The 1985 Synod of the Christian Reformed church decided to send a pastoral letter, according to the July 1, 1985 Banner, to seek peace. The letter in its first paragraph talks about key issues that cause division in the church, and the synod expresses deep regrets about these divisions. How sincere are these expressions of regret? There is reason for deep regret that the synod has lost sight of the truth contained in the Bible, and has caused the divisions that it regrets. What has the synod done to right the wrongs that caused its regrets?
The second paragraph cites a classic issue in which synod has not righted the wrong. The 1984 synod approved women serving as deacons, a decision clearly in conflict with the Bible’s teaching. Did the 1985 synod reverse the 1984 decision? Such a reversal would have shown regret. The synod reaffirmed the 1984 decision, doing this, its letter states, after much prayer and deliberation. Did the synod base its deliberation on what the Bible teaches? The answer is “No.” Does the God of heaven listen to such prayer when His Word is not used to make decisions? Again the answer is, “No.” The letter would pray that unbiblical teachings restore peace, but peace can only be restored when the synod starts making decisions based on the Word of God.
When Classis Florida asked the Banner editor to clarify his position on Articles V and VII of the Belgic Confession (dealing with Biblical authority), the synod ruled this overture out of order. Is the editor of the Banner not accountable to the church? On this issue the synod again refused to go back to the Biblical teachings.
Further, in paragraph three the synod urges restraint. Did Jesus exercise restraint when he overthrew the seats of the money-changers in the temple? Should concerned Christians exercise restraint when the authority of the Bible is questioned? They should not be restrained but should fight against the evil that has infiltrated the church. The letter urges pastors to take an active part in the healing and reconciling process. How can pastors do this when they are largely to blame for the mess the church is in? The last statements of the paragraph express doubts in the minds of the synod, but if the synod would go back to the Bible, the doubts would be removed, because the Bible is crystal-clear on the issues which the synod sees “in a mirror dimly.” Then the letter finds comfort in the fact that Jesus is still King of the church. Why acknowledge the kingship of Jesus now? The Spirit will not lead us if we do not abide by Biblical teaching, for He only leads in Truth.
While the Christian Reformed Church has reasons to be thankful, how long will the Lord tolerate our disregard for His Holy Word? The authors of the pastoral letter would do well to read the letters to the churches in Ephesus, Sardis and Laodicea in Revelation 2 and 3.
I would urge all the members who want to liberalize the church to pack up and peddle their liberal ideologies elsewhere, and take the ministers and schools who think as they do with them. Does the form of subscription in which they promised to be faithful not apply today?
George Kamminga, 281 Knowles Ave., Winnipeg, Man., Canada R2G 1C9.
