6. “W. G., Redcar.” In the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, “cutting off” was the most solemn act of governmental discipline; and in some cases, involved the death of the body, as in Num. 15:30-35. And we know that in this day of surpassing grace there is a sin that is unto death. (1 John 5:16, 17.) That is the death of the body. This cannot, however, affect for a moment the question of eternal life, or the believer being forever perfected by the one offering of Christ.
The expression “cut off” is very frequently used in the Old Testament, in the sense of expelling from the congregation. It is never used in the New Testament in the sense of cutting off from the body of Christ, or from the assembly, or of one assembly cutting off another assembly. It is a most solemn act, and demands our most prayerful consideration at this time. Three times it is used in the sense of a person judging himself, Matt. 5:30, Mark 9:45, and Gal. 5:12, correctly translated, that they would cut themselves off. Once, that apostate Christendom rejecting the goodness of God shall be cut off (Rom. 11:22); once, as the act of Peter (Mark 14:47); and once as to Paul’s walk. (2 Cor. 11:12.) We are not aware of a single instance in which it is used as we frequently hear it in this day.
The scriptural instruction is however very plain, if we really desire to be guided by it. If there is found to be a manifestly wicked person in any gathering of a few believers to Christ, what is to be done? Go on with him, when all efforts to restore him fail? No; “Put away from among yourselves that wicked person.” (1 Cor. 5:1-13.)
And if, as is sadly too common, and ever has been, a person holds and deliberately publishes false doctrine, or by speaking perverse things gathers a party to himself, what is to be done? After the second admonition have done with him. (Titus 3:10.) Receive not such an one even into your house. (2 John 1:10, 11) But in the declension and evil and falsehood of the last days, must the believer do, who really desires to please the Lord? Let him read 2 Tim. 2:19-24. And may the Lord give him, and all such, grace to walk according to His word. It is clear if we do walk according to this scripture, we can have no fellowship with any who deny the finished work of Christ on the cross. But holy separation, purging from evil, is a very different thing from “cutting off.”