1 Corinthians 5:1-6?

[J.W.B]

What is the meaning of the verse in 1 Corinthians 5:1-6? St. Paul seems to suggest that he individual who took his fathers wife will on the day of judgment will be saved. How is that?

 

[dirtydog]

J.W.B.:

What is the meaning of the verse in 1 Corinthians 5:1-6? St. Paul seems to suggest that he individual who took his fathers wife will on the day of judgment will be saved. How is that?

Paul is suggesting that by excommunicating him, he will be put out into the world and experience what Satan has to hold for him. This is with the hope that he will see what his future holds, repent, and return to the Church. Also, the verse does not say he “will be saved” but rather “so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.” Thus, if he stays in his current situation, he will be damned, but if cast out by the Church, he may experience the wickedness of Satan’s domain, see the light, seek forgiveness, return to God’s Grace, and re-enter the Church. Thus, through Paul’s tough love approach, he MAY be saved, while in the current situation of ignoring the problem, he WILL be condemned.

 

[DavidFilmer]

I would just add one thing to dirtydog’s **excellent **commentary…

If this fella stays in the Church and everyone just accepts his behavior, he is HIGHLY unlikely to repent and change (why would he???)

** Hmmm - I wonder if this message offers us any lessons in this day and age?**