How does the congregation retain a person´s sins?

If a person remains impenitent, and does not heed the warning and admonition of God’s Word that the congregation has given, the congregation finally excludes that person from the congregation.

If a person’s sin is not publicly known, the following instructions given by Jesus, are observed:

Matt. 18:15-17: If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone; if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church. But if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

The first two steps are not necessary, if the sin is a matter of common knowledge. In that case it is an offense and sin against the entire congregation. The congregation can then directly discipline the offender.

1 Cor. 5:3-5: Concerning him that hath so done this deed, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Je

sus.

The congregation declares those, who despite admonition, stubbornly teach and spread doctrine contrary to God’s Word, to be such with whom they cannot be in church fellowship.

1 Tim. 6:3-5: If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud... from such withdraw thyself.

Tit. 3:10: A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition, reject.

A person that has been excommunicated from the congregation cannot partake of Holy Communion, be a sponsor for a baptized child, or serve in any other position of trust in the congregation.


Assignment: Discuss on the basis of 1 Cor. chapter 5, how a congregation is to relate to those, who wish to be in fellowship with believers, but who live in manifest sin. How does a Christian relate in family situations, at work and in the community?

Who are inpenitent sinners?

Impenitent sinners are sinners, who do not confess their sins to be sins before God, but try to defend themselves and cover up their sins. They do not feel the need to believe their sins forgiven in the name of Jesus Christ. The congregation must not pronounce the absolution to them, but must retain their sins as long as they do not repent.

Prov. 28:13: He that covereth his sins shall not prosper.

1 Joh. 1:8: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Who are repentant sinner in God´s Church?

Repentant sinners in God’s Church are those who confess their sins to be sins before God, who are sorry because of their sins, desire to improve their life, and who trust in Jesus Christ, the Savior of sinners. To them we are to pronounce the absolution.

Ps. 51: 17: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite hearts, O God, Thou wilt not despise.

Luke 18:13: God be merciful to me, a sinner.

Matt. 26:75: And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

Prov. 28:13: He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Acts 16:31: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.

Matt. 3:8: Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.

Assignment: Read Luke 15:11-24: the prodigal son.

What does the power of the Office of the Keys include?

This power includes all the spiritual authority, which Christ has given to His Church on earth. On the basis of this authority the congregation has the right:

1. To proclaim and teach God’s Word and administer the holy Sacraments.
2. To care for souls with God’s Word.
3. To remit the sins of penitent sinners, and to retain the sins of the impenitent.
4. To call and ordain pastors to perform the above functions.

1 Pet. 2:9: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy
nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of him who
hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

Mark 16:15: Go ye into all the world and preach the ospel to every creature.

Matt. 28:18-20: The Baptismal command.

1 Cor. 11:24: This do in remembrance of Me (Holy Communion).

This power is called the Office of the Keys, because it opens heaven by forgiving sins and closes heaven by retaining sins.

What kind of a power is the Office of the Keys?

What is the Office of the Keys? It is the peculiar church power which Christ has given to His Church on earth to forgive the sins of penitent sinners, but to retain the sins of the impenitent as long as they do not repent. Where is this written? Thus writes the holy Evangelist John, chapter twentieth: The Lord Jesus breathed on His disciples and saith unto them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.

The power of the Office of the Keys is a spiritual power, which Christ has given to His entire Church on earth, in such a way that each Christian local congregation, even the smallest one, has this power and is fully entitled to use it. This power is exercised through God’s Word.

Joh. 20:22-23: The Lord Jesus breathed on His disciples and saith unto them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Matt. 16:19: And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Matt. 18:17-18: And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church; but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Matt. 18:20: For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.