A man lay in the hospital when a nurse came in. The conversation went like this:
Nurse: "Did we have our breakfast this morning?"
Patient: "I don't know about you, but I did."
Nurse: "And did we give a urine sample this morning?"
Patient: "What do you mean, 'we'?"
Sometimes we does not really mean we! Sadly, this statement can be illustrated regarding a well-known conservative seminary. Every year, professors are asked to sign the doctrinal statement to confirm their agreement. One professor signs it faithfully. Yet privately, he admits that he does not believe what it says. His justification? "We—my department—believes it. However, I do not personally believe everything in the doctrinal statement."
Again—sometimes we does not really mean we.
This hits closer to home as well. Not long ago, a student in our own training program privately confessed that he disagreed with parts of our doctrinal statement. Instead of addressing the issue, he was advised that if he simply kept his head down and stayed quiet, he would get through just fine.
That kind of thinking is dangerous. When people in Christian organizations continue to serve while quietly disagreeing with their stated doctrine, the result is doctrinal drift. And drift always leads away from truth, never toward it.
In recent days, the Biblical Resource Group has been discussing this problem. Sadly, we have found that some hold views that contradict the doctrinal statement they once affirmed. In my opinion, this is not merely a matter of differing opinions. It is a matter of integrity.
Recently, some of our leaders have expressed a concern about where this drift could lead if left unchecked. The gospel itself is at stake. As Paul wrote to Timothy, "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you" (1 Timothy 4:16).
We value your prayers as we seek to guard the truth, stand firm in grace, and resist the subtle pull of doctrinal drift.
Blessings,
Bob
* * *
No Other Gospel
I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. (Gal. 1:6-7)
"Any other gospel is another gospel and is not the true gospel. Without the creation, the gospel has no foundation; without the promised consummation, it offers no hope; without the cross and the empty tomb, it has no saving power."
-Dr. Henry Morris
