The definition of apostasy is:
"APOSTASY
a·pos·ta·sy (-pst-s) KEY
NOUN:
pl. a·pos·ta·sies
Abandonment of one's religious faith, a political party, one's principles, or a cause."
Since Manasseh in the bible obviously did this and was later forgiven by Jehovah after finally humbling himself... shows that even apostates, such as many on here, can come to their senses and return to Jehovah... correct?
2007-12-27 08:17:03 · 10 answers · asked by ezlayedback 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
TeeM... are you sure you're having the Christ-like thinking? If an inidividual changes and humbles himself and seeks Jehovah's forgiveness... and is forgiven... why shouldn't the congregation... correct? Doesn't the bible say if we don't show mercy... mercy will not be shown to us? We shouldn't judge anyone.
2007-12-28 01:54:34 · update #1
sugarlips... I'm not sure you answered the question or not. Of course it's up to Jehovah.
2007-12-28 08:06:52 · update #2
TeeM... what is R/S?
2007-12-28 11:24:58 · update #3
I believe you are confusing being forgiven by Jehovah and being forgiven by the congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Those 2 things are TOTALLY not synonamous (sp?).
I have God's forgiveness through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for ANY sin I ask forgiveness for (other than blasphemy against the holy spirit) and am repentant.
The congregations' forgiveness is based on unscriptural conditions that include the judicial committee's opinion on whether the individual demonstrates repentance.
As someone who has been labeled by your group as an apostate, I do not fear God's judgement. I know I have a relationship with him based on love, and truth and most importantly the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
2008-01-04 07:21:22 · answer #1 · answered by Carol D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Apostasy is abandoning or deserting the worship and service of God, actually a rebellion against Jehovah God some apostates profess to know and serve God but reject teachings or requirements set out in his Word. Others claim to believe the Bible but reject Jehovah's organization.
NOT ONLY DO THEY ABANDON THE TRUE FAITH BUT THEY THEN "BEAT" THEIR FORMER ASSOCIATES, USING PUBLIC CRITICISM AND OTHER METHODS TO HINDER THEIR WORK; THE EFFORTS OF SUCH APOSTATES ARE DEVOTED TO TEARING DOWN, NOT BUILDING UP.
HOW SERIOUS IS APOSTASY?
Heb. 6:4-6 "It is impossible as regards those who have once for all been enlightened, and who have tasted the heavenly free gift, and who have become partakers of holy spirit, and who have tested the fine word of God and powers of the coming system of things, but who have fallen away to revive them again to repentance, because they impale the Son of god afresh for themselves and expose him to public shame."
Jeremiah 17:10 "I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, examining the kidneys, even to give to each one according to is ways, according to the fruitage of his dealings."
Jehovah will be the judge!
2007-12-28 15:49:20 · answer #2 · answered by Vivimos en los Ultimos Dias 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes, but that doesn't mean we should run out and hug all the apostates on R/S.
Bad association is still bad association.
==
Christ said "If they don't listen to the congregation, they are to become as the men of the nations"
Yes, my comment is Christlike.
Once an apostate turns around and is reinstated, I will happy to hug them.
Until then I will continue to obey my Lord and Master.
Religion and Spirituality = R/S
.
2007-12-28 08:29:51 · answer #3 · answered by TeeM 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
this is interesting because one can sin against the holy spirit, and for this there is no forgivness. if they are a true apostate most likely they will stay away.
but many have fallen away that are just week, and this wouldn't be considered apostasy acourding to scripture.
people can defenitly return. but Its up to god to judge thier heart condition..
2007-12-30 02:08:18 · answer #4 · answered by dumaguetejoe 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes.
It reminds a true Christian of his responsibility to maintain dignity despite the shamefulness foisted by seeming apostates.
(1 Timothy 1:12-13) I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who imparted power to me, because he considered me faithful by assigning me to a ministry, although formerly I was a blasphemer and a persecutor and an insolent man. Nevertheless, I was shown mercy, because I was ignorant and acted with a lack of faith.
(2 Timothy 2:23-26) Further, turn down foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing they produce fights. 24 But a slave of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be gentle toward all, qualified to teach, keeping himself restrained under evil, 25 instructing with mildness those not favorably disposed; as perhaps God may give them repentance leading to an accurate knowledge of truth, 26 and they may come back to their proper senses out from the snare of the Devil
Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/20061201/article_02.htm
2007-12-27 23:13:55 · answer #5 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Absolutely Correct.
2008-01-01 01:47:46 · answer #6 · answered by keiichi 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The sense we use "apostate" is not just someone who leaves or is put out. It is one who, instead of just going on, decides to discredit his former religion. Spending their energy, time resources in telling lies and twisted half-truths to get others to leave as well.
It is possible, but very, very difficult for such ones to return, because they harden their hearts.
2007-12-27 17:02:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 8⤊ 4⤋
Yes, that is how forgiving Jehovah is towards a sincere and loving heart :-)
2007-12-27 16:21:15 · answer #8 · answered by Dana C 4 · 7⤊ 2⤋
Yes. But it is much harder and less likely.
However, some actually have returned.
Debbie
2007-12-27 16:43:32 · answer #9 · answered by debbiepittman 7 · 5⤊ 4⤋
Correction...I came to my senses, that is why I left.
2007-12-27 16:22:27 · answer #10 · answered by Elphaba 4 · 4⤊ 8⤋