The Pasugo Reader's Question:

I AM NOT fully aware of the different practices of various religions , but I find what I saw on television about some Iglesia Ni Cristo members who spoke against it being expelled not only puzzling but disturbing.  Hoping you could shed light on this.

Allan Sanchez
From Antipolo, Rizal


Editor's reply:

Expelling members of the Church has a biblical basis.  Apostle Paul wrote the  Christians, thus:  "God along sits in judgment on those who are outside.  Drive out that wicked one from among you [expel him from your church]'  (I Cor. 5:13 Amplified Bible, emphasis ours).  The bible speaks of only one true Church Of Christ (Col. 1:18, Rom, 12:4-5; Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation).  God wants the true Church to reach perfection (Eph. 5:27) which cannot be achieved  if there is someone among the members who has a wicked or perverse heart, such as one who "stirs up dissension" (Prov. 16:28, New International Version)-- a desire that is "earthly, unspiritual (animal), even devilish (demoniacal)" (James 3:15, AMP). Moreover, Apostle Paul admonished the early Christians to "watch out for those who cause division" and to "keep away from them" (Rom. 16:17, NIV) And even from of old, God commanded: "You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and clean..." (Lev.10:10 Ibid.).

Hence, expulsion of such members from the true Church Of Christ is not only allowed, but even mandated by God.