The Power of the Church.
*Just
a reminder that this study of Wayne Grudem's book, Systematic Theology, is not
by any means me teaching, but rather a simple summary chapter by chapter of his
book for my own enrichment.*
Does
the local church have influence to change a community, or is it weak and
ineffective?
The
power of the church could be defined as: its God given authority to carry on
spiritual warfare, proclaim the gospel, and exercise church discipline.
A church has the
power of the gospel to break through sin and hardened opposition and awaken
faith in the hearts of unbelievers.
...Also, to stand against those outside and
inside the church who oppose the gospel. Paul was clear in the need for
church discipline in various New Testament churches.
Jesus says to
Peter in Matthew 16 that he will get the keys of the kingdom of heaven; i.e. an
authority to preach the gospel of Christ and allow people to enter into God's
kingdom. Together with this goes the job of regulating and caring for the
people within the church, known as church discipline.
The church cannot
make up new laws to follow nor do they have the power in themselves to forgive
sin, only God can do those things.
The church should
not raise up a sword to try to force people to follow or live under
Christianity, although God does give to civil governments that right.
The authority of the church and of the state belong in distinct spheres. 
There is nothing
wrong with Christians attempting to bring positive moral influence on
governments; i.e. for the protection of family, private property, value
of life, and things consistent with Biblical standards. Where many
religions are allowed to exist freely together, Christianity thrives.
In terms of church
discipline, the goal is restoration (of the offender to right behavior) and
reconciliation (between believers, and with God). Church discipline,
just as our Father does to us, is acting in love for the best of its flock.
Secondly, church discipline is important to keep sin from
spreading to others. If one man is
allowed to continue in a sin unstopped and uncared for, perhaps others in the
church would also look at that sin and think that it must not be so bad, and
partake in the sin. It also helps to
set a precedent for similar actions in the future, to say that the church does
not tolerate this or that.
Thirdly, church discipline is there to help protect the purity of
the church and the honor of Christ. None
of us are perfect, but we need always strive for holiness for ourselves and together.
The pattern in the New Testament was that the sin was outwardly
known or evident, and had been continuing for some time, and thus bringing
reproach on Christ’s church.
Practicalities:
Grudems speaks of how the process should be contained within a
small group. The fewer the better,
because then repentance is easier for a smaller group (compared to repenting
before the whole assembly).
Matthew 18 speaks clearly on the step by step increase in action
towards response, ending with a public appeal before the whole church. It should always be done with gentleness and
humility, and a true appreciation for our own weakness and fear that we might
fall into similar sins.
Forgiveness and reconciliation should be from the heart, loving,
and truly embracing.
Next week, church government.
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