These verses contain instructions on how to determine, during Church disciplinary councils, what course of action should be followed. We want people in the Church not out of it, of course, but they must be in it on the Lord’s conditions. It is essential to maintain the integrity of the Church. Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained: “The objective of church discipline is to facilitate repentance,” at the same time “protecting the flock and preserving the good name and influence of the Church.” He observed that “the principal purpose … [is] not to punish the transgressor, but to aid his repentance and save his soul.” Moreover, “the most important single fact bearing on what church discipline is needed [is] the extent of repentance of the transgressor.” 42
We are not interested in having people’s names “blotted out.” We truly desire to see their sins blotted out.