That His Spirit May Be Saved
Church Discipline as a Means to Repentance and Perseverance
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
In an age of tolerance and moral laxity, the implementation of church discipline is often looked upon with disdain, fear, or incredulousness. However, there is clear biblical precedent for the practice of discipline within a local church context. While many are aware of several passages in Scripture that speak to this reality, in this work, Jeremy Kimble calls readers to observe clear biblical mandates, historic precedent, as well as theological and practical implications for the practice of church discipline.
Seeking to venture past the pragmatic discussions surrounding church discipline, Kimble articulates for his readers a lucid theological presentation of this topic. He argues that discipline serves as a warning of potential end-time judgment. As such, discipline also serves as a means to the sinner's repentance and the perseverance of the saints within that local church. This theological understanding of discipline calls pastors and congregations to faithfulness. There is a seriousness to church discipline that cannot be ignored, and likewise discipline must also be viewed as a mercy, knowing it is a means to repentance and enduring in one's faith.
Jeremy M. Kimble (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Assistant Professor of Theology at Cedarville University.
"This is a well-researched and carefully reasoned study on church discipline, the missing jewel of the church. It is biblically rigorous, theologically faithful, and practically helpful. This is a good book that should be on the shelves of those who want to implement and practice the redemptive ministry of loving confrontation, restoration, and, when painfully necessary, exclusion."
--Daniel Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, North Carolina
"Jeremy Kimble offers a thoroughly biblical and pastoral treatment of the neglected practice of church discipline. He demonstrates the continuity of holiness among the redeemed in both Testaments, showing discipline to be no novelty but essential for the church's ongoing gospel witness and believers' perseverance. His examination of Jonathan Edwards' growth in understanding and practice will encourage church leaders toward faithfulness in pastoral care. This book is a superb ecclesiological resource!"
--Phil A. Newton, Senior Pastor, South Woods Baptist Church, Memphis, Tennessee
"Kimble helpfully reminds us that church discipline, when practiced biblically and lovingly, is both a provisional judgment and a key means of grace that the Lord uses to bring wandering sheep to repentance and to separate potential wolves from the flock. Kimble presents a compelling biblical, historical, and theological argument for recovering the faithful practice of redemptive church discipline."
--Nathan A. Finn, Associate Professor of Historical Theology and Baptist Studies, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, North Carolina