Herem
Excommunication
2 Thessalonians 3:6 HCSB Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother who walks irresponsibly and not according to the tradition received from us.
What is Herem?
Herem is religious excommunication; the imposition of a social boycott which involve shunning the one being ostracized. It may be referred to as “the ban”. The verb form occurs 51 times, and while the noun occurs 28 times in the Old Covenant. Herem is the act of discipline where the congregation breaks fellowship with a member who has refused to repent of sins.
In the Bible, serious offenders of God’s law, who claimed to be Christian, were "delivered over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh".[1] However, upon repentance, the person is welcomed back into fellowship within the body of Christ.
Herem is both total devotion to God and rejection of whatever God hates or harms God’s people. It is a double-edged blade. We uncompromisingly consecrate ourselves to Hashem without any possibility of recall, therefore, we totally destroy whatever may act against that vow; at the very least, we seclude or render harmless whatever may imperil those whom God has placed in our safekeeping.
Where do we find instruction on the matter?
Matthew 18 is generally used as the model of procedures leading up to herem. Jesus clearly teaches that sin is to be confronted and sets out the steps that are to be followed. First, the person should be dealt with privately.[2] If that person will not listen and repent, then one or two other spiritually mature Christians should get involved in order to attempt a resolution.[3] The spiritual leaders of the church who confront a sinning member are to do so with a spirit of humility and gentleness, and with the goal of restoration.[4]
If these witnesses agree that the person’s behavior is sinful and must be dealt with, then the sinner’s case must be taken before the congregation. If the sinner still won’t repent and change his ways, then fellowship with him must be broken.[5]
Who are we to pass judgment?
The church is absolutely authorized to conduct itself in such a manner.[6] It is right to practice biblical un-hypocritical judgment.[7]
Paul was faithful in passing on the Master’s message concerning church discipline. He put it into practice in the Corinthian church.[8] He reiterated the authority of the elders and the congregation to act as a court.[9]
There are those who are eager to separate themselves from the perceived sin of the world, but will not judge other Christians. “Judge not…” they quote. But upon becoming a Christian, the standard is not lowered but raised! We should be held even more accountable because of what we know![10] Claiming to be a brother makes it WORSE not better. Our decision to discipline such action should be much stronger and confident for that fact.[11]
We must not hesitate to do each other this favor. True love involves detesting evil while encouraging what is good.[12] God considers dealing with each other’s sin “sharing each other’s troubles and problems.” We must do what is right by each other, even if it is not always appreciated. We are not, however, ultimately responsible for “fixing” our brother or sister, “for we are each responsible for our own conduct.”[13]
Those who, under the guise of extending “grace”, would refrain from exercising appropriate discipline are themselves sinning. Discipline must occur in order to maintain the good health of the body.[14] We need to recall what happened to us when Achan kept something that was placed under herem. Indeed, Achan himself became herem and died by God’s command.[15]
It is right to expose those who claim spiritual knowledge but who prove themselves to be false.
It is all right to publicly identify them.
What sins fall under herem?
What are some sins for which an unrepentant Christian should be disciplined by shunning?
What does herem look like?
They are to be expelled from the congregation. Abandoning the sinner to Satan is part of this procedure. It is not done by some magical incantation but by expelling him from the church.[18] To expel him was to put him out in the devil’s territory, severed from any connection with God’s people. Outside of the protecting influence of the church, Satan is to be allowed to bring affliction on the man, which will hopefully bring him to repentance.[19] A person under discipline does not lose their salvation. Their spiritual kinship is assumed or hoped for.[20] We cannot allow them to slow down the ministry of evangelism[21] by destroying our reputation with Lowlanders.[22] We also do this lest they end up leading us into doing detestable things and sinning against God.[23]
They are to be silenced. They should be provided with no opportunities to lead others astray.[24]
They are to be exposed.[25] This is part and parcel of silencing them. These kinds of people will often play one brother against another and will twist their stories. Public exposure of their deeds will not ends this but it will make it much more difficult for them to damage the body.
They are to be publicly censored.[26] We are to rebuke them.
They are to be rejected.[27] To continue striving is to waste God’s valuable time and resources, casting pearl before swine and what is holy to dogs.[28]
They are to be shunned. The instructions are clear. Casting out of church fellowship entails the family of God shunning the disciplined one in the hopes that he or she will be ashamed of their behavior and repent.[29] He is not to be welcome in our homes.[30]
Herem must be followed without any favoritism.
This procedure must be followed without any consideration of the person’s rank, social status or place.[31] There can be no favoritism in this process. We dare not spare even family members.[32]
What about a church leader who sins? The more influence a person has, the greater the need for good character; therefore the more influence, the higher the standard.
Paul instructed Timothy that a church leader--an elder--is "to be considered worthy of double honor," when he rules well.[33] When an elder sins, however, this is a matter of great consequence. First, no accusation is to be received on the basis of just one uncorroborated witness.[34]If a charge is substantiated by two or three witnesses or corroborating evidence however, the congregation is to "rebuke [him] in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning."[35]
Clearly, leadership carries a higher burden, and the sins of an elder cause an even greater injury to the church. The public rebuke is necessary, for the elder sins against the entire congregation. As James warned, "Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment."[36]
Conclusion
To disregard this procedure and thus make allowances for sin is to become equally guilty of sin.[37]
[1] 1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:20
[2] Matthew 18:15
[3] Matthew 18:16
[4] Galatians 6:1
[5] Matthew 18:17
[6] Matthew 18:18-201 John 4:1
[7] Matthew 7:1-6
[8] 1 Corinthians 5:1-4
[9] 1 Corinthians 6:1-6
[10] 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; 1 Peter 4:17; Luke 12:45-48; Romans 16:17-18; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15
[11] 1 Corinthians 5:5-13; Hebrews 12:6; 1 Peter 4:17
[12] Romans 12:9
[13] Galatians 6:2-5
[14] 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; 15:33
[15] Joshua 7:12
[16] 1 Corinthians 5:9-13
[17] Romans 16:17-18; Titus 3:10-11; 2 John 1:10-11
[18] 1 Corinthians 5:13 cp 2, 7, 11; Psalm 119:115; Proverbs 22:10; Titus 3:10-11
[19] 1 Corinthians 5:5-6
[20] 1 Corinthians 3:13-15; 5:5; 13:7
[21] 2 Timothy 4:5
[22] 1 Timothy 3:7
[23] Deuteronomy 20:16-18
[24] Titus 1:11
[25] Romans 16:17; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 4:6-7; 2 Timothy 4:2
[26] Titus 1:13
[27] Titus 3:10-11
[28] Matthew 7:6
[29] 1 Corinthians 5:11
[30] 2 John 1:10-11; Romans 16:17-18; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 2 Timothy 3:5-7
[31] 1 Timothy 5:21
[32] Deuteronomy 13:6-8; Matthew 10:34-37
[33] 1 Timothy 5:17
[34] 1 Timothy 5:19
[35] 1 Timothy 5:20
[36] James 3:1
[37] Ephesians 5:11-14; 1 Timothy 5:22; 2 John 1:10-11
In the Bible, serious offenders of God’s law, who claimed to be Christian, were "delivered over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh".[1] However, upon repentance, the person is welcomed back into fellowship within the body of Christ.
Herem is both total devotion to God and rejection of whatever God hates or harms God’s people. It is a double-edged blade. We uncompromisingly consecrate ourselves to Hashem without any possibility of recall, therefore, we totally destroy whatever may act against that vow; at the very least, we seclude or render harmless whatever may imperil those whom God has placed in our safekeeping.
Where do we find instruction on the matter?
Matthew 18 is generally used as the model of procedures leading up to herem. Jesus clearly teaches that sin is to be confronted and sets out the steps that are to be followed. First, the person should be dealt with privately.[2] If that person will not listen and repent, then one or two other spiritually mature Christians should get involved in order to attempt a resolution.[3] The spiritual leaders of the church who confront a sinning member are to do so with a spirit of humility and gentleness, and with the goal of restoration.[4]
If these witnesses agree that the person’s behavior is sinful and must be dealt with, then the sinner’s case must be taken before the congregation. If the sinner still won’t repent and change his ways, then fellowship with him must be broken.[5]
Who are we to pass judgment?
The church is absolutely authorized to conduct itself in such a manner.[6] It is right to practice biblical un-hypocritical judgment.[7]
Paul was faithful in passing on the Master’s message concerning church discipline. He put it into practice in the Corinthian church.[8] He reiterated the authority of the elders and the congregation to act as a court.[9]
There are those who are eager to separate themselves from the perceived sin of the world, but will not judge other Christians. “Judge not…” they quote. But upon becoming a Christian, the standard is not lowered but raised! We should be held even more accountable because of what we know![10] Claiming to be a brother makes it WORSE not better. Our decision to discipline such action should be much stronger and confident for that fact.[11]
We must not hesitate to do each other this favor. True love involves detesting evil while encouraging what is good.[12] God considers dealing with each other’s sin “sharing each other’s troubles and problems.” We must do what is right by each other, even if it is not always appreciated. We are not, however, ultimately responsible for “fixing” our brother or sister, “for we are each responsible for our own conduct.”[13]
Those who, under the guise of extending “grace”, would refrain from exercising appropriate discipline are themselves sinning. Discipline must occur in order to maintain the good health of the body.[14] We need to recall what happened to us when Achan kept something that was placed under herem. Indeed, Achan himself became herem and died by God’s command.[15]
It is right to expose those who claim spiritual knowledge but who prove themselves to be false.
- John exposed the Pharisees as vipers (Matthew 3:7).
- Jesus exposed the Pharisees (Matthew 12:34; 23:23-24).
- Paul exposed Jannes and Jambres (2 Timothy 3:8).
It is all right to publicly identify them.
- Paul named Peter Publicly (Galatians 2:11-14).
- Paul named Demas (2 Timothy 4:10).
- Paul named Hymenaeus and Alexander (1 Timothy 1:18-20).
- Paul named Hymenaeus and Philetus (2 Timothy 2:17).
- Paul named Alexander the Coppersmith (2 Timothy 4:14-15).
- Paul named Jannes and Jambres (2 Timothy 3:8).
- John named Diotrephes (3 John 9-11).
- Moses, Peter, Jude, and John named Baalim (Numbers 22-25; 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11; Revelation 2:14).
- Nathan named David (2 Samuel 12:7).
- Hanani named King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 18:1; 19:2; 21:1-6).
What sins fall under herem?
What are some sins for which an unrepentant Christian should be disciplined by shunning?
- Sexual sin, greed, idol worship, abusive behavior, drunkenness, swindling.[16]
- Causing division, teaching, or modeling false doctrine.[17]
What does herem look like?
They are to be expelled from the congregation. Abandoning the sinner to Satan is part of this procedure. It is not done by some magical incantation but by expelling him from the church.[18] To expel him was to put him out in the devil’s territory, severed from any connection with God’s people. Outside of the protecting influence of the church, Satan is to be allowed to bring affliction on the man, which will hopefully bring him to repentance.[19] A person under discipline does not lose their salvation. Their spiritual kinship is assumed or hoped for.[20] We cannot allow them to slow down the ministry of evangelism[21] by destroying our reputation with Lowlanders.[22] We also do this lest they end up leading us into doing detestable things and sinning against God.[23]
They are to be silenced. They should be provided with no opportunities to lead others astray.[24]
They are to be exposed.[25] This is part and parcel of silencing them. These kinds of people will often play one brother against another and will twist their stories. Public exposure of their deeds will not ends this but it will make it much more difficult for them to damage the body.
They are to be publicly censored.[26] We are to rebuke them.
They are to be rejected.[27] To continue striving is to waste God’s valuable time and resources, casting pearl before swine and what is holy to dogs.[28]
They are to be shunned. The instructions are clear. Casting out of church fellowship entails the family of God shunning the disciplined one in the hopes that he or she will be ashamed of their behavior and repent.[29] He is not to be welcome in our homes.[30]
Herem must be followed without any favoritism.
This procedure must be followed without any consideration of the person’s rank, social status or place.[31] There can be no favoritism in this process. We dare not spare even family members.[32]
What about a church leader who sins? The more influence a person has, the greater the need for good character; therefore the more influence, the higher the standard.
Paul instructed Timothy that a church leader--an elder--is "to be considered worthy of double honor," when he rules well.[33] When an elder sins, however, this is a matter of great consequence. First, no accusation is to be received on the basis of just one uncorroborated witness.[34]If a charge is substantiated by two or three witnesses or corroborating evidence however, the congregation is to "rebuke [him] in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning."[35]
Clearly, leadership carries a higher burden, and the sins of an elder cause an even greater injury to the church. The public rebuke is necessary, for the elder sins against the entire congregation. As James warned, "Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment."[36]
Conclusion
To disregard this procedure and thus make allowances for sin is to become equally guilty of sin.[37]
[1] 1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:20
[2] Matthew 18:15
[3] Matthew 18:16
[4] Galatians 6:1
[5] Matthew 18:17
[6] Matthew 18:18-201 John 4:1
[7] Matthew 7:1-6
[8] 1 Corinthians 5:1-4
[9] 1 Corinthians 6:1-6
[10] 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; 1 Peter 4:17; Luke 12:45-48; Romans 16:17-18; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15
[11] 1 Corinthians 5:5-13; Hebrews 12:6; 1 Peter 4:17
[12] Romans 12:9
[13] Galatians 6:2-5
[14] 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; 15:33
[15] Joshua 7:12
[16] 1 Corinthians 5:9-13
[17] Romans 16:17-18; Titus 3:10-11; 2 John 1:10-11
[18] 1 Corinthians 5:13 cp 2, 7, 11; Psalm 119:115; Proverbs 22:10; Titus 3:10-11
[19] 1 Corinthians 5:5-6
[20] 1 Corinthians 3:13-15; 5:5; 13:7
[21] 2 Timothy 4:5
[22] 1 Timothy 3:7
[23] Deuteronomy 20:16-18
[24] Titus 1:11
[25] Romans 16:17; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 4:6-7; 2 Timothy 4:2
[26] Titus 1:13
[27] Titus 3:10-11
[28] Matthew 7:6
[29] 1 Corinthians 5:11
[30] 2 John 1:10-11; Romans 16:17-18; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 2 Timothy 3:5-7
[31] 1 Timothy 5:21
[32] Deuteronomy 13:6-8; Matthew 10:34-37
[33] 1 Timothy 5:17
[34] 1 Timothy 5:19
[35] 1 Timothy 5:20
[36] James 3:1
[37] Ephesians 5:11-14; 1 Timothy 5:22; 2 John 1:10-11
