Why Fellowship?

1. Fellowship with Heretics, Cults, and Extremists

• In the New Testament, fellowship is tied to truth in Christ (1 John 1:3, 2 John 9–11).

• Heretics (in the biblical sense) are those who deny essential truths of the gospel — such as the person of Christ (His divinity, humanity, resurrection) or salvation by grace through faith.

• Cults often distort Christ’s identity or authority of Scripture, adding extra revelations or denying the Trinity.

• Extremists often substitute ideology, violence, or legalism for the gospel.

• The NT warns against receiving such teachers as equals in the faith (Galatians 1:6–9; 2 John 10–11; Titus 3:10).

  • This doesn’t mean never speaking to them — Jesus ate with sinners and Paul dialogued with Jews and pagans.

  • But it does mean not endorsing or partnering with them in Christian fellowship, worship, or ministry.

Principle: Show kindness and patience, but don’t have spiritual fellowship with those who deny Christ or distort the gospel.

2. Fellowship with KJV-Only Proponents

• KJV-Onlyism = the belief that the King James Version is the only valid or inspired Bible translation.

• This is not heresy in itself, because it does not deny Christ’s person, gospel, or resurrection.

• However, it can become divisive when elevated above the gospel (e.g., treating other believers as false Christians for not using KJV).

• Paul warned against quarreling over disputable matters (Romans 14:1; 2 Timothy 2:23). The authority of Scripture is essential, but translation preference is not a gospel essential.

Principle: You can have fellowship with KJV-Only believers, provided they hold to the core gospel of Christ. But you should be discerning if their teaching becomes legalistic, prideful, or schismatic.

3. How to Balance Truth and Love

• Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15): Correct gently, not harshly.

• Discern essentials vs. non-essentials:

  • Essentials: Christ’s identity, the gospel, resurrection, salvation by grace. No compromise.

  • Non-essentials: Bible translations, worship style, secondary doctrines. Room for difference.

• Guard your fellowship: Don’t let false teachers undermine the faith of others (Acts 20:28–30).

• Be missional: Remember, contact with heretics or cultists may be an evangelistic opportunity, but it’s not the same as Christian fellowship.

Summary:

• Heretics, cults, extremists → Engage kindly, but do not fellowship spiritually with them, because fellowship is grounded in shared truth in Christ.

• KJV-Onlyists → Fellowship is possible if they hold the true gospel. If they make their view divisive or elevate it to salvation status, confront in love and guard unity.