irresistible_grace
Puritan Board Junior
Matthew 16:19
Matthew 18:17, 18
Why is it that, when one reads the above passages or hears the word "discipline," the word "excommunication" is the first thing that comes to mind?
Why not, "preaching the gospel?" The same sun the melts the wax hardens the clay!
Why not, "exercise discipline concerning the 'right' conduct of those in the kingdom?" That is, to disciple!
Why not, "restoration & reconciliation?" Isn't that what the Good News is all about? Restoring us to a 'right' relationship with God?
Why not "forgiveness of a wayward disciple that shall eventually be restored?" The prodigal Son!
Why is it that we treat a wayward disciple as "WORSE than an unbeliever" rather than simply "as an unbeliever" who is NOT beyond the grace of Christ? Peter denied Christ thrice and thrice he was restored!
Do we give ourselves MORE authority than Scripture?
Wasn't the same apostle who was originally given the "Keys" also told to forgive his enemy "not 7 times" but 77 times or 70 times 7 times?
That is the authority to admit entrance into the kingdom through PREACHING THE GOSPEL, an authority that is subsequently granted to all who are called to proclaim the gospel.I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven
That is the authority to exercise discipline concerning RIGHT & wrong conduct for those in the kingdom.and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Matthew 18:17, 18
He who refuses to listen is to be excluded from the fellowship and thought of as an unbeliever until he is reconciled (restoration & reconciliation should always be the goal of discipline).If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
That is the authority to declare the terms under which God FORGIVES or refuses to forgive the sin of wayward disciples.Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Why is it that, when one reads the above passages or hears the word "discipline," the word "excommunication" is the first thing that comes to mind?
Why not, "preaching the gospel?" The same sun the melts the wax hardens the clay!
Why not, "exercise discipline concerning the 'right' conduct of those in the kingdom?" That is, to disciple!
Why not, "restoration & reconciliation?" Isn't that what the Good News is all about? Restoring us to a 'right' relationship with God?
Why not "forgiveness of a wayward disciple that shall eventually be restored?" The prodigal Son!
Why is it that we treat a wayward disciple as "WORSE than an unbeliever" rather than simply "as an unbeliever" who is NOT beyond the grace of Christ? Peter denied Christ thrice and thrice he was restored!
Do we give ourselves MORE authority than Scripture?
Wasn't the same apostle who was originally given the "Keys" also told to forgive his enemy "not 7 times" but 77 times or 70 times 7 times?