Is it biblical to withdraw fellowship from erring Christians?
Categories: Bible Questions and AnswersIs it biblical to withdraw fellowship from an individual who has left the church and after encouragement, exhortation, longsuffering, and finally rebuke refuses to come back to the Lord?
I know the Lord’s church has failed miserably in recent years in excersising church discipline because it affects family members and is uncomfortable but we must carry out the will of God in keeping the church pure. Thanks in advance for your consideration on this question.
Yes, it is Biblical, and in fact, mandatory to withdraw fellowship from the disorderly. Paul told the church at Corinth to “put away” those who are wicked from among them. He told the church at Rome to mark those who cause division and separate from them (Romans 16:17, 18). He told the church at Thessalonica to withdraw from those who walk disorderly (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14).
You are correct in maintaining the idea that this is God’s way of keeping the church pure. Paul told those at Corinth that a little leaven leavens the whole lump (1 Corinthians 5:6, 7). The idea is that impurity will spread if left unchecked and unchallenged. So we are to “purge out” the old leaven so that we will be pure from those influences.
I agree with your statement that it is wise in many circumstances to exercise encouragement, exhortation, longsuffering and rebuke prior to disciplinary action. However, when the circumstances are dire enough, immediate action is the best course of action. Many churches have indeed failed in keeping the church pure and as a result have suffered great and catastrophic loss. Those who are responsible for failing in that regard will be judged by God (Hebrews 13:17). It is often uncomfortable, but it is better to be uncomfortable now than in eternity (Matthew 5:29, 30).