The Christadelphian, April 1898, Robert Roberts

“Open Sin”

P. C.—When a brother or sister falls into open sin (“known and read of all men”), an ecclesia is bound in an open manner to signify its reprobation of the offence, to prevent the taunt arising among “those without” that iniquity is fellowshipped with impunity. As Paul says, “Them that sin, rebuke before all, that others also may fear” (1 Tim 5:20). What course should be pursued in the matter? If the brother or sister offending is callous and indifferent on the subject, there is only one course, and that is, the public repudiation of their company. But if they are sincerely repentant, it is the duty of the ecclesia to receive them and help them, at the same time vindicating the ecclesia’s regard for righteousness, and the sullied honour of Christ, by subjecting their action to some open mark of disavowal. This is best done by asking them to refrain for a time from the breaking of bread, while not absenting themselves from the meetings. In this, there is an exhibition of humble submission on the part of the offender which is a guarantee of the genuineness of his sorrow; and on the part of the ecclesia, an effective washing of their hands of all complicity with his transgression. We have no direction on the subject, but this seems the only remedy in our hands at the present time. It has nothing to do with judicial action. The friends of Christ are not allowed, in the present state, to employ coercive measures, in any form. The execution of the judgment written is a prerogative in reserve for such only as come through the present probation, with divine approval. Meanwhile, we are allowed to use the defensive weapon of non-association where there is non-compliance with the precepts of Christ. “Excommunication” is an ordinance of the apostasy; ecclesial withdrawal is of apostolic prescription.