Ryan

My understanding of the illustration of branches being grafted in or cut off is to represent Jews (natural) and Gentiles (wild). But I won’t get into a debate here on eternal security. I also don’t take Mt. 18:18 as applicable to the issue of disfellowshipping, but instead to the following discussion about asking God for something.

Paula, please explain for me Rom 11:20-22 which seems to disagree with your interpretation:  “Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either.  Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.” (NASB)

Here Paul is speaking to those who are “in the vine,” and in particular those who are unnatural branches.  He says (post-cross) that it is possible that they will not be spared just as is the case with the natural branches who do not continue in His kindness.