Lord’s Day 31
Q85. How is the kingdom of heaven opened and closed by church discipline?
As Christ commanded: Those who keep sinning even after being warned by other Christians are reported to the church leaders. If they still will not listen, the leaders shut them out of the church community, and God shuts them out of Christ's kingdom. But when these people truly repent and change, they are welcomed back as members of Christ and of the church.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Matthew 18:15–20
1 Corinthians 5:3–5, 11–13
Luke 15:20–24
2 Corinthians 2:6–11
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What steps does the catechism describe for dealing with a church member who keeps sinning?
- 2
What happens when someone who was shut out of the church truly repents?
- 3
Why does the catechism end this section by talking about being welcomed back?
Illustration
When a child runs toward a busy street, a parent pulls the child back. It does not feel gentle, but it is an act of protection. Church discipline works that way. The church pulls someone back from danger with the hope that the person will turn around and come home safely.
Application
Pray for anyone you know who has walked away from the church. Ask God to bring them to repentance. Remember that the goal of discipline is restoration, not rejection. The door stands open for anyone who turns back.