When Josh Buice (or others) fail in disgrace we must respond Biblically and steadfastly

After the recent controversy of Josh Buice of G3 Ministries I decided to write this short post. This post specifically applies to Buice, but it has a general use and application for other situations in regards how many pull the repentance card way to soon. Especially the fans and followers of these golden calves.

Notice I did not use the popular phrase to “fall” in sin or to “fall” from grace in the title. This was not one of those oops… we all sin stories. This was no slip-and-fall accident.

So, when a pastor fails in disgrace after being found out to have willfully maliciously created and committed various calculated sins with premeditation and malice aforethought, and then lied and denied those sins when confronted, we must treat it as such and respond biblically and accordingly.

Therefore, it is wrong for his fan club to go on the internet just two days later and ignorantly declare the person repented, telling others they must be graceful, forgive him, and treat him like any brother in good standing. That advice is most unwise, unholy, a sloppy agapé, and frankly theological malpractice.

We must be aware of an unbiblical repentance.

There is a Biblical repentance that will occur when the lost becomes saved. There is also a Biblical repentance that manifests throughout the elect Christian’s life. But there is an unbiblical repentance that is deceptive and worthless and is only sorry they got caught. One repentance comes from the Lord, the other unbiblical repentance comes from the world and brings deceit, death, and more destruction.

As it says in 2 Corinthians 7:10-11,

“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”

In the New King James version, it says,

“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”

I believe the Lord is purging out and purifying His church, and for that, I rejoice in our Lord.

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:4–7

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” - 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Only by the grace of God so go the wretched man I am.