They also serve to mercifully protect the errant person from the full weight and responsibility of his covenants, which if left in full force would bring condemnation upon him in his yet unforgiven state. Through Church discipline a wrongdoer can demonstrate to the Lord, to the Church, and to others a sincere desire to repent and be forgiven, whatever the cost. This period of discipline is an opportunity to be retained as a disciple of him who made our repentance possible. If such discipline does not yield repentance, reformation, and forgiveness for the sinner, such discipline still protects the sanctity and purity of the Church. +
To do otherwise is an offense to God, for he declared: “And him that repenteth not of his sins, and confesseth them not, ye shall bring before the church, and do with him as the scripture saith unto you, either by commandment or by revelation. And this ye shall do that God may be glorified- not because ye forgive not, having not compassion, but that ye may be justified in the eyes of the law, that ye may not offend him who is your lawgiver.” (D&C 64:12-13.)