And by Degrees is Brought to Ruin
Brian Huizinga examines the Form of Excommunication found in the Reformed Psalter, arguing that sin leading to ruin develops gradually rather than suddenly, offering a practical illustration using geometric degrees to understand spiritual decline. The article emphasizes the importance of vigilance against the least beginnings of evil and God's extraordinary mercy in the restoration of the fallen, drawing lessons from excommunication as an instructive object lesson for the entire congregation.
THE FORM OF EXCOMMUNICATION The Form of Excommunication, found in the back of the Psalter, and sanctioned for use in Reformed churches according to Article 76 of the Church Order, contains a wealth of valuable instruction on sin and the proper response to it. One important principle contained in it is that sinners who come to ruin do not come suddenly, but by degrees. When the Form is read on the occasion of excommunication, the congregation is taught that God has just given everyone an object...
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