Question:
Are “fruits meet for repentance” a pre-requisite for forgiveness between believers?

 

Luke 17:3, 4 refers to a believer who immediately acknowledges and repents of his sin and thus “fruits meet for repentance” are not needed. Conversely, 2 Corinthians 2 deals with a man who had been put away from the church because of his refusal to repent and his desire to continue in a sin which was abhorrent even to unbelievers (see 1 Corinthians 5). Such a condition may necessitate evidence of sincerity of repentance prior to the church granting forgiveness and reception back into fellowship.

Answer:
Between believers, we should forgive one another according to Ephesians 4:31, 32 and 5:1, 2. We should forgive as God in Christ has forgiven us. After this, the clearing up of hurts and offenses will readily be accomplished.

As to immorality, it destroys fellowship. Where it is ongoing, one must be put away so that fellowship can continue in holiness.
When restoration to the Lord is determined in the offender through repentance (ceasing from the sin), then restoration to fellowship is brought to the former offender by the

assembly.