PEOPLE OF G-D MINISTRIES
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"Since believers are required to be holy, unspotted by the morals of the world, the church itself is separated from the world [1], and it is necessary to define the boundary between the world and the church. The New Testament clearly shows that in the whole context of church life judicial procedures have a significant place for the health of churches and individuals. (I Corinthians 5:1-13; II Corinthians 2:5-11; II Thessalonians 3:6, 14, 15; Titus 1:10-14; 3:9-11)." [2]
WHAT ARE "THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM"?
The "Keys of the Kingdom" are the Powers of "Binding and Loosing" Given by Yeshua (Jesus). The Power to "Bind and Loose" sins was first Given to the Apostle Peter and then to the Assemblies in General and its' Authorities in particular.
SCRIPTURE
Assuredly, I say unto you, whatever you Bind on earth will be Bound in Heaven, and whatever you Loose on earth will be Loosed in Heaven. Matthew 18:18
If you Forgive the sins of any, they are Forgiven them: if you Retain the [sins] of any, they are Retained. John 20:23
WHY IS IT NECESSARY?
"Church censures are necessary, for the reclaiming and gaining of the offending brethren, for deterring others from the like offenses, for purging out of that leaven which might infect the whole lump, for Vindicating the Honour of Christ, and the Holy Profession of the Gospel, and for preventing the Wrath of God, which might justly fall upon the Church, if they should suffer His Covenant, and the Seals thereof [the Sacraments] to be profaned by notorious and obstinate offenders." [3]
EXCOMUNICATION
"Church censures may have to escalate from admonition through exclusion from the Lord's Supper to expulsion from the Congregation (excomunication), which is described as turning a person over to satan, the prince of this world (Matthew 18:15-17; I Corinthians 5:1-5, 11; I Timothy 1:20; Titus 3:10, 11). Public sins (that is, those that are open to the whole church's view) should be publically corrected in the church's presence (I Timothy 5:20; cf. Galatians 2:11-14). Jesus teaches a procedure for dealing privately with those who have given personal offense, in hope that it will not be necessary to ask for the church's public censure of them. (Matthew 18:15-17).
"The purpose of church censure in all of its forms is not to punish for punishment's sake, but to call forth repentance and so recover the straying sheep. Ultimately, there is only one sin for which a church member is excomunicated - impenitence. When repentance is apparent, the church is to declare the sin remitted and receive the offender into fellowship once again." [2]
All True Repentance is accompanied by G-dly sorrow leading to departure from sin, and not mere words.
FOOTNOTES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY
[1
The "Invisible Church" Inherits the Kingdom of G-d in their hearts, and are known only to G-d and to whomsoever He Wills to Reveal it.
[2
[3
© Copyright 2000 - 2006 People of G-d Ministries. No reproduction or redistribution without the prior written Consent and Approval of People of G-d.