MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, JULY 24TH, 1951

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, JULY 24TH, 1951

Mr. James Taylor.

Beloved Brother, — A certain feature of the truth has come up for consideration in this area by way of the ministry of our brother, Mr. ——— . I would be thankful for help you may afford as to the bearing of Scripture upon it.

^[p. 411] It has been stated by our brother that administrative forgiveness may be imparted ‘through a brother or through two or three brothers acting in eldership responsibility or through the assembly, but it is imparted’.

James 5: 15, 16 were cited in connection with the elders although this scripture does not state who exercises forgiveness.

The difficulty that presents itself is in using the words ‘imparting administrative forgiveness’ thus implying that this is within the authority of a brother or brothers. Is not forgiveness a divine prerogative and the exercising of it here in the course of our history a matter that has been delegated by the Lord to the assembly as the vessel of administration according to Matthew 18: 18, and John 20: 23? This, of course, being distinct from personal forgiveness between brethren.

Galatians 6: 1 does not mention the word ‘forgiveness’. Does this passage which places the obligation of restoring a brother upon those who are spiritual imply imparting of forgiveness, or does it mean the exercise of priestly power in recovery, keeping the matter within a small compass where repentance ensues, so that the question of administrative forgiveness does not arise?

It is a matter of thankfulness that the Spirit has helped much through ministry received, to have matters where possible confined and settled without involving the assembly.

I am writing on my own exercise, but there is a general concern here as to the truth being clear in our minds and other brothers locally are aware of the enquiry being made.

With love in the Lord Jesus to yourself and Mrs. Taylor.

Affectionately yours in Him,

J N. Grace.