The Dangers of Keeping the Unrepentant in the Church

Matt. 18:15-20

"...to keep scandalous offenders inside the communion of the church is to do your best to damn their souls, and to exclude them ultimately from heaven. On the other hand, to deliver them over to Satan may be, and it is to be hoped will be, but giving them a foretaste of hell now that they may be saved from hell-fire forever." pg. 212, A. B. Bruce The Training of the Twelve

Most would say this is a cruel act, but what is more important? Is is that we learn from our mistakes here on earth and later regret our actions or to become doomed in our own souls?

There is a problem with allowing the unrepentant to remain within the church though as Bruce continues: "Such mixtures of the godly and the godless are too common phenomena in these days. And the reason is not too far to seek." (pg. 213)

"It is the desire to multiply members. The various religious bodies value members still more than morality or high-toned Christian virtue, and they fear least by discipline they may lose one or two names from their communion roll. The fear is not without justification. Fugitives from discipline are always sure of an open door and a hearty welcome in some quarter. One who has become, or is in danger of becoming, as a heathen man and a publican to one ecclesiastical body, has a good chance of becoming a saint or an angel in another." (pg. 214)

Isn't this a shame today when we are more worried about numbers than the souls of men? If we love the person enough, is it not enough to always seek their best? Isn't that what the Law of Love commands? We cannot wink our eye at their sin and yet claim to look out for their best interest as a Christian brother or sister.

As I pause to reflect on these words, I sometimes realize how difficult the task of loving one another can be at times. Will I love my brother or sister enough to wink at their sin? Or will I love them enough to tell them I care and I will not condone their behavior.

Hopefully, we all would want the same from others who would speak truth into our lives at some time in the future...