Question 47 — The preservation of the church in purity, order, and holiness, being provided for, by what way is it to be
John Owen A Brief Instruction in the Worship of God (2.) The event and effect of the preceding ordinance of admonition is to be expected; which though not at present evident, yet, like the word itself in the preaching of it, may be blessed to a good issue after many days.
6. The person offending thus cut off, or cast out from the present actual communion of the church, is still to be looked on and accounted as a brother, because of the nature of the ordinance which is intended for his amendment and recovery, — 2 Thess. iii. 15, "Count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother," — unless he manifests his final impenitency by blasphemy and persecution: 1 Tim. i. 20, "Whom I have declared unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme."
7. The church is, therefore, still to perform the duties of love and care towards such persons, —
(1.) In praying for them, that they "may be converted from the error of their way," James v. 19,
20. 1 John v. 16, "If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death."
(2.) In withdrawing from them even as to ordinary converse, for their conviction of their state and condition, 1 Cor. v. 11, "With such an one no not to eat;" 2 Thess. iii. 14.
(3.) In admonishing of him: 2 Thess. iii. 15, "Admonish him as a brother:" which may be done, —
[1.] Occasionally, by any member of the church; [2.] On set purpose, by the consent and appointment st of the whole church: which admonition is to contain, — 1
, A pressing of his sin from the rule on dly the conscience of the offender; 2 , A declaration of the nature of the censure and punishment dly which he lieth under; 3 , A manifestation of the danger of his impenitency, in his being either hardened by the deceitfulness of sin or exposed unto new temptations of Satan.
8. In case the Lord Jesus be pleased to give a blessed effect unto this ordinance, in the repentance of the person cut off and cast out of the church, he is, —
(1.) To be forgiven both by those who in an especial manner were offended at him and by him, and by the whole church, Matt. xviii. 18; 2 Cor. ii. 7.
(2.) To be comforted under his sorrow, 2 Cor. ii. 7, and that by, — [1.] The application of the promises of the gospel unto his conscience; [2.] A declaration of the readiness of the church to receive him again into their love and communion.
(3.) Restored, — [1.] By a confirmation or testification of the love of the church unto him, 2 Cor. ii. 8; [2.] A re-admission unto the exercise and enjoyment of his former privileges in the fellowship of the church; all with a spirit of meekness, Gal. vi. 1.
Question 47 — The preservation of the church in purity, order, and holiness, being provided for, by what way is it to be continued and increased?
Answer — The way appointed thereunto is by adding such as, being effectually called unto the obedience of faith, shall voluntarily offer themselves unto the society and fellowship thereof.