Can a Christ-professing, Scripture-quoting, Bible-toting pillar of the church continue to sin and be right with God, Naaman being a good example. Many contend that such a churchite is accepted by God because of his/her religiosity. One t.v. preacher, responding to a question concerning the spiritual condition of a known sinner who was “active in church,” said that the sinner must not be judged for his actions because no one knew what was in his heart. However, God said “Don’t do that.” He did not add, “unless your heart is right.”

Balaam was a famous “prophet” known for his ability to affect the lives and situations of other people. So famous was he that the son of the king of the Midianites said to him, “He whom you curse is cursed and he whom you bless is blessed” (Nu. 22:6). This powerful statement reveals that the king’s son, and obviously the king, knew what everyone else in the area knew–Balaam had great spiritual power. This was proven by the fact that God “came to him” and carried on an audible conversation with him during which He (God) told him to bless the children of Israel. Per God’s instructions, Balaam blessed Israel 3 times. Here we have a “prophet” with the power of blessing and cursing, a man who knew God and was known by God on a first name basis, conversed with God and blessed His people. Surely his minor sin of greed would be overlooked by the Lord in light of these facts. Can we assume that Balaam was in fact accepted by the Lord? Today anyone with Balaam’s portfolio would be nothing less than a religious rock star in the church world in spite of the fact that the people he blessed 3 times–the Israelites–later killed him (Nu. 31:8).

In the 8th chapter of the Book of Acts we find the story of Simon of Samaria who, after hearing Philip preach and seeing the miracles he performed, “believed and was baptized and continued with Philip.” Simon heard and believed his gospel message and became part of the church in Samaria. Based on this information, can we assume that Simon was in right standing with the Lord Whose gospel Philip preached? The church of our time would say so in spite of the fact that the Apostle Peter sent him packing, telling him that he had no part in God’s church because his heart was filled with bitterness.

In Acts chapter 5 we read about Ananias and Sapphira who were members of the church in Jerusalem–the first New Testament Church formed following the death of Jesus Christ. Because of great persecution from the Jews, the young church experienced several problems, some of which dealt with money, food, etc. Because of this it was decided that those who chose to do so would sell some of their property and give the proceeds to the Apostle Peter who would use it to help Christians in need. Ananias and Saffhira decided to sell a portion of their land and contribute the money. However, when they presented the money to Peter they lied about the amount received for their property. Can we assume that, due to their good standing in the church and their generosity toward others, that God would overlook one little lie? After all, the contribution was totally voluntary. The church would say that the couple was walking with the Lord. However, they both dropped dead in front of Peter. L.J.