Michael:
I would probably react in the sense that since there seems to be a continued
child molestation the individual is not sincere in his repentance, hence no
conversion, hence lost. (And no I don't believe that he would be "covered,"
because some sociologists and psychologists decided that it was a disease).
Paul Robson:
This doesn't actually follow. He could repent truly each time and then be
tempted again. This is fairly common amongst some of the kids I have
worked with (emotional/behavioural problems) in that if they do something
wrong, they are often truly 'repentant' (e.g. not just doing it to "get
off")
but they will repeat the behaviour patterns (in many,but not all cases).
Often, the behaviour pattern can be removed (you'll be pleased to know)
I always thought that Xians believed "God forgives those who
truly repent" , "rather than all those who truly repent providing its
reasonable"
So to get into heaven I need to fulfil all of these criteria.
(i) accept Jesus as saviour & rest of std xian stuff.
(ii) have no sin (at point of death)
(iii) have been baptised (since the last repentance ?)
(iv) repented & confessed sins committed.
(v) not sinned & repented too much (how much is too much :) )
Paul Robson (autismuk@aol.com)