No disrespect intended on the first two. I got tired of typing "Pilgrim Said:" and decided to use some synonyms. As for the latter it was merely an exhortation to think about how you treat folks--excommunicated or not they still have feelings. They're still humans created by God.
You may call it the last word if you like, but it seems that you are lying down in shoes that are much larger than your own feet. It flys in the face of election--which I'm still ironing out so don't expect much fencing around this point. If a person's eternal destiny as you call it can be dertermined by a decision of a church body then we are all in trouble should we ever encounter a heresy we feel a need to stand up against. More to the point, if a church has that much authority then why not go on and accept the Catholic Pope and saints and the whole rest of the bag. (Not that I think thats a good idea.)
Pilgrim typed:Put another way, fellowship can no longer be tolerated by the people of God for the person is no longer "one of them".
Exactly, but what you're saying is that when the church rules on this there is no hope for that person. Again, big shoes to fill.
Matt 5:43-48(NIV)
43“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
