A Premise of Synod Infallibility?
A recent church bulletin contained a “Report on Synod 1984 for Classis . . .” Its opening paragraph reads, “There is no doubt that every Synod of the CRC is unique and different. Different issues, the composition of the delegates, the emotional climate in the denomination, and many other factors account for this. Synod 1984 falls in that description entirely. Yet the beautiful fact is that in all the proceedings we believe sincerely in the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit. The CRC continues therefore always on the basis of confessing an obedience and loyalty to our Lord. It is in that manner that, . . . , present a brief report of Synod 1984 to the churches of our classis.”
Accounting to the logic of this report, beginning with the premise that the Holy Spirit’s work is divine and hence without error, since synod is led by the Holy Spirit we can conclude that its work is without error, or infallible.
The reporters, indeed, did not say exactly that or perhaps believe that either. But the logic of the report points to that conclusion. Since synods are led by the Holy Spirit all of its work falls under a kind of sanctifying halo. Otherwise what does it mean that because our synods are being thus guided and led that they continue “. . . always on the basis of confessing an obedience and loyalty to our Lord?” Must we, therefore, conclude that the decisions of synods are to be accepted because they are products of the Spirit’s guidance and leading?
I wonder if anyone would really want to defend such a premise? If so, would he also say the same of consistory meetings? Consistory meetings are indeed gatherings of those in the position of highest authority in the Church of Jesus Christ. Ifdelegates from a classis, who in turn are delegates from a local consistory are being led and guided by the Holy Spirit in such a beautiful way when at synod, how much more will they be so led when the local consistory meets! Then the work of the local consistory certainly comes under this spiritual halo.
Surely no one will deny that the Church of Jesus Christ, in past ages as also today, is led and guided by the Holy Spirit. But the important question is: Just how does the Holy Spirit lead and guide the Church? The Church is defined in Scripture as being “the pillar and foundation of the truth” (I Tim. 3:15). Where the Church remains true to the Word of God there it is led and guided by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, in the measure a church knows and obeys the Truth, it is being led and guided by the Holy Spirit.
The same things hold true for any meeting of synod . A synod is led and guided by the Holy Spirit in the measure it upholds and adheres to the clear teachings of Scripture. We are told that on some issues the voting went as close as 81 to 76 or 82 to 77. Which group of voters was being led and guided by the Holy Spirit, and which was not? Surely they cannot both be right! One of the two numbers of voters is right and the other wrong, depending on which is following God’s Word.
On the other hand, can’t we conclude that the Holy Spirit leads and guides the Church of Jesus Christ and somehow brings it to the right conclusions through the right and wrong views or opinions of men. There is indeed a modicum of truth in that view. But does that hold when, as in the last synod (1984) the voting on placing women in the office of deacon involved the setting aside of Scripture on the part of those who voted in favour? We are very definitely not allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us when we tamper with the Truth to get our own wishes.
To say the very least, we are on very slippery ground if we posit the quoted premise. Who could question a synod’s work and decisions if a synod certainly led by the Spirit, could not possibly go or be wrong? Proceed ing on that premise while setting aside the sure Word of God, set the Church adrift with all those called to charter its course blindfolded. If we do indeed proceed with this premise we are in deep trouble. I wonder whether the delegates who wrote that report really thought through the implication of their statement. I hope they intended this differently.
Unfortunately one hears and reads this kind of reasoning again and again. It is used as a silencer of all criticism. Don’t you know, we are told, that synod is led and guided by the Holy Spirit? Are we really so blinded and misled as to believe that the Holy Spirit still leads us whether we listen to God’s Word or not? May the Lord bring us to our senses!
Cecil Tuininga, Edmonton, Alberta