Introduction

Judgment within the church is a significant theme in the New Testament, reflecting the need for maintaining purity, order, and righteousness within the body of Christ. The concept encompasses both the discernment of spiritual matters and the correction of moral and doctrinal errors among believers. This entry explores the biblical basis for judgment within the church, its purposes, and the principles guiding its practice.

Biblical Basis

The New Testament provides several passages that address the necessity and manner of judgment within the church. One of the foundational texts is found in Matthew 18:15-17, where Jesus outlines a process for addressing sin among believers: "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector."

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of judgment within the church in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13: "What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. 'Expel the wicked man from among you.'" Here, Paul distinguishes between the judgment of those within the church and those outside, underscoring the church's responsibility to maintain its moral and spiritual integrity.

Purposes of Judgment

1. Restoration and Reconciliation: The primary goal of judgment within the church is the restoration of the erring believer. Galatians 6:1 instructs, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." The process aims to bring the individual back into right relationship with God and the community.

2. Purity and Holiness: Judgment serves to preserve the holiness of the church. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses a case of immorality and insists on the removal of the offender to prevent the corruption of the entire community: "Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough?" (1 Corinthians 5:6).

3. Deterrence of Sin: By addressing sin within the church, judgment acts as a deterrent to others. In 1 Timothy 5:20, Paul advises, "But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear."

4. Protection of the Church's Witness: The church is called to be a light to the world, and unaddressed sin can tarnish its witness. Ephesians 5:11 exhorts believers, "Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."

Principles of Judgment

1. Humility and Self-Examination: Before judging others, believers are called to examine themselves. Jesus warns in Matthew 7:1-5, "Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you." The passage encourages believers to remove the "plank" from their own eye before addressing the "speck" in another's eye.

2. Love and Gentleness: Judgment should be carried out in love and gentleness, aiming for the spiritual well-being of the individual. Ephesians 4:15 instructs, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head."

3. Fairness and Impartiality: The process of judgment must be fair and impartial, avoiding favoritism or prejudice. James 2:1 warns against showing favoritism, which can lead to unjust judgment.

4. Accountability and Community Involvement: Judgment is not a solitary act but involves the community. As seen in Matthew 18, the process includes witnesses and, if necessary, the entire church, ensuring accountability and collective discernment.

Conclusion

Judgment within the church is a biblically mandated practice aimed at maintaining the spiritual health and integrity of the Christian community. It requires wisdom, humility, and a commitment to the principles outlined in Scripture, ensuring that the process reflects the character and purposes of God.