How Should We Handle Sin In The Church?
Understanding the Challenge: Sin Within the Church
The presence of sin in the church community is a reality that every congregation must face. While believers are called to holiness, Scripture acknowledges that even among the redeemed, sin can occur. The question is: How should we handle sin in the church, both for the sake of the individual and the health of the body of Christ? This study will explore biblical principles, procedures, and the heart behind church discipline and restoration.
The Call to Holiness and Accountability
The church is called to reflect the holiness of God. The apostle Peter writes:
but like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living; because it is written, Ye shall be holy; for I am holy. - 1 Peter 1:15-16 ASVThis call to holiness is not only individual but communal. When sin arises, it cannot be ignored or tolerated, as it can harm individuals and the church's witness.
Jesus' Teaching: The Process of Restoration
Jesus provides clear instruction for addressing sin among believers:
And if thy brother sin against thee, go, show him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he hear thee not, take with thee one or two more, that at the mouth of two witnesses or three every word may be established. And if he refuse to hear them, tell it unto the church: and if he refuse to hear the church also, let him be unto thee as the Gentile and the publican. - Matthew 18:15-17 ASV
This process highlights several key principles:
- Private confrontation: The first step is a private, loving confrontation, seeking restoration, not humiliation.
- Witnesses: If the person does not respond, a small group is brought in to confirm the facts and encourage repentance.
- Involving the church: If there is still no repentance, the matter becomes a concern for the church community.
- Disassociation: Persistent refusal to repent leads to separation, but always with the hope of eventual restoration.
Paul's Instructions: Purity and Gentleness
The apostle Paul addresses serious sin in the church at Corinth, instructing the believers:
It is actually reported that there is fornication among you... And ye are puffed up, and did not rather mourn, that he that had done this deed might be taken away from among you. ... Deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. - 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 ASV
This passage demonstrates the seriousness with which open, unrepentant sin is to be handled. The goal, however, is always the repentance and restoration of the sinner:
Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted. - Galatians 6:1 ASV
Motivation: Love, Restoration, and the Glory of Christ
Church discipline is never intended as punishment for its own sake, but as an act of love. Its aims are:
- Restoring the fallen believer (Galatians 6:1 ASV)
- Protecting the purity and testimony of the church (1 Corinthians 5:6-7 ASV)
- Honoring Christ, the head of the church (Ephesians 5:27 ASV)
Forgiveness and restoration are the goal when there is repentance. Paul exhorted the Corinthian church to reaffirm their love for the repentant sinner:
...ye ought rather to forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his overmuch sorrow. - 2 Corinthians 2:7 ASV
Debated Issues and Scriptural Balance
There are differences among Christians regarding the extent and manner of church discipline, especially concerning what kinds of sins warrant public action. However, Scripture consistently emphasizes:
- Gentleness and humility in addressing others' sins (Galatians 6:1 ASV)
- Due process, including clear evidence and opportunity for repentance (Matthew 18:15-17 ASV)
- Restoration as the end goal (2 Corinthians 2:7 ASV)
The mainstream Evangelical understanding is that discipline is necessary in cases of ongoing, unrepentant sin that harms the individual and the church, but it must always be exercised with love and a view toward healing.
Conclusion: A Community of Grace and Truth
Handling sin in the church is a delicate balance between upholding God’s holiness and extending His grace. The church is called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15 ASV), seeking the repentance and restoration of the sinner, while also guarding the testimony and purity of the body. Ultimately, Christ’s sacrifice makes forgiveness possible, and His example calls us to pursue both truth and mercy.