Hi Frank,

http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/july2013/davidb726-3.htm

Yes it is a hard thing to get a hold of
I guess we won't know for sure until the time of the end

I agree, it is a hard thing.
 

But I have to say, that not all prodigals come to their senses
Some of us have seen them die very much against God

 
This is sad but true.

I have good reason to believe it will not go well for them
We have to be careful not to tell someone it is OK when the opposite is true
Sometimes we have to be merciful
Sometimes mercy comes in hard truth and honesty

Frank in 1 Cor 5 talks about a pretty messed up individual, yet Paul says in verse 5 "To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus".  Here is an individual that is worse than I can imagine, yet in the day of the Lord Jesus his spirit will be saved.  I know that the theme here is to get the leaven out of the lump.  Which is why I think Jesus stated in Rev the "that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate" and "doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel".  Ok, here is my question to you and would like to hear your response.   Where is going to far, or where do we draw this line in the sand?  I like the sand, Jesus wrote in the sand!

I am not telling anyone that it is ok to sin, just the opposite is true!  Yes, we need to be merciful and it is tough at times.
 

May the Holy Spirit give us wisdom re these issues

 
I totally agree that we need His wisdom and understanding on these issues.  Actually on all issues!

David Blackman,