But in light of what has been previously presented in this paper, such is not the case. They are now outside the visible body of Christ, outside the covenant community of believers. They have been removed from the midst. In reality this is precisely what occurs in such erasures. There is a misuse and misapplication of terms in some Presbyterian and Reformed books of church order.
Erasure is a proper term when used in the right context.
When a member dies his name is erased from the rolls. Unless there is a legitimate transfer of membership, erasure is tantamount to excommunication. When an individual unites with a church he is outwardly expressing his inward faith in Jesus Christ. He is, in essence, telling the world by his outward association with fellow believers that he is a part of the visible body of Christ. Vows are taken.