Pilgrim said: <blockquote> 2 Thessalonians 3:11-15 (ASV) "For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing. And if any man obeyeth not our word by this epistle, note that man, that ye have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. And [yet] count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother."<br> </blockquote> First..... it is undeniably clear that this passage has absolutely nothing to do with demanding a believer pass a doctrinal examination in order to qualify for admission to the Lord's Table. To use this passage in that manner is gross "eisogesis".
Second, the CONTEXT here is in regard to certain individuals who were basically lazy and going about spreading rumours, sticking their noses into other people's business instead of doing their own work and even engaging in disorderly conduct. Thus it is to them that Paul says that they should straighten up else be subject to a break in close fellowship (aka: ostracized) by the members of the assembly in order that they may be ashamed of their unacceptable behaviour, repent and return with a new attitude, etc.
How can you say the passage has nothing to do the elder's examination? Would not a break in close fellowship necessarily entail a temporary ban from receiving the sacrament? How would this lesser ban be lifted until except by repentance before the elder? Are you proposing that the ban be lifted based on outword works observed by the elder? Isn't that a return to the popish doctrine of penance?
