To God Be Glory In The Church Pt. 1
Our brother Michael Leach recently wrote a letter of exhortation to the brothers on the subject of God's church. The next few posts contain excerpts of that letter under the heading 'To God Be Glory In The Church.
Brothers:
A few days ago I was doing a study on the constant need for us to be reminded of the truths of our faith and was prompted to share some insights with you. I stake no claim, not even the smallest iota of such, to their originality but nevertheless I am imbued with the Petrine conviction ".. to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have." 2 Pe 1:12 (12-14).
As members of the CRC we have subscribed to the Doctrines Of Grace and to the Five Solas of the Reformation as the basic and binding theological principles by which we will be identified. This is a necessary and cautious beginning, a firm foundation on which to start our journey together. These historic doctrines are crucial to the church that is semper reformanda; indeed they are authentic principles recalling our rich theological heritage and are bright landmarks that are keeping and illuminating beacons that are guiding Christ’s church, already troubled on every side by false doctrines and assailed by enemies within and without, into the safe harbor of biblical orthodoxy.
However, as Reformed pastors we cannot rest here. These foundational principles are also firm footholds on which to build, that is, to further, this highest expression of biblical theology within our congregations. Perhaps the most pressing need facing us is that of solidifying our congregations in the Reformed distinctives of the church. These have to do with its Attributes and its Marks.
As you are undoubtedly aware, the doctrine of the church was developed in the context of defending orthodox doctrine against heresies and also in the process of identifying the true church of Jesus Christ apart from those churches that were making false professions. Today, for example, many still consider Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists and so on, equally to be churches of Jesus Christ. Just as the early church had to draw the line and say this is what a bona fide church of Christ looks like, Reformed ministers of our times also bear this heavy burden of necessary differentiation. So, what then is the true church? The Reformers began by identifying its attributes.