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Pilgrim said,
In his reply above, I was and am justified in what I wrote since he again responded by saying that he believes one should "in love" accept everyone's profession as being true unless shown otherwise.I on the other hand, disagree and believe that ALL who profess Christ should be examined as to the credibility of their profession before being received into fellowship and baptized.
This is a blatant misrepresentation of my position. I stated, that I do believe that all who profess Christ should be examined as to their credibility of their profession before being received into fellowship and baptized!!! Where did I say this:

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(1) Thus, all would be eligible for baptism after an investigation into “the facts” that regulate the situation and if the separations are legal, et. al.,

(2) but, as with any other baptismal candidates, I would inquire of their salvation experiences and see what their faith entailed. I would also ask them to explain their sect(s) to me so I would have a better understanding of where they are coming from culturally. If satisfactory, …,

(3) I don't know if I would baptise him or not. As I said earlier an inquiry needs to be made. Of course I would not baptise him if his view of Christ is faulty. Of course I would not baptise him if the wife situation is not properly -- according to law -- taken care of. These are a given.

(4) Paul – the scriptural Calvinist – began with a presumption of innocence (of love) before he proved all things (1 Thess. 5:21). Yes, he knew of everyone's depravity (Rom 1 and 5, etc.), but he was also considerate and godly in his approach (Gal. 6:1 ff).
So, the majority of your post is invalid. Where we differ is that you believe everyone professing Christ is a blatant liar until you prove them truthful and worthy of baptism. On the other hand, I believe that individuals giving a sincere profession of faith to be telling the truth until otherwise shown. This may be done in the inquiry and by viewing the fruit of their profession and of course throughout their lifetime in the church. A profession is not a onetime thing – it is continuous. Thus, it should be a joy for the new convert to share his faith again and again. Thus, I approach the inquiry biblically from a positive perspective, expecting to hear the gospel from them time after time.

Yes, in love I will continually discern the truth. Just because someone uses the term “in love” does not mean that it is an attribute of God being expressed without wisdom and discernment. On the contrary, love is always wise and discerning (Calvin). Moreover, while “Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man” (John 2:24-25), YOU are NOT Christ. YOU do NOT know what is in the man that has just entered your office. If you knew what was in man you would not need DISCERNMENT. Of course, all of us are depraved – that is a Gospel-given, but that does not mean that EVERY person entering your office is presently a liar and devoid of Christ. DISCERNMENT can work, and I believe more effectively work, from an attitude of trust and love than that of suspicion (1 Cor. 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way (1 Cor. 12:10; then chapter 13)).

Now I have to get back to my 18+ hour day. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/hello.gif" alt="" />

Reformed and Always Reforming,