Stephen Scholtz > Recent Status Updates

Leeman carefully navigates the question of when discipline is necessary. My only concern is with his saying that "sins we don't expect" are the ones we should be looking out for. I generally agree with this, but only insofar as "sins we don't expect" are defined as unrepentant sins, which Leeman does go on to say. Otherwise, if the nature of repentance is left out, it could lead to a subjective interpretation of sin.

In chapter 2, Leeman locates church discipline within the context or framework of what the gospel is, what it means to be Christian, what the local church is and what it means to be a church member.

In chapter 1, Leeman gives a brief overview of the biblical texts relating to church discipline. He then puts these within the narrative of redemption seen in the gospel.

Leeman wisely approaches discipline understanding the multilayered complexities of human interactions. He does this by approaching discipline from a theological framework that is founded on the gospel, rather than replying upon some misconstrued proof-texts.

Leeman has started off by contrasting a truncated view of the gospel with a more full-orbed view. I think it's helpful that he begins a book on church discipline by looking at the gospel and its implications.