THE SIN OF AID AND ABETTING

“Sin of Aiding And Abetting”

 Legal Definition:

In criminal law, that kind of connection with the commission of a crime which at common law, rendered the person guilty as a principal in the second degree. It consisted in being present: at the time and place; and doing some act to render aid to the actual perpetrator of the crime, though without taking a direct share in the commission. “Aid and abet” comprehend all assistance rendered by words, act, encouragement, support or presence, actual or constructive to render assistance if necessary. The common saying today is, “I’ll just let them alone and they can do their own thing, I must answer to the Lord only for myself.”

 When Cain slew Able he asked, “Am I my brother's keeper?  Genesis 4:9b

It would sure be wonderful if we could only be accountable for ourselves but we have a responsibility to each other. Possibly God is asking today, Where is thy brother? Some will no doubt say in that day, “Am I my brothers Keeper? Yes, we must cease not to warn every man regarding SIN. It is a responsibility of every child of God not just the ministry.

  Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.  Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.          Acts 20:26-31

Many are “Aid and Abetting”  SIN right in their own families, homes and churches. Eli was one who knew right from wrong and he would have no part with evil, yet he allowed his two sons to move evil into his house. Sin must be confronted but Eli chose to do nothing just as many do today.  Many say, “I’ll just wait on the Lord to work it all out.”  Eli had the same spirit!

Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.  1 Samuel 2:22-23

 The Warning; God has warned the Church many times over the past few years.

    And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house? And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?  Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people? Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.  Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house.  And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever. And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age.  And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them. And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.      1 Samuel 2:27-35

 Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:4b

 …Because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.

    And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever. 1 Samuel 3:11-14

 Eli aid and abetted his sons in their evil and thus caused his demise. Many are “Aid and Abetting” today, they call evil good and good evil and close their mind and eyes to God in favor of man. Judgment is coming against many and unless they repent they will be cut off without remedy. Some will say, “I know they are wrong but God has anointed them and therefore I must support them.” God, in due time, will judge these matters and great shall be the fall of many. They will say, “But we have cast out devils in they name and done mighty works. We have preached perfection and removed many that your house might be perfected.”  Without LOVE, God’s House can’t be perfect!

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21-23

While iniquity abounds and the works of man far outweighs the works of God, blind leaders lead the blind and many walk in darkness and perish. In the first part of the “Dark Ages” this blindness gave rise to the Pope who cast such a shadow over the people of God that they followed in false security as he led them by fear of retribution by God if they said anything against him. Now numerous little popes are all over the world trying to lead God’s people the same way. It is reported that one of the big television preachers in America has got people afraid to say anything against him no matter what he does. We must not be afraid to call SIN—SIN and name them, warning every man with tears. It’s a sad day for the world system but it’s a great day for The Church of God as we allow Christ to be the head of His Church. He will build It His way. She belongs to Him and we must not slay His sheep in order to perfect His Body but we must perfect them by the preaching of His Word in LOVE.

That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:26, 27

God does not anoint SIN! New Testament government and discipline does not allow SIN in leadership or laity. “Aid and Abet”  if you want to but there is a righteous judge and His sentence is real. It is time to be The Church of God of the Bible in word, deed, practice and discipline. Today many hundreds of churches call themselves THE CHURCH OF GOD but in reality there is but ONE and She will be pure and holy with every true sheep coming under Her government prior to His return. You can’t be a part of Her and bear false witness, cheat and when no one is looking do or condone that which the Word of God condemns.

In the courts of America the person who “Aids and Abets” is just as guilty as the perpetrator of the crime. Under these laws if you sit and watch a man murder someone and ride off into the sunset thinking you are innocent then, you will be very surprised when the iron cuffs snap around your wrist. You will hear your rights read and then the words, “We are charging you with murder.”

The Lord told Eli, “And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.” 1 Samuel 2:35

There is a sure house and a sure Priest and The Church of God will walk before Him in holiness and righteousness. God is sick of those who, “Aid and Abet” and call evil good and good evil.

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!  Isaiah 5:20

The sin of “Aid and Abetting” is a personal and private sin which is normally known only by God and the individual guilty of “Aid and Abetting”. It is usually justified by measuring one self against a group or body of believers engaged in some heinous sin, such as spiritual abuse, false doctrine or other reprobate behavior. To stay in fellowship with many churches today one must divorce their fellowship with Christ and follow man. There isn’t one church that can save you and after Christ saves you He wants you to love and be kind one to another.

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, If ye have love one to another”.John 13:35b

Many churches today border on becoming a cult because of their abusive nature while Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Matthew 11:28

The Church is to be an oasis of rest and love in the midst of a desert of SIN (The World). Are you living in an abusive relationship with a church that constantly beats people into submission with threats and intimidation? If so then at some point you will “Aid and Abet” and Jesus Christ the righteous judge will find you guilty. This will be God’s call and no one else can or will judge the individual of “Aid and Abetting.” What makes this sin so slippery and hard to detect is that God only sees and judges it, much like non-tithing. It is a secret sin! The Church of God, the Church of Bible Prophecy, the true Bible Church will be made up of holy people who refuse to “Aid and Abet” SIN and cleave to that which is right. “Aid and Abetting” sinful practices by family, friends and churches will bring the awesomeness of God’s judgment against those found guilty of this sin. These words, “I’ll just let them alone and have no part in it” will not result in your acquittal. 

You are responsible—Do not be found GUILTY by God.           

John Wilkins