1. Doctrinal Distortions 1 Jno 1:5-10

2. False framework for salvationFalse framework for salvation False framework for fellowshipFalse framework for fellowship Non-controversial approach to religious differences, Jude 3-4Non-controversial approach to religious differences, Jude 3-4 –Compromises with error and immorality Denies Bible doctrines about sin, salvation and fellowshipDenies Bible doctrines about sin, salvation and fellowship 2

3. Born with a sinful nature –Allows ignorance and weakness as reasons to have maintain fellowship Be alert to expressions:Be alert to expressions: –“Man, because he is man, sins.” –“We’re only human.” –“Do you know it all?” Jno 8:31-32 –“We’re all ignorant of some things.” Eph 5:17 (1 Ths 4:13) 3

4. Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ Since man is corrupt, Christ’s personal righteousness is said to be imputed (reckoned) to our accountSince man is corrupt, Christ’s personal righteousness is said to be imputed (reckoned) to our account –Assumes God can only accept perfect law-keepers (so, Jesus kept law for us) Which law did Jesus keep for us?Which law did Jesus keep for us? 4

5. Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ Truth: Christ is our substitution in punishment for sins, 1 Pet 3:18; Gal 3:10-14 (Isa 53:4-6)Truth: Christ is our substitution in punishment for sins, 1 Pet 3:18; Gal 3:10-14 (Isa 53:4-6) One’s personal faith is reckoned to him for righteousness, Rom 4:3 (9), 5, 7-8; Heb 11:7One’s personal faith is reckoned to him for righteousness, Rom 4:3 (9), 5, 7-8; Heb 11:7 5

6. Grace, Faith and Works –Overemphasizes grace while minimizing obedient faith Confuses the basis of salvation with the condition of salvation, Titus 2:9; Eph 2:8-9Confuses the basis of salvation with the condition of salvation, Titus 2:9; Eph 2:8-9 –Basis of salvation: Grace (freely offered) –Condition of salvation: Obedient faith, Matt 7:21; Heb 5:9 6

7. Levels of Fellowship Five categories (F. LaGard Smith) Universal fellowship: Family of manUniversal fellowship: Family of man Faith fellowship: Like familyFaith fellowship: Like family Christian fellowship: Extended familyChristian fellowship: Extended family Conscience fellowship: Close familyConscience fellowship: Close family Congregational fellowship: Immediate familyCongregational fellowship: Immediate family 7 1 John 1:3-4, 7

8. Fellowship does not Imply Endorsement Explains the practice of ongoing fellowship in spite of doctrinal differences (error)Explains the practice of ongoing fellowship in spite of doctrinal differences (error) Fellowship does imply endorsement, Gal 2:9; 2 Jno 10- 11Fellowship does imply endorsement, Gal 2:9; 2 Jno 10- 11 8

9. Use of Romans 14 to Condone Fellowship in Spite of Error Use of liberties; receive allUse of liberties; receive all Beware of those who put doctrinal and moral issues into Romans 14Beware of those who put doctrinal and moral issues into Romans 14 –Sponsoring churches, instrumental music, Premillennialism, societies, social gospel, homosexuality, adulterous remarriages 9

10. Continuous Cleansing –Automatic forgiveness of sins of weakness and ignorance, 1 Jno 1:8-9 Perverts Romans 4:8Perverts Romans 4:8 –“Shall not impute sin” is made to mean automatic forgiveness –“Shall not impute sin” equals forgiveness, Rom 4:5-8 10

11. Classification of Sins –Minor, inadvertent, incidental, non- alienating (automatically cleansed) –Contrasted with willful and rebellious sins (repentance needed) Sins of ignorance condemn, Lev 5:17-19, Acts 3:17-19; 1 Tim 1:13- 16Sins of ignorance condemn, Lev 5:17-19, Acts 3:17-19; 1 Tim 1:13- 16 –Conditions of forgiveness must be met –Walk in the light, 1 Jno 1:7 (1:6; 2:3, 5) –Christian, 1 Jno 1:8-9 (2:1-2) 11

12. Saved “by grace, through faith” (Eph 2:8)Saved “by grace, through faith” (Eph 2:8) Have peaceful fellowship with God and His people in one body (church of Christ) (Eph 2:14-22)Have peaceful fellowship with God and His people in one body (church of Christ) (Eph 2:14-22) Grace is dispensed by God according to “the grace of God in truth”, Col 1:5-6Grace is dispensed by God according to “the grace of God in truth”, Col 1:5-6 12