Treatment of the Erring
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however aggravated may have been his offense, if he yields to the
striving of the Holy Spirit and, by confessing and forsaking his sin,
gives evidence of repentance, he is to be forgiven and welcomed to
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the fold again. His brethren are to encourage him in the right way,
treating him as they would wish to be treated were they in his place,
considering themselves lest they also be tempted.
“Verily I say unto you,” Christ continued, “whatsoever ye shall
bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose
on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Verse 18
.
This statement holds its force in all ages. On the church has been
conferred the power to act in Christ’s stead. It is God’s instrumentality
for the preservation of order and discipline among His people. To
it the Lord has delegated the power to settle all questions respecting
its prosperity, purity, and order. Upon it rests the responsibility of
excluding from its fellowship those who are unworthy, who by their
un-Christlike conduct would bring dishonor on the truth. Whatever the
church does that is in accordance with the directions given in God’s
word will be ratified in heaven.
Matters of grave import come up for settlement by the church.
God’s ministers, ordained by Him as guides of His people, after doing
their part are to submit the whole matter to the church, that there may
be unity in the decision made.
The Lord desires His followers to exercise great care in dealing
with one another. They are to lift up, to restore, to heal. But there
is to be in the church no neglect of proper discipline. The members
are to regard themselves as pupils in a school, learning how to form
characters worthy of their high calling. In the church here below,
God’s children are to be prepared for the great reunion in the church
above. Those who here live in harmony with Christ may look forward
to an endless life in the family of the redeemed
To Whom Should Confession Be Made?
All who endeavor to excuse or conceal their sins, and permit them
to remain upon the books of heaven, unconfessed and unforgiven, will
be overcome by Satan. The more exalted their profession and the more
honorable the position which they hold, the more grievous is their
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Testimonies for the Church 7:262-264