Ecclesiology: Church Discipline
Chris Hefner
What does the Bible say about the church discipline?
Matthew 18:15-17—Jesus defined the process of going to a brother/sister
1 Corinthians 5:4-5—Paul’s explanation regarding excommunication
Hebrews 10:19-25; 13:17—Expectations of church members
The Connection between Membership and Discipline
Discipline was understood throughout much of church history to be dismissal from the Lord’s Supper table
Discipline biblically is about removal from membership for the goal of repentance and restoration
Discipline is necessary because membership is to be the local church’s affirmation of one’s salvation experience
Theological Takeaway: Because church membership is to be the local church’s affirmation of conversion, holding church membership accountable serves as a valuable witness of Christ’s saving work
Worship Takeaway: Reconciliation and repentance are to be regular aspects of worship preparation (see Matthew 5:23-24)
Evangelistic Takeaway: A church with many disconnected, non-attending members does not witness to the efficacy of the gospel well
Relational Takeaway: It is our obligation as the family of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, to take responsibility for offenses and being offended in the pursuit of reconciliation, repentance, and forgiveness
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