C.O 67
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Article 67 Consistory Involvement
The consistory shall not deal with any matter pertaining to purity of doctrine or piety of life that is reported to it unless it has first ascertained that both private admonitions and admonitions in the presence of one or two witnesses have remained fruitless, or that the sin committed is of a public character.
Notes
Understanding Public Sins
- Sins Public by Context:
- Sins committed openly or in a public setting, even if few witnesses are present.
- Sins Public by Effects:
- Sins that become evident due to their consequences (e.g., fornication leading to pregnancy, gambling leading to bankruptcy).
- Sins Becoming Public Through Unrepentance:
- Any sin subject to official church discipline will become public if the sinner remains unrepentant.
Synod of Dordrecht, 1578 (Particular Question #54)
Definition of Public Sins:
A public sin is one that:
- Is committed openly before everyone.
- Occurs in a place that is inherently public, even if few people are present.
- Transitions from private to public due to the sinner’s stubbornness.
- Is deemed gross enough to warrant public punishment.
Biblical Examples:
- David’s Sin Against Uriah: Made public and punished as a public sin.
- Ananias and Sapphira’s Sin Against the Holy Spirit: Made public and punished as a public sin.
Key Takeaways
- Public Nature of Sin: Some sins are public by their nature or effects, while others become public through unrepentance.
- Church Discipline: Unrepentant sin, when disciplined, will inevitably take on a public character.
- Biblical Precedent: Scripture provides clear examples of public sins and their consequences.