Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 21
August 14, 1969
NUMBER 15, PAGE 6b-7a

How Many Laws Of Pardon?

Robert J. Lacoste

It seems that ever-so-often the Brethren are not content to preach the Gospel as it was given in all its glory and simplicity (II Cor. 11:3), but must either try to make some new law or add something to the law already given. All who make this mistake are either unaware of the punishment for doing this or just don't care. (Gal. 1:6-9).

A new rumbling is being heard on the horizon that states there are three laws of pardon. One for the alien sinner (if he qualifies in the personal judgment of the preacher) and two for the erring brother. This new doctrine (Acts 17:19-21) makes a distinction between the Christian who has sinned in such ways as: missing the services willfully, stealing, adultery, gossiping, etc., and demands they admit they have sinned and ask the church to pray for them. This will automatically put the erring child back in fellowship with the church.

However, if disciplinary action has been administered by the church, this new doctrine insists this is different and the ordinary law of pardon for the erring child does not prevail. But, the erring child must come confessing publically all his sins — that these sins must be itemized on a sheet of paper and signed by the penitent child of God. Who can believe it?

Does Acts 8:13-24 teach this? Is this even implied in Luke 15:18-21? Does I Cor. 5 call upon the offender to do this? As I understand the plan of God, there are just two laws of pardon given. One for the alien sinner (who doesn't have to meet the demands and satisfaction of the preacher) other than to believe that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 8:32-39) and one when the child of God sins, as did Simon (Acts 8:18). He is called upon to repent (change his heart) and pray to God for forgiveness (Acts 8:22-24).

The word of God then calls upon the members of the church to restore this one in the attitude of meekness (Gal. 6:1). The Bible nowhere delegates to the preacher, elders, teacher, or a committee of any kind to give the repenting child of God the third degree so they can determine if he has truly repented. His repentance is between him and Almighty God! Brethren! This is usurping the authority of Christ and is false doctrine (Gal. 1:6-9). Those who teach such as the gospel of Christ are guilty of "Heresy" and need to repent!

God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34) and calls upon all His erring children to be forgiven by the same plan. Sin is sin! Whether it be murder, covetousness, stealing, lying, gossiping, or teaching false doctrine (I John 3:4) and the offender must come to God on His terms (Acts 8:22).

Let's just preach the word (II Tim. 4:2) as it is without adding anything or taking anything away from it (I Cor. 4:6) so as not to invoke the wrath of God upon us. (Rev. 22:18)

— PO. Box 1373, Globe, Arizona