Faith without works explained

[fhansen]

Those who blame and accuse people are speaking from the tempter's seat, because sins are not counted against people. 2 Cor. 5:19

It's so important to understand what these passages mean.

"All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God " 2 Cor 5:18-21

A major aspect of our reconciliation with God is that forgiveness of our sins, just as forgiveness is part of reconciliation in our own, earthly relationships. But not so that we can remain in or sins, and continue to sin. We don't expect the person to continue to offend us over and over if reconciliation is going to be effective and mean anything. So the passage goes on to say that God appeals to us, and the ultimate purpose is so that we become righteous, no longer offensive.

And awareness of sin and opposition to it in no way automatically implies accusation or condemnation or judgmentalism, just the opposite, in fact.

"If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector." Matt 18:15-17

"Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him." Luke 17:3

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Gal 6:1

Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. 2 Thess 3:15

As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 1 Tom 5:20

ETC, there are many such verses