2. To these [church] officers, the keys of the kingdom of heaven are committed: by virtue whereof, they have power respectively to retain, and remit sins; to shut that kingdom against the impenitent, both by the Word and censures; and to open it unto penitent sinners, by the ministry of the Gospel, and by absolution from censures, as occasion shall require. -Westminster Confession of Faith 30.2
1. Our Lord commanded church discipline, so no church which fails to exercise it where needed can hope for His blessing. 2. Discipline is required by the organic nature of the Church. -RP Testimony 30.1, 2 |