I'm reminded of a church that allowed a sex offender into the core of their ministry. Is this safe? Should we hide the past of this offender from others in the church in the name of the ministry? He says he has been forgiven, so does that mean we give him the keys to the ministry?
Here's my thought...
Yes, I do believe in the reformation power of the Holy Spirit and the cleansing by the blood. In God's Eyes, the blood of the Lamb of God, covers all sins. But does that mean we totally trust someone who heinously violated someone else just because he claims to be forgiven? 1 Peter 5:8 tells us to "Be alert and sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour". Likewise in Revelation 5:5 the bible refers Jesus as the Lion of Judah, worthy to open the seventh seal. A lion is a symbol of Power and Authority throughout the bible. But why did the bible refer both Jesus and the devil as Lions? Could it be that Satan will use disguises to fool believers? Can Satan actually pose as a good person just to get in the door of our church? YES! We need to "Test the Spirits" (1 John 4:1) to see whether they are from God [or from the devil]. We need to test those who claim to be forgiven so that they are not a "demon in sheep's clothing" posing as a Christian. Often we are "bullied" by believers not to judge others, but is there a difference between judging and holding one accountable. YES!
We as true followers of Christ must protect our churches from demons that enter through the front door of our church posing as one of God's children's. All too often believers are too trustworthy of people they don't know and allow demons into the gates of our pasture in the name of ministry and forgiveness. We are called to test the spirits, are they of God or are they of Satan. Accountability is NOT judging, it's protection. Are we ignoring the red flags of warning in attempting to see the good in people?