What is the place of sinners in the church?

Some years ago, I preached a sermon that addressed Christ’s teaching on the subject of divorce. In it, I stated that, although Jesus does regard divorce as wrong, and against God’s expressed intention for the marriage relationship, it falls within the same category as so many other kinds of sin; gossip, judgmentalism, greed, failure to tithe, bitterness, drunkenness, failure to attend worship regularly, etc.  As a failure to live up to the full commandment of God, divorce, and indeed all sin, must be acknowledged and repented, in God’s forgiveness may be known.

I was astonished at the number of people who said that this message had spoken to them, especially at those who had not been divorced. But perhaps this is not so strange, for I believe that all Christians struggle with the issues of sin and restoration as they strive to become more Christlike each day.

Much of Paul’s writings in the book of Romans deal with the problem of sin, grace, and restoration.  We know that we are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ and his work on the cross is sufficient to pay the penalty for our sin.  We know that we cannot DO anything to make us more acceptable to God. Still, we do not take God’s grace lightly or casually.  We have Biblical standards to uphold, standards of purity, holiness, and moral character.  We strive to “live a life worthy of the calling we have received being completely humble and gentle, patient, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Eph 4:1-2)

But we inevitably fail.  Clearly, the Scriptures make it plain that each of us falls into that category, for “all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)   Whether big or little, sin is sin in God’s eyes.  Jesus said that we are to “be perfect, even as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matt 5:48)  There is no such thing as “almost perfect.”

One accusation that the world levels at the Church is that “hypocrites” are to be found there.  People who talk about being holy and good, but are actually failing to live up to holy standards in their personal lives, are welcomed at Church. So the question arises, “What is the place of sinners in the Church?” (I mean the organized Church, really, the Church is the people.)  But should sinners be allowed to attend worship, serve in missions, teach classes, lead worship? Is their giving acceptable to the Lord? Are their prayers effective?  Peter says that the prayers of a man who is inconsiderate of his wife are hindered. (1 Peter 3:7)  James writes, “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more quickly.” Yet immediately following are the words, “We all stumble in many ways.” (James 3:1-2)   Paul writes that he does not judge anyone, or even himself, in regard to trustworthiness as a servant of Christ, and warns them not to judge others. (1 Cor 4:1-5) But one chapter later, Paul tells this same group of people that he has already passed judgment on a sinner in the church, and that they must put such a one out of fellowship.  What a contradiction! What did Paul mean?

The Jews practiced excommunication, although more of a social than religious ostracism, as the temple was still open to the person. The synagogue was the center of community life, where discussion, debate, and teaching occurred.  I believe that Paul was speaking of this social kind of fellowship, when he said in effect, “Don’t hang out with such a person or practice similar behavior.” Or when he said “Don’t eat with such a one.” In the culture of Jesus’ time, and Paul’s, there were “in-groups” and “out-groups.” The “in-group, rooted in kinship and its extensions (friendships, workmates, patronage, etc.) is always to be supported, respected, and given loyalty.  The “out-group,” (all other persons) simply doesn’t count.  Often they may be treated as a different species.  (Bruce Malina, Windows on the World of Jesus, p 47)

What, then, is the place of sinners in the Church? I believe that the evidence shows that the Church, the house of worship, is open to all who seek to love and serve the Lord, no matter how imperfectly. God doesn’t limit His acceptance to those who are perfect in deed, but receives all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.  He would rather have one sinner trying to serve, than ten who only observe and criticize!  The Bible is full of imperfect saints who strive, and fail, and strive again, and God is pleased with them. (Abraham, David, Peter, James, John, Paul, etc.)  Let us follow in their footsteps!