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How do we know the authority of the church is biblical?

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The authority of the church is grounded in Scripture, particularly in Jesus' teaching on how to resolve conflicts and maintain order within the congregation.

The authority of the church to act in matters of discipline is deeply rooted in the teachings of Christ as outlined in Matthew 18. When Jesus instructs His followers to bring unresolved issues before the church, He establishes the congregation's role as pivotal in upholding moral standards among its members. The command 'tell it to the church' indicates that the church has a God-given responsibility to address sin and discrepancies within the body of believers. This reflects a divine order where the church acts as a collective body to promote spiritual accountability.

Furthermore, the authority granted to the church also encompasses its power to bind or loose sins, as stated in Matthew 18:18. This emphasizes that decisions made within the church regarding discipline are not only significant on earth but are recognized in heaven. Thus, the biblical framework for church authority is both a blessing and a serious responsibility, ensuring that the congregation is vigilant about upholding holiness and reconciliation among its members.
Scripture References: Matthew 18:15-20, Matthew 18:18

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