Dear saints,
In our modern day religious system we seem to have two extremes along the continuum of life. At one end is the ishy squishy mud-between-the-toes anything goes crowd which thinks it unkind, not nice, and a sin to say anything negative. At the other end is the mean-spirited group that seem to practice being pugnacious and stonewalling and make it a point to put down everyone since exhortation to build up the body of Christ is foreign to their habitual and chosen manner of living.
But what says the Word of God?
Instinctively in our spirit, we know that reproof and rebuke is needed in life. From early childhood until we go home to be with the Lord Jesus and Father God, those two doctrines need to be central all our days. The Scripture confirms it.
This is the method used to help us stay on or return to the holy course of action.
Here are a few facts we can glean from the Holy Bible on their similarities.
- Reproof and rebuke is a command for everyone in the body of Christ.
- Everyone is subject to reproof and rebuke.
- This good work helps preserve the unity and holiness of the body.
- Jesus rebuked most often, but also reproved.
- Jesus also rebuked demons, sickness, and storms.
- People in great sin will reject your reproof and rebuke and you personally.
- Every Christian must be reproved to be fully equipped, no exceptions.
