Our God is described as One who is infinitely wise – “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God” (Romans 11:33)! The concept of wisdom screams logic. It is always logical in that it identifies truth. Behind every command from God is sound logic. Whether we immediately come to a distinct understanding of the logic behind the precept does not negate the fact that God shows no illogicality in His divine nature – “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). It is dangerous to approach scripture as a compilation of arbitrary principles established on a whim by our Creator. The inspired word is a product of the divine omniscience of God. The plan of salvation is an “eternal purpose which [God] accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians 3:10). Fittingly, scripture can only be interpreted with this fundamental truth in mind. If God has designed the Christian and the church to function in a specific way, there must be a logical explanation reached by necessary implication in the holy script.

The Logical Principle Behind the Boundary of Fellowship

“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:5-7). I would venture to say the description God gives Himself as light is logical. An effective way to describe the concept of light (in my opinion) is to consider its natural antagonist – darkness. Darkness can be defined as the absence of light. In the truest form, darkness sees no light. Similarly to our concept of “cold” – the absence of heat – “darkness” is merely a descriptor of a circumstance where there is no light. Thus, “in Him is no darkness at all.” By inspiration, John logically follows with the consequence of having any association with darkness – not being in fellowship with God, for light casts no shadow. The concept is not one that God has decided, rather it is a truth of His unchanging nature. Like truth, fellowship with God is objective – “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” Which segues into the irony of man’s foolish attempt to extend the boundaries of fellowship beyond those set by God.

The Irony in Extending the Boundaries of Fellowship

“If we say that we have fellowship with Him,” it does not make it so. This is tantamount to a charismatic saying they know they are saved because of a feeling that came over them. It doesn’t change the fact God stated, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). Are they saved because they said so? Surely, no brother would affirm this. However, it is ironic that some teach a boundary of fellowship that would necessarily extend a right hand to such an individual.

The ultimate irony is seen in the attempt to exchange truth for unity – Simply for the reason Paul states, “[endeavor] to keep the unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3). The Holy Spirit’s role in promoting unity is His divine work of revealing truth (cf. John 16:5-15). Truth does not divide, but unites. It is God’s will for us to “[be] like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:2). However, in a foolish attempt to promote unity, some join in participation with others who do not have the foundation of unity laid, that is, a mutual observance of truth. It is illogical to suggest fellowship when there is dissonance – “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-16). If there is no fellowship, communion, accord, part, or agreement there is no lawful joint participation. Unity is not unity if there is diversity in belief and practice, for the truth is light, and in light is NO DARKNESS AT ALL.

This extension of fellowship when there are no grounds for fellowship is an ironic, and foolish attempt to consider the well-being of another. To accept one whom God does not accept is to put their soul in jeopardy, and in addition, your own. Paul told the church in Corinth to, “deliver such a one [who is unwilling to repent of sin] to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Corinthians 5:5). Their failure to practice such discipline was a non-verbal acceptance of the brother’s walk in sin. When they showed him he was not in fellowship with God by withdrawing from him, he recognized the gravity of the situation and returned to God in sorrowful repentance (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:5-8). Extending fellowship to a brother in sin is like calmly reassuring someone they aren’t in harm’s way of an oncoming train when you could in all actuality push them off the tracks, saving their life. Their tumble might not be enjoyable, but they live to see another day – “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11).

Additionally, the artificial appendage of fellowship displays arrogance. Paul said the Corinthians were “puffed up” (1 Corinthians 5:2). Some assume they are displaying great strength of faith, and brotherly love, by “helping out” and “encouraging” an unrepentant weaker brother. When indeed, by doing so, they themselves lose their own fellowship with God by participating with one in sin – “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John 10-11). The inspired command to the Corinthians was a “test, [to see] whether [they were] obedient in all things” (2 Corinthians 2:9). It takes humility to accept God’s wisdom in all things.

Conclusion

Brethren, we need to constantly “Examine [ourselves] as to whether [we] are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Do we hold true to the boundaries of fellowship established by our God? Do we honestly believe the alteration of such will be pleasing to Him? Are we truly looking out for each other’s best interest in spiritual matters? Are we “obedient in all things?”