THE CHURCH AND DISCIPLINE K.F.T. Matrunola

The Reformers were set the task of answering the riddle: "When is a Church not a Church?" From scripture they discovered the marks of the true Church to involve right doctrine, right ordinances, and right discipline. Now, these are abiding characteristics, and all who claim to stand in the reformed tradition must satisfactorily display them. Yet the sad fact is that most are indifferent to right doctrine, and often ignorant of the need for Church discipline.

The Puritans held that only right discipline could prevent disorders and preserve from declension. Robert McCheyne could write: "Two keys are committed to us by Christ; the one the key of doctrine … the other the key of discipline. Both are Christ's gift, and neither is to be resigned without sin. And I am deeply persuaded that that Church will flourish best that is ruled best". Some there are who are still persuaded of these truths.

What then of the objects and occasions of ecclesiastical discipline? Why is this so necessary? The grand object, of course, must be the glory of God. The Almighty must be honoured and His Word obeyed.

In more practical terms, the objectives are purity and restoration. There is abundant scriptural evidence for Christians to seek consistency of life, and "to show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light". Any person or activity that would disgrace the Name of the Lord and brings a congregation into disrepute must be firmly resisted. Where there is real love and caring, there will be responsible pastoral oversight.

According to our Church order, this rule is vested in the pastor and other elders along with the deacons, with final authority in serious disorders resting in the Church meeting itself. For those in office, the task is demanding, and by nature there is a reluctance to exercise discipline when required. God's appointment, however, cannot be ignored! Disorder must be corrected and offenders brought to repentance if at all possible.

As to what constituted proper occasions for discipline, some are obvious. False teaching, commandment breaking, loose and irresponsible behaviour all give rise to the practice of discipline. Neglect of the public means of grace, either by absence from worship, or, more particularly disregard for the Lord's Supper, necessitate reproof.

Even contentiousness, insubordination, harsh treatment of fellow believers and the unequal yoke of marriage are grounds for pastoral intervention, and may others also.

The method of Church discipline is not concealed in the Bible. Two important principles are plain - prevention and cure. Prevention of disorders often stems from proper care in the admission of members. Profession of faith without signs of regeneration in repentance is to be treated with caution. Corrective discipline is described in Matthew 18 verses 15 to 18, and the sanctions for those refusing private and public warnings may involve "lesser excommunications" – that is deprivation of communion until there has been repentance, or "greater excommunication" – which is exclusion from fellowship, again until repentance. This latter is a solemn step never to be entered upon lightly. Notice that the correction aims at cure: the desire and hope of all must be for restoration.

John Owen reminds those passing such sentence that "the nature and end of this judgement must be corrective, not vindictive: for healing, not destruction". Wherever there are godly sorrow for sin, and complete break with that sin, restoration is appropriate. The destruction of the sinner is never the aim of discipline, but always it seeks the remedy for the disease.

These are not the observations of one harsh and legalistic. It is an attempt to set this important mark of a gospel Church before all who are concerned for the truth. Love prompts every word. Love to the Saviour and love to His people demands obedience to the Biblical standards. Let the position of Calvin be that of our churches: "Discipline was not wantonly contrived or invented by men: it is rather a rule which our Lord Jesus established among His followers, to be inviolable, and whoever attempts to repress it shows that he is an enemy of the Christian faith".

If Church discipline be refused, then the aim is nothing less than "the complete devastation of the Church." God grant that we remember how we have received and heard, and hold fast, and repent.

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This Page Title – The Church and Discipline The Wicket Gate Magazine "A Continuing Witness". Internet Edition number 40 – placed on line January 2003 Wicket Gate contact address – Mr Cliff Westcombe cw@wicketgate.co.uk If you wish to be notified when each new edition goes on line please send an e-mail to the above address Magazine web address – www.wicketgate.co.uk Labelled with ICRA