YOU ARE WELCOME HERE
In a world divided by prejudice over ethnicity, or income, or even the sins of our past, the message of the church is clear: you are welcome here. The invitation to come into the presence of God is open to all people, regardless of background or circumstance. However, while the church welcomes everyone, it stands firm in its stance that sin is not welcome. This article explores the balance between inclusivity and holiness, highlighting biblical teachings that both invite people into fellowship and call them to leave sin behind.
The Church: A Home for All People
The Bible teaches that God’s invitation is for all people. Jesus’ ministry was marked by inclusivity, breaking societal norms and barriers. In Galatians 3:28, Paul declares, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This verse emphasizes that the church transcends earthly divisions and welcomes all into the family of God.
Jesus Himself extended this invitation during His earthly ministry. In Matthew 11:28, He said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” This call is universal, offering rest and renewal to anyone willing to come to Him.
The early church also reflected this inclusivity. In Acts 10:34-35, Peter proclaimed, “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” Peter’s revelation affirmed that God’s love and acceptance are not limited by ethnicity or nationality.
Additionally, James 2:1-4 warns against showing favoritism based on wealth: “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ and say to the poor man, ‘You stand there,’ or, ‘Sit here at my footstool,’ have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?” This passage challenges believers to treat everyone with equal respect and dignity, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Leaving Sin Behind
While the church welcomes everyone, it does not condone sin. God’s holiness demands that His people strive to live righteously. Romans 6:1-2 asks, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” This verse makes it clear that accepting God’s grace means rejecting sin.
Jesus’ interactions with sinners consistently modeled this balance. In John 8:11, after forgiving the woman caught in adultery, Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” His forgiveness was accompanied by a command to leave her sinful lifestyle behind.
The apostle Paul also emphasizes the need to forsake sin. In Ephesians 4:22-24, he writes, “That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” Becoming a follower of Christ involves a transformation—a turning away from sin and toward righteousness.
The church is also called to address sin within its community. In 1 Corinthians 5:6-7, Paul admonishes the Corinthians, saying, “Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened.” This passage underscores the importance of confronting sin, not out of judgment, but to preserve the holiness of the body of Christ.
Inclusivity Without Compromise
Balancing inclusivity and holiness is not an easy task, but the Bible provides guidance. The church must always welcome people with open arms, reflecting God’s love and mercy. At the same time, it must remain steadfast in teaching God’s standards of righteousness.
This balance is beautifully expressed in Titus 2:11-12: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” God’s grace extends to everyone, but it also calls for a response—a life of godliness.
Conclusion: All Are Welcome, Sin Is Not
The church is a place of refuge and restoration, welcoming people from every walk of life. It reflects God’s heart, which desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Yet, this welcome comes with a call to leave sin behind and pursue holiness.
As believers, we must extend God’s love to everyone, regardless of their past, while also upholding the truth of His Word. Romans 12:9 exhorts us, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” This balance of love and truth is essential to the mission of the church.
To those seeking a place where they can find hope, healing, and purpose, the message is clear: You are welcome here. But understand that this welcome comes with an invitation to experience the transforming power of God’s grace—a grace that calls us to leave sin behind and walk in newness of life.