A querist asks, “Could someone please explain I Corinthians 5:1-13 concerning the fornicator and the process that is to be followed today? Also does Matthew 18:21-35, about forgiving a brother 70 times 7 times apply here and if so how could it? I would appreciate input as soon as possible as we are dealing with adultery in our congregation and I have been told that every time these people ask for forgiveness, we have to do it even though the problem is ongoing. They lied to the whole congregation while they were confessing and then said they had repented to God. Do we forgive where God has not (I don’t think God forgave because they lied before the Church).”We need to remember that true repentance is necessary before forgiveness can be rendered (Romans 6:1-2; John 8:11; 2 Corinthians 7:10). Repentance demands that the sin be terminated. The Bible also speaks of bringing “forth therefore fruits meet (worthy) of repentance” (Matthew 3:8 ASV). The fruits of true, genuine repentance would not allow “staying in” a sinful relationship but “getting out” of such a relationship.
The command to, “deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh” (1 Corinthians 5:5) is the equivalent of “put away from among yourselves that wicked person” (1 Corinthians 5:13 - see article). It carries with it the idea of severing Christian fellowship, i.e., “not to company with fornicators” (1 Corinthians 5:9) and “with such a one no not to eat” (1 Corinthians 5:11).
The bottom line being, have no social intercourse with such a one (cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:6).
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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