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How Does the Church Seek to Restore Those Who Demonstrate Unrepentance?

Writer: Dwight SchettlerDwight Schettler
4 hours ago3 min read

Receive God's Forgiveness - Beginning Reflections

Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 3 - Receive God's Forgiveness p. 42

Jesus directs His church to exercise discipline with those who remain

unrepentant after much admonition. This is referred to as the “Office

of the Keys” since heaven can be opened through repentance and forgiveness or closed to those who refuse to repent. Note that the purpose of such discipline is to restore an unrepentant sinner to God. The church, as a community of believers, holds the responsibility to guide and restore individuals who demonstrate unrepentance. This process is rooted in scripture, particularly in Matthew 18:15-18 and John 20:22-23, providing a clear framework for addressing sin within the church.


In Matthew 18:15-18, Jesus outlines a step-by-step approach for dealing with a brother or sister who sins. It begins with a private conversation: "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother" (Matthew 18:15). This initial step emphasizes the importance of addressing the issue directly and privately, allowing for a personal and compassionate dialogue.


If the individual remains unrepentant, the process escalates to involve one or two others: "But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses" (Matthew 18:16). This step ensures that the matter is handled with greater accountability and witnesses to the conversation, fostering a sense of communal responsibility.


Should the individual continue in unrepentance, the matter is brought before the church: "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" (Matthew 18:17). This final step underscores the gravity of unrepentance and the serious consequences it holds within the church community.


Matthew 18:18 states, "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." This verse underscores the authority granted to the church, the Office of the Keys, in matters of spiritual discipline. By this passage, the church is reminded of its sacred duty to guide believers towards repentance and reconciliation. The binding and loosing mentioned serve as a powerful metaphor for the church's role in administering, or holding the keys to God's justice and mercy. Thus, ensuring that through sincere repentance, the doors of heaven remain open and the sinner is restored by the grace of God.


John 20:22-23 further reinforces the church's authority in matters of forgiveness and unrepentance: "And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.'" This passage highlights the divine authority entrusted to the church in dealing with sin and the importance of the Holy Spirit's guidance in these matters.


Ultimately, the goal of the church's process of restoration is not to condemn but to bring about repentance and reconciliation. The proclamation of God’s forgiveness remains central: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). God's grace offers a path to redemption, assuring that no matter the extent of one's unrepentance, there is always an opportunity, or path for forgiveness and restoration through Christ.


 

This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:

 
 
 

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