Scripture also identifies homosexuality and acts related thereto as an 'abomination' to God. Obviously those who affirm gay marriage have put aside the scripture altogether because the first 'sin' in this is allowing homosexuality and its desires and actions, but then progressing deeper into this sin by actually approving of two people of the same sex becoming 'one' in marriage. If God has commanded in His Word that this sin is an 'abomination' in His eyes, how does man even dare consider anything that opposes His perfect wisdom in Creation, perverts the practise of our sexuality as His Creations, and re designs His plan for marrage and the purpose of it? God's Word speaks to everything in this discussion. It should not have taken the CRC years to determine what God has plainly taught us in His Word, for the good, blessing and safety of His children and for His Glory. Those who choose to entertain or embrace ideas which challenge God's plain teaching on this subject will face God's impartial promised judgment, as He judges in righteousness and according to His infallible Word. When will we understand that God does not change nor the Word He speaks?
Psalm 138:2 ESV "I bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness, for You have exalted above all things Your name and Your Word."
Temptations of all kinds are 'common to man', including all sexual temptations which are contrary to God's commands. For all believers He has promised : "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape that you may be able to endure it." I Corinithians 10:13 ESV. Through the power of God, and the blood of Jesus Christ, the Gospel brings the good news of forgiveness, restoration and the promise of becoming a 'new creation', empowered by The Holy Spirit and God's Word to deny our flesh and walk 'in newness of life'. This new walk is evidence of our salvation. Our desires are growing more and more to align with God's desires for us when we are being sanctified and washed in the Word. Those who are truly saved will show evidence of it by living and walking in the Spirit, and putting to death the deeds of the flesh. They will have no interest in 'finding loopholes' or excuses because they are most interested in pleasing their Heavenly Father Who has so graciously and abundantly pardoned them, given them new life and an eternal home in heaven! It is all gratitude from start to finish when a person is truly saved! We pray this for all who struggle with sin and temptation, (i.e. all of us!), we have been given the power to overcome sin of all kinds in this world and to no longer be slaves of sin. Let us stand strong in this truth for the good of all, for the edification of Christ's church and ultimately for the Glory of God Who made the way for us to come to Him by grace through faith! Praise His name!
1st Timothy 1 directly includes "those who practice homosexuality" in a list that "is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the gospel of the blessed God".
All these sins listed (1 Tim 1:9-10) are contrary to the gospel. a.k.a. A big deal.
Praise God, all these sins listed can be washed clean by the blood of the lamb, Jesus Christ!
But to actively, repentantly continue in them would to "crucify the Son of God all over again and subject him to public disgrace." (Hebrews 6:6)
Thanks, Herb. I would push back a little on your definition of salvation issues. We can never repent of every sin because there are sins we commit that we don't even realize. Thankfully, the blood of Jesus covers our sin and the resurrection of Jesus gives us new life in him. As Jesus and Paul describe the behaviors that are not part of the kingdom of God, I think what they're pointing to is the lack of a changed life. The Catechism faithfully reflects scripture in telling us that a changed life is evidence of our faith/conversion (Q/A 60-64; 86-91). When our behaviors (in this case, sexual sin) are willingly and consistently opposed to God's will, there is no evidence of a heart/life that has been converted; therefore, there is no salvation.
Good points, Drew. Thanks for adding. When the article was written it was reviewed by others and we wrestled with exactly how to present some of those aspects. Thanks for adding this.
Rob. I did not leave it (that Jesus said to the prostitute- go and sun no more) out for the reason you imply as we get this message from our pulpit every Sunday. Did Jesus supervise or coerce her? Not likely. Do we as a church follow up on repeated repentances with the vigour with which one aspect of our sexuality is being pursued? I do not see living in a covenanted relationship, either heterosexual or same sexual is sinful. I have changed greatly over the past 10-15 years in coming to this conclusion. What about psalm 133 and many more references in the Bible to living in harmony with each other? Does sex over rule all this?
As a Canadian I’m very alarmed by the seemingly very coordinated actions of a mid USA led group within our denomination in electing an executive for Synod2024 where all four are men from mid west USA to the exclusion of women and Canadians. See recent Banner item.
The emphasis on a few texts to the detriment of all others AND God’s general revelation of himself, through nature, our surroundings, science is not comprehensible for me. As a long time elder in the CRC I see the actions of The Abide Project as very contrary to all I’ve ever been taught and reeks of being gatekeepers for God.
I don’t see much LOVE for the CRCNA in Abide’s actions/pronouncements. The various comments posted to the August 23, 2023 posting on CRC Network are not at all cohesive and show just how divisive the sexuality issue is. For a Synod dominated by mid west USA delegates in 2023 and 2024 (based on election for executive) there’s no unanimity and for that reason any decision on the sexuality issue should be held in abeyance until all segments, especially women and Canadians have been brought onside.. it’s interesting that any mid west CRC churches still do not accept women in any office.
I see lots of “love and concern” in discussions within Hesed and Better together.
Why is it that professors from Calvin Seminary are not writing on this issue? Or am I just missing these? Where they asked? Are they “free” to do so?
Sorry for the sharpness of this writing, however, I evidenced discussions in Abide events I attended that confirmed the aforesaid.
Joe Koole, retired banker and spouse of Joan who fully concurs. Toronto
Dr. Jeffrey Weima from Calvin Seminary has written on this issue. Dr. Tuininga was, with Weima, part of the committee that produced the Human Sexuality Report. https://www.abideproject.org/p/1946-movie
Based on this verbiage, there is no one “that will inherit the Kingdom of heaven” we are all sinners except “those without sin” as Jesus asked the Pharisees when they were about to stone a prostitude and they turned away without throwing a stone. I see Abide Project writers as stone throwers ready to “stone”. Sad and misguided. Isolated texts written to some specific churches in the 1st century by Paul are hardly “proof” of what Jesus taught. His was Love God and Love your neighbour. I’ve listened to a recent video from Abide that had snickering in self righteousness. Again sad!
Thanks for engaging, Joe. I would suggest that you owe the above article a more fair reading. Herb is straightforward about the difference between what he calls "falling into sin" vs "walking in sin" willfully and unrepentantly. And I would submit that distinction is deeply faithful to the scriptures including, of course, the teachings of Jesus. It's a misrepresentation to accuse Herb of saying no one can inherit the Kingdom of God because we all sin. If you have reason to think that he's misunderstood the texts he references, then by all means, feel free to share.
Joe, in the story you reference, Jesus last words to the women were "go and sin no more" I am always baffled how/why people leave that out! There is simply no example of Jesus excusing sin anywhere in the Bible.You disregard Pauls teaching on this issue and Jesus. Love can never excuse sin.It certainly sounds like you do not believe the Bible is the word of God.
All sin is a salvation issue. Jesus' gospel was to "repent because the rule of God is at hand." Where the Lord will ultimately draw the line, I know not. At the young age of 80 the Lord in his gentle way continues to reveal to me sins of the heart or mind that I have been blind to. This side of "the river" I will never be holy. Hence the absolute need for grace. I may draw attention to the words and behavior of another that is clearly inconsistent with kingdom values, but I will not judge another in terms of their salvation as that is the prerogative of the Lord alone.
I have come to realize that “salvation issues” are the day-to-day existence of human beings. If we are to enter into God’s Presence using some metric that includes behaviour and attitudes, the crowd would be sparse indeed. The criterion when using such a metric is perfect and complete holiness from birth until death. That is why we need a Saviour.
Well said Herb,
Scripture also identifies homosexuality and acts related thereto as an 'abomination' to God. Obviously those who affirm gay marriage have put aside the scripture altogether because the first 'sin' in this is allowing homosexuality and its desires and actions, but then progressing deeper into this sin by actually approving of two people of the same sex becoming 'one' in marriage. If God has commanded in His Word that this sin is an 'abomination' in His eyes, how does man even dare consider anything that opposes His perfect wisdom in Creation, perverts the practise of our sexuality as His Creations, and re designs His plan for marrage and the purpose of it? God's Word speaks to everything in this discussion. It should not have taken the CRC years to determine what God has plainly taught us in His Word, for the good, blessing and safety of His children and for His Glory. Those who choose to entertain or embrace ideas which challenge God's plain teaching on this subject will face God's impartial promised judgment, as He judges in righteousness and according to His infallible Word. When will we understand that God does not change nor the Word He speaks?
Psalm 138:2 ESV "I bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness, for You have exalted above all things Your name and Your Word."
Temptations of all kinds are 'common to man', including all sexual temptations which are contrary to God's commands. For all believers He has promised : "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape that you may be able to endure it." I Corinithians 10:13 ESV. Through the power of God, and the blood of Jesus Christ, the Gospel brings the good news of forgiveness, restoration and the promise of becoming a 'new creation', empowered by The Holy Spirit and God's Word to deny our flesh and walk 'in newness of life'. This new walk is evidence of our salvation. Our desires are growing more and more to align with God's desires for us when we are being sanctified and washed in the Word. Those who are truly saved will show evidence of it by living and walking in the Spirit, and putting to death the deeds of the flesh. They will have no interest in 'finding loopholes' or excuses because they are most interested in pleasing their Heavenly Father Who has so graciously and abundantly pardoned them, given them new life and an eternal home in heaven! It is all gratitude from start to finish when a person is truly saved! We pray this for all who struggle with sin and temptation, (i.e. all of us!), we have been given the power to overcome sin of all kinds in this world and to no longer be slaves of sin. Let us stand strong in this truth for the good of all, for the edification of Christ's church and ultimately for the Glory of God Who made the way for us to come to Him by grace through faith! Praise His name!
Very good content here. Thanks, Marlene.
Amen.
1st Timothy 1 directly includes "those who practice homosexuality" in a list that "is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the gospel of the blessed God".
All these sins listed (1 Tim 1:9-10) are contrary to the gospel. a.k.a. A big deal.
Praise God, all these sins listed can be washed clean by the blood of the lamb, Jesus Christ!
But to actively, repentantly continue in them would to "crucify the Son of God all over again and subject him to public disgrace." (Hebrews 6:6)
Thanks, Herb. I would push back a little on your definition of salvation issues. We can never repent of every sin because there are sins we commit that we don't even realize. Thankfully, the blood of Jesus covers our sin and the resurrection of Jesus gives us new life in him. As Jesus and Paul describe the behaviors that are not part of the kingdom of God, I think what they're pointing to is the lack of a changed life. The Catechism faithfully reflects scripture in telling us that a changed life is evidence of our faith/conversion (Q/A 60-64; 86-91). When our behaviors (in this case, sexual sin) are willingly and consistently opposed to God's will, there is no evidence of a heart/life that has been converted; therefore, there is no salvation.
Good qualifier to add! I'd guess completely in line with Herb's thoughts.
Good points, Drew. Thanks for adding. When the article was written it was reviewed by others and we wrestled with exactly how to present some of those aspects. Thanks for adding this.
Rob. I did not leave it (that Jesus said to the prostitute- go and sun no more) out for the reason you imply as we get this message from our pulpit every Sunday. Did Jesus supervise or coerce her? Not likely. Do we as a church follow up on repeated repentances with the vigour with which one aspect of our sexuality is being pursued? I do not see living in a covenanted relationship, either heterosexual or same sexual is sinful. I have changed greatly over the past 10-15 years in coming to this conclusion. What about psalm 133 and many more references in the Bible to living in harmony with each other? Does sex over rule all this?
As a Canadian I’m very alarmed by the seemingly very coordinated actions of a mid USA led group within our denomination in electing an executive for Synod2024 where all four are men from mid west USA to the exclusion of women and Canadians. See recent Banner item.
The emphasis on a few texts to the detriment of all others AND God’s general revelation of himself, through nature, our surroundings, science is not comprehensible for me. As a long time elder in the CRC I see the actions of The Abide Project as very contrary to all I’ve ever been taught and reeks of being gatekeepers for God.
I don’t see much LOVE for the CRCNA in Abide’s actions/pronouncements. The various comments posted to the August 23, 2023 posting on CRC Network are not at all cohesive and show just how divisive the sexuality issue is. For a Synod dominated by mid west USA delegates in 2023 and 2024 (based on election for executive) there’s no unanimity and for that reason any decision on the sexuality issue should be held in abeyance until all segments, especially women and Canadians have been brought onside.. it’s interesting that any mid west CRC churches still do not accept women in any office.
I see lots of “love and concern” in discussions within Hesed and Better together.
Why is it that professors from Calvin Seminary are not writing on this issue? Or am I just missing these? Where they asked? Are they “free” to do so?
Sorry for the sharpness of this writing, however, I evidenced discussions in Abide events I attended that confirmed the aforesaid.
Joe Koole, retired banker and spouse of Joan who fully concurs. Toronto
Dr. Jeffrey Weima from Calvin Seminary has written on this issue. Dr. Tuininga was, with Weima, part of the committee that produced the Human Sexuality Report. https://www.abideproject.org/p/1946-movie
Based on this verbiage, there is no one “that will inherit the Kingdom of heaven” we are all sinners except “those without sin” as Jesus asked the Pharisees when they were about to stone a prostitude and they turned away without throwing a stone. I see Abide Project writers as stone throwers ready to “stone”. Sad and misguided. Isolated texts written to some specific churches in the 1st century by Paul are hardly “proof” of what Jesus taught. His was Love God and Love your neighbour. I’ve listened to a recent video from Abide that had snickering in self righteousness. Again sad!
Thanks for engaging, Joe. I would suggest that you owe the above article a more fair reading. Herb is straightforward about the difference between what he calls "falling into sin" vs "walking in sin" willfully and unrepentantly. And I would submit that distinction is deeply faithful to the scriptures including, of course, the teachings of Jesus. It's a misrepresentation to accuse Herb of saying no one can inherit the Kingdom of God because we all sin. If you have reason to think that he's misunderstood the texts he references, then by all means, feel free to share.
Joe, in the story you reference, Jesus last words to the women were "go and sin no more" I am always baffled how/why people leave that out! There is simply no example of Jesus excusing sin anywhere in the Bible.You disregard Pauls teaching on this issue and Jesus. Love can never excuse sin.It certainly sounds like you do not believe the Bible is the word of God.
All sin is a salvation issue. Jesus' gospel was to "repent because the rule of God is at hand." Where the Lord will ultimately draw the line, I know not. At the young age of 80 the Lord in his gentle way continues to reveal to me sins of the heart or mind that I have been blind to. This side of "the river" I will never be holy. Hence the absolute need for grace. I may draw attention to the words and behavior of another that is clearly inconsistent with kingdom values, but I will not judge another in terms of their salvation as that is the prerogative of the Lord alone.
I have come to realize that “salvation issues” are the day-to-day existence of human beings. If we are to enter into God’s Presence using some metric that includes behaviour and attitudes, the crowd would be sparse indeed. The criterion when using such a metric is perfect and complete holiness from birth until death. That is why we need a Saviour.