Have you ever been part of a church where everyone did what was right in their own eyes, just as the Israelites did throughout the book of Judges? Have you ever seen a church where God’s Word was no longer the sole authority, but men’s opinions ruled instead? In such places, sins like pride, lying, greed, fornication, adultery, uncontrolled anger, and covetousness run rampant, openly tolerated and left unaddressed.
Yes, I have attended such churches. But let me be clear: what I have just described is not a true church according to the biblical definition.
Though no perfect or sinless church exists on earth (for we have not yet received our final glorification), a sound and biblical church is one that strives for purity and holiness. This does not mean it will be without sin or impurity. Rather, it means the church walks in sanctification, faithfully practices biblical church discipline, and thereby protects the membership from the spread of sin and the infiltration of false doctrine.
Biblical Discipline
It is the responsibility of the church leaders to protect the flock, just as it is the duty of every member to watch over one another. This is a vital expression of love for the brethren. Scripture also teaches that church leaders are accountable to God for the spiritual condition of those entrusted to them. They will give an account to God for the souls under their care (Hebrews 13:17; James 3:1).
Practicing church discipline is crucial. It is an act of obedience to the Lord, just like any other command in Scripture. Therefore, neglecting this command is sin—both for the pastor and for the congregation.
The proper procedure for discipline is clearly laid out in Scripture:
“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:15-17)
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-2)
These passages show that it is the responsibility of the whole church to care for one another by lovingly confronting sin that is not being dealt with. The steps are as follows:
If any member of the church sins:
- He should obey the Lord and heed his conscience by repenting and being reconciled to God and to anyone he has sinned against (1 John 1:9; Matthew 5:23-24).
- If he does not repent, he is to be reproved privately (Matthew 18:15).
- If he still does not repent, he is to be reproved again with two or three witnesses (Matthew 18:16).
- If he still refuses to repent, the matter is to be brought before the church (Matthew 18:17).
- If he will not listen even to the church, he is to be removed from fellowship and membership (Matthew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5:12-13).
The entire process must be carried out in love, with the constant goal of restoring the sinning member to fellowship. It must be done with care and gentleness. If at any point—including after removal—the sinning member repents, he should be immediately restored. We are to “forgive and comfort him” (2 Corinthians 2:7) and “reaffirm our love for him” (2 Corinthians 2:8). Church discipline must also be practiced without partiality (1 Timothy 5:19-21; Galatians 2:11).
Sadly, many church leaders today refuse to preach on sin, let alone confront it. In the name of “love” and “tolerance,” they allow gross immorality to infiltrate and corrupt the body. Their common excuse is, “We are all sinners.” “Who am I to judge?” Should we therefore tolerate open sin in the church because we are all sinners? Absolutely not! We are called, commanded to walk in holiness and maintain the purity of Christ’s bride (Philippians 2:12; Ephesians 5:25-27).
The Apostle Paul warned:
“Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump…” (1 Corinthians 5:6-8)
John Calvin rightly observed that discipline is essential “for the preservation of the order of the church, and for the removal of scandals.”
The purpose of biblical church discipline is the loving restoration of the sinner, the strengthening of the weak, and above all, obedience to the Lord and Master of the Church.
