Clay,<br><br>Interesting post. Originally we were talking about the difference between the relationship that a baptized reprobate has with God as opposed to the pagan-unbaptized reprobate's relationship with God. For the most part we have concluded that the degree of culpability is the main issue with respect to the relationship each type has with God. As for how pastors and sessions are to deal with the two types of persons, I think we are now moving into a new area of concern. That being, how does the relationship between genuine believers and hypocrites residing within the visible church differ from that of genuine believers and those that don't profess Christ in the least? In response I would say that the church is to treat all baptized professing-believers the same, until there is conclusive evidence that the subject in question has become delinquent in doctrine or lifestyle, making his profession of faith no longer credible. I think we are all in agreement that the church is called to administer the covenant, including covenant-discipline, to baptized people indiscriminately. Accordingly, YES, the relationship the church has to reprobates within the visible church is different than the church's relationship to the overt mission field. The relationship has to do with the administration of the covenant. However, our relationship is often built upon deception, whereas God's is not. We might think we are having fellowship with the reprobate, but in the end we will find out that we really weren't. YES, we agree that when the reprobate is disciplined (i.e. receives other aspects of the administration of the covenant) he becomes increasingly more culpable. We have noted this all along I trust. <br><br>To bring this full circle, in what way are reprobates "in covenant with God"? Wilson and co. make no distinction between the administration of the covenant and the establishment of the covenant. They believe that because one can "break covenant" in this way that, therefore, the reprobate is on equal footing with the elect. Accordingly, God's promise to the elect is alleged to be conditioned upon faith. We all start out equal in their eyes and then faith becomes the deciding factor for covenant blessing. Whereas we believe the Scriptures teach something quite different for the people of God: "I will be your God, and you will be my people." Faith in our covenant structure is a gift that God grants to all whom He has established the covenant with. Faith itself is a gift of the covenant promise! Given Wilson's view, I would not look to God's promise in order to receive what the promise contemplates, but rather I must look to my faith. Given our structure of the covenant believers should simply continue to believe God's promise. [color:blue]Whereas Wilson and co. is saying, "Has God said?"</font color=blue><br><br>Blessings,<br><br>Ron<br>
