If an excommunicated person comes to a knowledge of his sin and repents, and promises to improve his sinful life, the congregation through the pastor pronounces God’s forgiveness to the person and receives him or her again as a brother or sister in faith and as a member of the congregation. At the same time the congregation forgives the person also on its own behalf. Excommunication is not an earthly punishment, but an admonition, intended for the soul’s salvation.
Prov. 27:6: Faithful are the wounds of a friend.
2 Cor. 2:6-8: Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.
