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Encounter Messages  /  Why Did David Get a Pass? The Early Christian View of Repentance  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 2
Cyprian said Christ still receives His murderers, and Tertullian pictured the Father taking back a prodigal son who returns naked. How do those pictures of God's mercy change the way we hear the strict early Christian warnings about repeated sin?
Another way to ask: Cyprian said Christ still receives those who killed Him, and Tertullian said the Father takes back the prodigal son. How do these pictures of mercy help us hear the strict warnings about repeated sin?

Direct Answer

These pictures show that the strict warnings sit beside a real welcome for anyone who truly returns. Jason Willis insists the harsh quotes must be read in their full context.

Support from the Message

- Jason admits that using the harsh quotes selectively does not give the full picture, and he urges listeners to read the works in their entirety. - Tertullian says the Father will take back a son who squandered everything, even one who returns naked, if he truly repents. - Cyprian says even those who shed the blood of Christ can be revived by the blood of Christ. - Lactantius says no one should lose hope after turning to the path of unrighteousness, because such a person can be converted if he repents. - Hermas tells those who have despaired of life to trust in God, who will heal former sins if they turn with all their heart and do righteousness to the end of their days.

Discussion Follow-up

Which is the greater danger for you right now, false comfort from mercy or despair from the warnings? Why?

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