggle he refers to was recorded in the book of Acts as well as being mentioned in other places.  It is a struggle with those seeking to require obedience to the Law as part of the Gospel.  It was a large and difficult dissension with very strongly opposed factions.

Galatians includes many statements that are loved by the various factions that exist to this day.

But the statement at the top of this post is remarkable because it puts the dissensions and factions at the same level as " sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; ²⁰ idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, envy; drunkenness, orgies," and states plainly that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.  Right after Paul makes it clear that Peter himself was on the wrong side of that faction.

Once again, we come to the dichotomy that brings understanding. 

An important help is found in chapter 6: "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. "

Note the use of the same phrase "live by".  Those who LIVE BY (embrace a life choice of dedication to) the Spirit are to restore their sisters and brothers who are caught in a sin.  Those who LIVE BY (embrace a life choice of dedication to) the works of the flesh have not inherited the Kingdom of God.  But it is near.

To be clear: I am not saying that the factions and dissension that are present in these forums are evidence of non-Christianity.  I believe that all sin was forgiven at the Cross.  It is those who LIVE BY (embrace a life choice of dedication to) their sins who have not yet decided to LIVE BY (embrace a life choice of dedication to) the Spirit that have not yet found Mercy.  The riches of inheritance await.

But for those who try to use these lists as proof that anyone who sins stands condemned (as opposed to those embrace a life choice of dedication to the flesh), remember that Paul purposely included in the list things catch everyone.  Just as with other lists such as Romans 1.

I try to avoid the factions here.  But at the same time, the Gospel calls out. Paul's Gospel as Paul calls it.  I believe it too, Paul.

 

 

Edited October 1, 2019 by lftc

[missmuffet]

The born again Christian is indwelt with the Holy Spirit. They should display the fruit of the Holy Spirit not dissension which can be jealousy, anger, rivalry. We see enough of that in this world.

[lftc]

17 hours ago, missmuffet said:

The born again Christian is indwelt with the Holy Spirit. They should display the fruit of the Holy Spirit not dissension which can be jealousy, anger, rivalry. We see enough of that in this world.

Thank you for bringing that truth to the discussion.  As I am sure you are aware that, in Galatians, right after Paul lists the works of the flesh that include dissension and factions, he lists the fruit of the Spirit. 

 

[lftc]

17 hours ago, DustyRoad said:

We should be reluctant to arrive at drastic conclusions from what transpires here on the forums. We perceive things darkly as it is!

Greetings DustyRoad!

I am not sure what you mean by that statement.  Allow me to assume:

If you mean that I was arriving at a drastic conclusion by observing that dissensions and factions are included in the list Paul gave of works of the flesh, then I fear that I have miscommunicated my conclusion.

My conclusion is that those who LIVE BY the Spirit are to restore the brothers that are caught in a sin.  And that those who LIVE BY factions and dissension are a separate group from those who are brothers caught in a sin.

In fact Galatians 6 goes on to say: Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

If observing that an common activity is classified by Paul as a work of the flesh is too drastic, I offer my apology: my intention is to note that when we find ourselves caught in dissensions and factions that we should work towards the resolution gently, looking to ourselves lest we too are tempted (as Paul goes on to say in the passage).  Just as I perceive you are doing here, speaking gently to me as you are concerned that my statement may bring division.

Did I miss your point?

[Coliseum]

23 hours ago, lftc said:

But the statement at the top of this post is remarkable because it puts the dissensions and factions at the same level as " sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; ²⁰ idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, envy; drunkenness, orgies," and states plainly that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.  Right after Paul makes it clear that Peter himself was on the wrong side of that faction.

I try to avoid the factions here.  But at the same time, the Gospel calls out. Paul's Gospel as Paul calls it.  I believe it too, Paul.

 

 

"Come. Let us reason together." This perhaps gives call not to be argumentative, but to provide good arguments in defense of the faith.

We are surely seeing what "dissensions and factions" can do to a country. We see that "...hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, envy..." are part of the reason why. But to see sown these things among brothers is abominable---and worse---unbelievers become witnesses to these attributes.

Edited October 2, 2019 by Coliseum

[lftc]

7 minutes ago, DustyRoad said:

As usual, I wasn't clear about the subject matter. Sorry about that, lftc. I agree with what you wrote! I thought I would add to what was given by encouraging us all to seek God and forsake the flesh, and also to insulate ourselves from what happens here on the forums. That latter is important, I think, since it's all too easy for two or more people to oppose one another here. It happens much too frequently. I pray that it would stop!

I apologize for confusing you (and anyone else). The one I take care of and watch over had a surgical procedure yesterday and they're in a great deal of misery and pain. I know I'm supposed to be strong for them and I shouldn't worry, but I've been nothing but an open wound since they returned early in the evening yesterday. I feel inadequate. This is when being a homeless wretch catches up to me. Sorry. 

My precious brother,  I took absolutely no offense at what you said.  I did not even regard it as offensive.  I just took it as an opportunity to make sure that part of what I said was clarified.

What you wrote was very true and encouraging.  We can all benefit from considering your words.

I am glad you shared your situation.  I took the time to ask Jesus to be with you on this difficult day.  You will be more than adequate as you show Jesus love to the person for whom you provide care. 

I pray that the person has less pain. 

[lftc]

1 minute ago, Coliseum said:

"Come. Let us reason together." This perhaps gives call not to be argumentative, but to provide good arguments in defense of the faith.

We are surely seeing what "dissensions an factions" can do to a country. We see that "...hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, envy..." are part of the reason why. But to see sown these things among brothers is abominable---and worse---unbelievers become witnesses to these attributes.

Excellent points.

[George]

Paul had to deal with "divisions" inside the Corinthian church.  Notice what Paul said,

1Co 11:18  For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, 
1Co 11:19  for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. 

I believe when you see "divisions" or "discord", it truly allows those who are genuine believers to be easily recognized.  As we run the forums, do you suppose that I've ever found anyone that completely agrees with me?  LOL!  Of course not ... the real issue is ... do you allow disagreements to allow a "schism" in the body?  Be one of those who is "genuine" ... people can tell quickly who is genuinely in love with their Lord -- because their lives are a reflection of His Love.

God bless,

George

[Firm Foundation]

The thing is, osas divides the church.  In places where they take a clear position one way or the other, most seem to get along.  It is a divisive issue, and 90 percent of the strife is over that.  Most don't take the other issues so personal.  Also, both sides blame the other side for causing the strife.

[Firm Foundation]

21 hours ago, missmuffet said:

The born again Christian is indwelt with the Holy Spirit. They should display the fruit of the Holy Spirit not dissension which can be jealousy, anger, rivalry. We see enough of that in this world.

Amen.  The real Christian bears good fruit.