Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: Excommunication is a formal ecclesiastical censure that deprives a member of the Christian community of certain rights and privileges within the church. This act is typically a response to grave, unrepentant sin or heretical behavior, intended to bring about repentance and restoration. The concept of excommunication is rooted in biblical teachings and has been practiced throughout church history as a means of maintaining doctrinal purity and moral integrity within the body of Christ. Biblical Basis: The New Testament provides several passages that form the basis for the practice of excommunication. One of the primary texts is found in Matthew 18:15-17, where Jesus outlines a process for addressing sin within the church: "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector" . The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue in 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, where he instructs the Corinthian church to expel a member engaged in egregious sexual immorality: "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been stricken with grief and removed from your fellowship the man who did this? ... Hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord" . Purpose and Process: The primary purpose of excommunication is not punitive but restorative. It serves as a wake-up call to the individual, urging them to repent and return to fellowship with God and the church. The process is meant to be carried out with love and humility, always aiming for the spiritual well-being of the person involved. The church is called to exercise discernment and compassion, ensuring that the steps leading to excommunication are followed carefully and prayerfully. Reintegration and Forgiveness: The ultimate goal of excommunication is the reintegration of the individual into the church community. When genuine repentance is demonstrated, the church is encouraged to forgive and restore the person. This is exemplified in 2 Corinthians 2:6-8, where Paul advises the church to forgive and comfort a previously disciplined member: "The punishment imposed on him by the majority is sufficient for him. So instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him" . Historical and Theological Considerations: Throughout church history, excommunication has been a significant ecclesiastical tool, though its application has varied across different denominations and traditions. Theologically, it underscores the seriousness of sin and the importance of maintaining the holiness of the church. It also reflects the church's responsibility to uphold biblical standards and to shepherd its members with care and accountability. Conclusion: Excommunication remains a solemn and serious action within the church, intended to lead to repentance and reconciliation. It is a reminder of the church's commitment to holiness and the transformative power of grace and forgiveness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Excommunicate.Greek 656. aposunagogos -- expelled from the congregation ... Adjective Transliteration: aposunagogos Phonetic Spelling: (ap-os-oon-ag'-o-gos) Short Definition: away from the synagogue, excommunicated Definition: away ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/656.htm - 6k 331. anathema -- that which is laid up, ie a votive offering Library Whether a Man Can be Excommunicated who is Already under Sentence ... Whether a Man who is Excommunicated or Suspended Can Excommunicate ... Of those who Can Excommunicate or be Excommunicated (Six Articles) Of Communication with Excommunicated Persons (Three Articles) (Of those who have Intercourse with Excommunicated Persons, or ... Whether Anyone Should be Excommunicated for Inflicting Temporal ... Whether Heretics, Schismatics, and Excommunicated Persons Can ... If any one Has Been Excommunicated by his Own Bishop... Whether it is Always a Mortal Sin to Communicate with an ... Whether a Person Incurs Excommunication for Communicating with one ... Thesaurus Excommunicated (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Excommunicate. Multi-Version Concordance Excommunicated (1 Occurrence). John 9:22 His parents ... /e/excommunicated.htm - 7k Excommunication Exclusively (2 Occurrences) Confessed (19 Occurrences) Crimes (22 Occurrences) Alexander (5 Occurrences) Synagogue (52 Occurrences) Crime (45 Occurrences) Ablution Olives (30 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about shunning? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is excommunication in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is Dynamic Monarchianism? | GotQuestions.org Excommunicated: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Excommunicated (1 Occurrence)John 9:22 Subtopics Related Terms |
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