On Tuesday an important statement was issued by a group of Evangelical pastors. It is called The Statement on Social Justice & the Gospel and following is a list of its initial signers:
John MacArthur Pastor, Grace Community Church
Voddie Baucham VBM
Phil Johnson Executive Director, Grace to You
James White Director, Alpha and Omega Ministries
Tom Buck Sr. Pastor, First Baptist Church Lindale
Anthony Mathenia Pastor, Christ Church
Michael O’Fallon Founder and President, Sovereign Nations
Tom Ascol Executive Director, Founders Ministries, Grace Baptist Church, Pastor
Darrell Harrison Rockdale Community Church (RCC)
Craig Mitchell President, Ethics and Political Economy Center
Justin Peters Justin Peters Ministries / Kootenai Community Church
Jeremy Vuolo Pastor, Grace Community Church of Laredo, Texas
Josh BuicePastor, Pray’s Mill Baptist Church, Director of G3 Conference
Here is the introduction to the statement:
In view of questionable sociological, psychological, and political theories presently permeating our culture and making inroads into Christ’s church, we wish to clarify certain key Christian doctrines and ethical principles prescribed in God’s Word. Clarity on these issues will fortify believers and churches to withstand an onslaught of dangerous and false teachings that threaten the gospel, misrepresent Scripture, and lead people away from the grace of God in Jesus Christ.
Specifically, we are deeply concerned that values borrowed from secular culture are currently undermining Scripture in the areas of race and ethnicity, manhood and womanhood, and human sexuality. The Bible’s teaching on each of these subjects is being challenged under the broad and somewhat nebulous rubric of concern for “social justice.” If the doctrines of God’s Word are not uncompromisingly reasserted and defended at these points, there is every reason to anticipate that these dangerous ideas and corrupted moral values will spread their influence into other realms of biblical doctrines and principles.
We submit these affirmations and denials for public consideration, not with any pretense of ecclesiastical authority, but with an urgency that is mixed with deep joy and sincere sorrow. The rapidity with which these deadly ideas have spread from the culture at large into churches and Christian organizations—including some that are evangelical and Reformed—necessitates the issuing of this statement now.
In the process of considering these matters we have been reminded of the essentials of the faith once for all handed down to the saints, and we are re-committed to contend for it. We have a great Lord and Savior, and it is a privilege to defend his gospel, regardless of cost or consequences. Nevertheless, while we rejoice in that privilege, we grieve that in doing so we know we are taking a stand against the positions of some teachers whom we have long regarded as faithful and trustworthy spiritual guides. It is our earnest prayer that our brothers and sisters will stand firm on the gospel and avoid being blown to and fro by every cultural trend that seeks to move the Church of Christ off course. We must remain steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
The Apostle Paul’s warning to the Colossians is greatly needed today: “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). The document that follows is an attempt to heed that apostolic command. We invite others who share our concerns and convictions to unite with us in reasserting our unwavering commitment to the teachings of God’s Word articulated in this statement. Therefore, for the glory of God among his Church and throughout society, we offer the following affirmations and denials.
Please carefully read the statement and consider adding your signature in support. I have signed the statement myself, and I would especially encourage other pastors to do the same here.
One thought on “The Statement on Social Justice & the Gospel”