'Jesus alone is Lord,' congregations and individuals tell commissioners
The Layman Online; Thursday, June 14, 2001
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Scores of congregations and individuals across the country are calling on commissioners at the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to approve a minority report reaffirming "the Lordship of Jesus Christ."
A decision by the full General Assembly will be made sometime within the next several days when it also will consider a majority report by the Committee on Theological Issues, Educational Institutions that calls on the Office of Theology and Worship to prepare a set of study materials on the subject of Christology. The committee majority effectively rejected three proposed overtures -- 01-43, 01-51 and 01-52 --that affirmed that Jesus alone is Lord and Savior of all humanity and not just those in the Christian faith.
"It is an amazing thing," wrote Parker T. Williams, chief executive officer of the Presbyterian Lay Committee and editor in chief of its publications, " that those who affirm the lordship of Jesus Christ must do so in a "minority report." How is it that those who profess the cardinal tenet of Christian faith have been relegated to minority status in the church that bears Christ's name?"
In a story posted on its Web site at www.layman.org and in a report e-mailed to more than 4,000 congregations and individuals June 13, Williamson sugested that, "If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, this General Assembly needs to hear from you."
Congregations and individuals have informed the Presbyterian Lay Committee that they are doing just that -- by phone, fax and e-mail. Many urge commissioners to approve the minority report and take a stand by "rejecting false doctrine and adhering to and proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ and the holy Scriptures;" others ask commissioners, "For the love of God and the sake of Jesus Christ, who his life for his Church, do not take us down another untenable path away from God's truth;" while still others say they are 'horrified" or express "distress" that the minority report is not the report of the majority, saying that, "In other words, if the GA cannot manifest the courage to state this doctrine clearly, then there is no theological doctrine upon which we agree."
Here is a sampling of some of those responses:
Will we get back on track before it's too late?
Encouraged and excited by the Confessing Church Movement, and also burdened and grieved by the ad infinitum, ad nauseum debates over issues resolved centuries ago by Holy God Himself, we at Solana Beach Presbyterian Church in Solana Beach, Calif., were moved tonight to write the following letter to our session, which has just endorsed and joined the Confessing Church Movement:
We were very pleased and excited to see that our church, as represented by you, has taken a stand to join with others of our denomination in full support of the Confessing Church Movement, rejecting false doctrine and adhering to and proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ and the holy Scriptures.
We agree that the main crisis in the PCUSA today is not about ethics or morality, although they are very important and we are gravely concerned about them, especially in these troubling times as so many professing Christians are being lulled into a state of spiritual lethargy as the modern "church" attempts to adapt to the current cultural climate and to "be all things to all men."
Jesus Christ is either Lord or He is not Lord. There is no middle ground, and there are not many roads to God. If Jesus is all that He claims to be, and we believe He is, we must remain immovable as a denomination and as individual believers on this truth and on the truth of the authority of the Word of God.
While respecting the rights of those of other faiths who do not accept the truth of God's Word, we must not waver in our acceptance of Jesus' declaration that He "is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and no man can come to the Father but by (Him)." Our ethics and our morality fall into line as we accept and proclaim Who it is who calls us to holiness in all aspects of life.
Thank you for taking this strong position of faith before the church, the presbytery and before the watching world.
What continues to be a source of amazement to us is why the PCUSA continues to permit debate on such matters as the authority of Scripture, homosexuality, infidelity and marriage when the Scriptures speak with unmistakable clarity on these issues? Let us close the door on such foolish and satanic discussions and arguments, recognizing their origin, and be about our Father's business of evangelization. That's what we're supposed to be doing.
Will the true men and women of God leading our denomination take a stand and wrest it from the devices and voices of the heretics and get us back on track before it's too late?
Glenn and Pat Hornberger
Solana Beach, Calif.
An open letter from Eastminster Presbyterian Church
We grieve and express our own and our congregation's grave concern at the direction this 213th General Assembly is taking. If this assembly is unable even to proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of the world (01-43, 01-51, 01-52), how can we pretend that there is not deep division within our denomination? We cannot.
As commissioners have written to the assembly, there is a "sense of urgency" in "our congregations and communities" which necessitates affirming this truth critical and pivotal. For the love of God and the sake of Jesus Christ, who his life for his Church, do not take us down another untenable path away from God's truth.
Richard Gorham
Associate Pastor, moderator of the session
Thomas J. Edwards
Associate Pastor
Eastminster Presbyterian Church
Wichita, Kansas
Church neutralized as a servant of Jesus Christ in this world
It is time to go. The Confessing Church Movement should today begin the process to leave the PCUSA (with all property) and join the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, where each church owns the property and the national organization is controlled from the pews. The current property ownership concept of the PCUSA is an insult to what should truly bind us together.
The Devil must be laughing, as he has neutralized the PCUSA as a servant of Jesus Christ in this world.
Can anyone imagine if all of the time, effort and money the PCUSA has spent in the last 30 years or more on matters of internal strife had been channeled to the service of our Lord. What a different world this might be.
Dennis Gorman
Quincy, Illinois
General Assembly urged to endorse minority report
I am writing to encourage the 213th General Assembly to endorse the minority report of the Committee on Theological Issues, Educational Institutions, regarding overtures 01-43, 01-51, 01-52.
The report states that there is a "sense of urgency which faces us in our congregations" to have the
uniqueness and supremacy of Jesus Christ reaffirmed by the leadership of this denomination. We are not called to let our culture dictate the terms of our service to God, but to be agents of reconciliation and
transformation in our culture through Christ.
In his book, Presbyterian Creeds (1985, 1991), Moderator Rogers wrote, "We can. . .remain faithful to our Lord and to the task of transforming culture. The Theological Declaration of Barmen constantly reminds us that no human being or institution is divinely ordained to have ultimate authority in our lives. No human ruler or party may be followed uncritically. Only Jesus Christ is the Lord of the church, and of all life [emphasis mine]."
As it is the primary mission of the Church to proclaim "the gospel for the salvation of humankind (G-1.0200)," this issue is of utmost importance for "the peace, unity and purity of the church."
My prayers are with all participants in this General Assembly, that the Holy Spirit may guide and the will of God prevail in all things.
Michael R. Warner
Islip, N.Y.
I am horrified that committee will not confirm basics of Christianity
I am horrified that the Theology Committee will not confirm the basics of Christianity. This portends the end, the completeness of the schism, an insult to our Lord who gave His all for us.
My forebears were either ministers or elders in the Presbyterian Church, spent their lives in its service; my family and I are committed to Christ. How can a minority have such control as to destroy a denomination?
The Church of Christ will live on in spite of the destruction of the denomination.
Evelyn M Thom
Baton Rouge, La.
The Lordship of Christ is rejected
I have read with distress of the rejection by the Committee on Theological Issues of the overtures reaffirming the Lordship of Christ.
This doctrine, that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, is the central doctrine of Christianity. Virtually every major doctrine of the Reformed Faith as set
forth in our Confessions either depends upon, or implies, this central doctrine. If there is any essential tenet of the Reformed Faith, this is it.
In other words, if the GA cannot manifest the courage to state this doctrine clearly, then there is no theological doctrine upon which we agree.
If there are other ways to reconcile man with God, then Christ did not have to die. Thus fall the doctrines of the atonement and the resurrection.
Further, what is left of salvation by faith through grace? If other religions which teach reconciliation to God through works are valid, then Paul, Augustine, Luther and Calvin were all wrong. The doctrines of the
fall and of sin state that man cannot work his own salvation and that God must intervene. Thus they imply the work of Christ. If we cannot agree on Christ, then we do not agree on these doctrines either. I cannot think of one doctrine of our faith that would survive if Christ's central place is given up.
It now appears that a task force will be appointed to study, inter alia, those things that divide us and those things upon which we agree. Frankly, if GA endorses the action of the committee, it will have admitted that there are no theological issues upon which we can agree.
I strongly urge the GA to prayerfully consider the implications of failing to affirm that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Whitman H. Brisky
Glenview, Ill.
This is the straw that may break the camel's back
This is the straw that may have broken the camel's back.
I have been a Presbyterian elder for 35 years and have put up with one denial of Christ after another by those who would write their own Christology. If the General assembly does not approve the minority report written by those brave 10 committee members, I am gone!
I will wait, however, to see if the Confessing Church Movement becomes the basis for a new church, the Confessing Presbyterian Church.
Loyal Weaver
Rejection of Christ may mean rejection of denomination
I have spent a great deal of my morning looking over various reports coming from GA. If this GA renounces salvation by Jesus Christ alone, I will be forced to renounce my ordination as a Deacon, Elder and Minister of Word and Sacrament. I could no longer be apart of a church that would take such a
stand.
Stewart Bair
Wallingford, Pa.
Jesus Christ alone is Lord
Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life? Wrong, apparently, according to the majority.
I wait with bated breath to know what my future may be. For 50 years now, I have apparently preached a heretical false doctrine. How can I undo the damage in the many lives my message has touched? What will be the punishment for my stupid trust of the Scriptures?
All power be to the minority report. There is still a remnant. In humble trust, we pray that the General Assembly will awaken once again from its spiritual slumber. Or the impending tragedy will be acted out this year. We are praying not. But, if the minority report is not heeded, then, to whom, Lord shall we go?
Rev. William Bovard
I never thought church would stray from the tenet that Christ is Lord
This is the most startling thing I have seen from the Presbyterian Church. I was concerned with the direction of the church, but I did not have any fear that it would stray from the basic tenet that Jesus is
Lord.
I can assure you that our session will adopt the Confessing Church resolution and will proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord. That will not change. If the Presbyterian Church changes that, I personally will no longer be a Presbyterian. I will remain a Christian, as I have been.
I will continue to pray for a miracle. Spiritual warfare abounds. The enemy is present and getting its way at the GA.
Bill Bergner
Edmond, Oka.
Who won the debate on Jesus as Lord?
So, did someone WIN the debate?
J. Boshart
Spokane, Wash.
Defeat of 'Jesus First' motion is not surprising
The defeat of the "Jesus First" motion is not surprising. For the leadership of the PCUSA, Jesus is not first, sex and homosexuals are first. The sin of disobedience of the Word of God is first. Persecution of fellow Presbyterians in other countries like Pakistan is first. Selling of church properties is first.
When the Lord Jesus Christ returns, these people will say, "Hold on. We are not finished with awarding a lesbian a 'Woman of Faith Award.' We are not finished with same-sex holy unions or ordaining homosexuals to lead your church. We are not finished with providing homosexual Boy Scout leaders to our boys. And we are not finished blocking the Confessing Church Movement.
The Lord will then cast them into hell with the serpent and the false prophet.
Rev. Dr. Major Timotheus Nasir
Moderator
The United Presbyterian Church of Pakistan.
Gujranwala, Pakistan
Liberals are extinguishing the church's lamp
It is time for evangelicals in the PCUSA to call a spade a spade. The liberals are infidels and have no place holding office in Christ's church. They are extinguishing the church's lamp.
It's time for true Christians to wrestle seriously with whether or not they should go down with a sinking ship. I am sorry that this letter is harsh, but the truth is harsh. If the liberals have their way, they will make the PCUSA a synagogue of Satan.
Fight hard or flee. Just don't settle for more "dialogue."
David C. Spor
Tully Memorial Presbyterian Church
Sharon Hill, Pa.
Action on Jesus leaves feeling of embarrassment and shame
The embarrassment and shame that I feel after learning the results of the decision by the GA Committee on Theological Issues and Educational Institutions is overwhelming.
This denomination, in which I was born and came to know Christ as Lord and Savior, in which I was married, in which my three children made personal commitments to Christ, has finally turned its back on the Truth in the so-called name of diversity.
Well, my immediate reaction is to state aloud, with no doubts or misgivings, "I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes."
The General Assembly, in fact, the Church, needs to go back and read the entire first chapter of Paul's letter to the Romans. The answers to your questions are simply and clearly stated.
Shirley A. Drury
Anniston,Ala.
Putting all Presbyterians under one umbrella has failed
It appears to me that trying to put all Presbyterians under one umbrella just failed. I will not stand under that umbrella, and I'm pretty sure others in large numbers won't either. I see no end other than the pruning of the Presbyterian tree.
Mike Glass
Edmond, Okla.
Inspiration and authority of Scripture should be basis of commission
Until we agree on the inspiration and authority of Scripture, no commission or changing of the Book of Order will mean anything.
Edward J. Knox
Even debating Lordship of Christ tells us a lot about denomination
The fact that these overtures concerning "Jesus As Lord" are even being debated tells you where our denomination is at this time.
My question is: How was anyone who doesn't believe that Jesus is the only way accepted into a leadership position in the PCUSA? How did they get into a position to even attend General Assembly?
It reminds me of the message that Paul wrote to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:1: "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons" (NIV).
I hate to sound so judgmental, but it sounds like the people who spoke against these overtures are the very people Paul spoke of in 1 Timothy 4.
Ron Smith
Pastor
Crossroads Presbyterian Church
Charlotte, N.C.
Jesus alone is a loyalty oath?
A Presbyterians Today article on GA says that "Disgruntled conservatives, led by the Presbyterian Lay Committee, seek" to impose on assembly program staff a "loyalty oath."
Jesus alone as the way to God is a "loyalty oath?" It's a good thing they're not asked to declare that they are not now, nor ever have been, a member of you-know-what! Of course, if you're
in love with the NCC.
Fred Edwards
God bless all who embrace the truth
I was so blessed to read this article and to see the truth of the Word of God being spread in your denomination!
God bless all who embrace the truth and who continue to be unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Michele Acuff
Money can't buy the gospel of Jesus Christ
Our denomination could commit the whole of its $136 million+ budget to "evangelism" and it would have virtually no impact. Why? Because if what we are sharing with others is not the truth -- the gospel of Jesus Christ according to His word -- it will bear no lasting fruit.
Consider what is coming out of this General Assembly. I have heard the word "evangelical" and "evangelism" used in relation to things that show no indication to infer what I understand the term to mean.
This world that we are called to impact as His church is in darkness. Only light will impact the darkness ... and we have no light unless the Word of God is valid as our infallible rule for faith and life and unless Jesus Christ alone is understood as the Son of God and the only way to the Father.
We are "...a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that (we) may declare the praises of Him who called (us) out of the darkness into His wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)
We seem to have done such a good job being inclusive of the world to the point that there really is no difference between the PCUSA and the world. It is clear by the actions taken thus far at the Assembly that we intend to continue to be shaped by the world rather than impacting the world with the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We are delighted to be a part of the Confessing Church Movement, to have the opportunity to stand with others and say we will not continue to be silent while this denomination compromises the Word of God, our confessions and the standards upon which this church was founded.
Evangelism is not a matter of dollars; rather, it is the sharing of a heart transformed by the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Kirk Werner
Knoxville, Tenn.
I reaffirm my belief in Jesus Christ as the Lord of all
I reaffirm my belief and commitment that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Lord of all.
(Rev.) John A. Gilmore
I will only support a church that affirms the Lordship of Jesus Christ
I am an inactive elder and will only support a church that affirms the Lordship of Jesus Christ. I pray the minority will prevail. I know God will.
J. Robert Atkinson
Indiana, Pa.
