Don't Let These People in Your Spiritual House

                There seems to be an increasing desire in the church for unity in diversity. Of course, we do not mean to advocate that unity cannot be had among diverse races, sexes, or nations, but some are teaching that we can maintain fellowship among those with whom God does not fellowship. These ones are tying to mix water with oil and calling them the same thing.

                What is fellowship? The English word occurs 17 times in the Bible. The Greek word commonly translated as such is koinōnia and it means “fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, intercourse.” The idea is like if one is holding hands with one another, which denotes close intimacy (in this case spiritual). Fellowship then is deeper than mere friendship, but it is mutual acceptance of one another’s lifestyles.

                If fellowship is close association, then it is important that we only welcome those who God welcomes (cf. Revelation 2:6). Who are we forbidden to welcome into our spiritual home?

                Those in Darkness. If God is light and sin is darkness, then we cannot fellowship those who are in sin. We are forbidden from welcoming those who live unpleasing lives unto God (1 Corinthians 10:20; 2 Corinthians 6:14). Paul wrote, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11). While communication and evangelism to the lost must not be neglected (1 Corinthians 5:10), acceptance of behavior and choices is not allowed. While we may mentally deny another’s sinful lifestyle, we must be careful not to give the impression that we accept someone’s sin too (2 John 11). Attending a party or gathering where sin is present, could give off the impression of our acceptance. Jesus reprimanded Pergamos for their acceptance of sinful deeds (Revelation 2:14-15). Invite these ones over for a Bible study and give them a good meal, but do not accept their sinful deeds in the process. Teach them the truth so that they can come out of the devil’s umbrella (cf. 2 Timothy 2:24-26).    

                Those in Denominations. Denominations are not other churches—they are buildings full of unbelievers! To claim that fellowship can be had with those of differing doctrines, is to open the door of acceptance wider than God does. Some brethren believe that communion can be shared with these ones and sometimes, they even call them brethren! While these may be closer to the truth than others, they are still as much lost (Matthew 7:21-23). There is only one church (Matthew 16:18) and anyone who is not apart of it is not in fellowship with God. John forbad fellowship with those who transgressed the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9-10). Mingling with wicked Ahab caused the prophet to tell Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, “Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD” (2 Chronicles 19:2). It is sinful to fellowship those in denominational buildings for they have not submitted to the teachings of Christ. It is sinful because it is against Jesus’ plea for unity (John 17:20-21) and makes God confusing (1 Corinthians 14:34a). Invite them into your home for a Bible study, but don’t invite them into your home thinking that they are ok with God.      

                Those in Defiance. Paul seems to give a more strict warning about our associations with fallen brethren, calling us not to even eat with such a one (1 Corinthians 5:11). Whether this means the Lord’s Supper or a common meal is not entirely clear, in this author’s judgement, it likely is a reference to a common meal. We must not give the impression we accept a brother’s sinful deeds by eating by him, playing with him, or inviting him over to the house. Such would give the impression that there is communion! In fact, we are commanded to treat erring brothers as publicans (Matthew 18:17), so that they will recognize their error in order to be restored back into fellowship (cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). We want them to miss the communion we shared, so neglecting to give it to them is an attempt to call them back. To fellowship an erring brother will show him that His Father is ok with his sinful choices.

                Fellowship is an important doctrine in the Bible. We would do well to say as David, “I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked” (Psalm 26:5). While we love everybody, because of sin we cannot accept just anybody. Let us strive to teach the Gospel to all, so that they can be united with us and Christ (cf. 1 John 1:3).