To hear the good news, the gospel of the trendy progressive church, we might believe that the message of Jesus is always welcome. Are all welcome? Will all be welcomed into His kingdom.
Jesus in fact, before words of welcome, called people to repentance, Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus also did not have welcoming or kind words for people who led others astray. Jesus said woe to certain people and declared that God would not welcome sinners into His presence and into His abode.
Depart from me you cursed. Not at all welcoming words, but progressive trendy religion would have us believe that the gospel welcomes everyone without any judgment or call for repentance.
The message of the early Church was not welcome to our group, to our meetings or our band of believers, but repent and believe the Gospel, repent and be converted, repent and be baptized.
John the Baptist preached repentance, not welcome to a happy time of fellowship down by the river.
So are all welcome? Yes, if they are willing and wanting to deal with their sin in repentance.
It would be foolish to say that we welcome people unwilling to put aside their wicked ways. Do we welcome dangerous career criminals, evil wolves in sheep's clothing who harm the flock of God, known sex offenders who have vile intentions, terrorists, pirates, slave traders and violent people who cannot control their behaviour? If we believe in safeguarding, then of course all are not welcome in certain circumstances.
It should therefore be, welcome to a message of repentance, welcome to hear the Gospel. We are sinners in need of the Saviour. He loves sinners and wishes them to avoid the coming wrath, the judgment of the unjust and exclusion of those who reject His salvation.
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