The Battle For the Bible...Still?
In the “battle for the Bible,” one of two things happens. Either the Scriptures are added to or taken from. Some will remove sections, verses, or even words from the Bible when those things stand in the way of something they don’t want to admit remains true. For example, for those wanting to hold alternative views of sexual orientation or identity and maintain that “God made them that way,” must remove clear Scriptures that say otherwise, specifically the 6th Commandment. Among us, men who want to continue to teach and preach after committing public sin against that same commandment must remove the sections regarding qualifications for overseers. (Even though repentant, they are disqualified—and often to the detriment of our people because they had good minds, but so it is written.) As addressed at the previous Synod convention, the 7th Commandment has been removed by sectarians, and when called on it, they will accuse you of breaking the 8th. But I digress.
In any of these cases, the text of the Scriptures is seen as malleable—able to be adjusted this way or that in order to fit the needs of the reader. We, of course, fought this battle publicly in the 60s and 70s, but the enemy who wants to remove from the pages of the Scriptures still slithers through our Synod today. For basic evidence of this, you will notice that the resolutions on the doctrine of Creation and women’s ordination have not been unanimous in previous Synod conventions. Admittedly, an overwhelming majority support the truth, but even one vote in the contrary needs attention.
While we still fight the “battle for the Bible” against those wanting to take away from the text, we need not go on as if this is only one battle. Rather, this is a two-front war. There are also those among us who are actively “adding to” the pages of the Scriptures as well. I am becoming more and more convinced that this is at the heart of these new, alternative routes toward pastoral ministry that are appearing as well as the rebranded Jesus First/Congregations Matter group that will lead the charge into the next convention. But beware. Things that look new and shiny and are proclaimed as the way to “fix the problem,” might give a spark, but it will flame out in less than a generation and leave collateral damage of parishioners in the wake. Jazz Divine Service, anyone?
I noticed the “adding to” the Scriptures problem most obviously and unapologetically out in the open in a book that was gifted to the pastors of our circuit by our district office. The book is pictured above and was not published by CPH. I will say nothing of the author but only of his words. The book is a 90-day devotional that takes the reader through the Acts of the Apostles. It’s the end that caught my eye. Once you have gone through all 90 days, the book concludes beginning on page 192 with a chapter entitled, “Writing Acts 29.” It begins saying,
“We have come to the end of our 90-day missional study. Your sanctified response to all you’ve seen, read, learned, and experienced herein will be to put Acts into action, as together we write the next chapter of the book of Acts.”
Nothing is more obviously “adding to” the Scriptures than saying that your life is Acts 29. But again, this is what is at the heart of the alternative seminaries. You’re not getting “Acts 29” garbage at either St. Louis or Ft. Wayne, so if they want to have pulpit supply for all of these charismatic congregations, they’ve got to get them there somehow. This is problematic. It is sinful and contrary to our teaching. But will anyone be held accountable? Can false teaching be publicly taught without correction?
Be on guard for what is to come. Stand firm. Fight for the truth. But most of all, be careful with your words. For although many of these will say they stand for the truth and light, their truth is twisted, and they will remain hidden in darkened anonymity. The only light that will come will be from the soon-to-arrive shiny postcards!
In the end, God’s truth will win the day, even if we must endure for a time. I am reminded of the Scriptures from the end of our recent study on the Proverbs of Solomon, “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar” (Proverbs 30:5-6). Being revealed as a liar is not nearly as bad as what Revelation 22:18 has to say on the matter!
We are still fighting a “battle for the Bible.” It was the battle in the Garden and remains until now. Stand firm in this fight with your sword sharpened for the day you must wield it. When that day comes, you will most certainly endure attacks (most likely ad hominem as you see plenty of on the site linked above), but you actually have the truth on your side. Also know that your life is not Acts 29. It is not inerrant as the true Word of God. Mistakes will be made. Things will be said and maybe even done that shouldn’t have. But we have a gracious God who receives broken and repentant sinners for the sake of Jesus. May God guide the leaders of our Synod in patience, truth, and zeal in the days ahead.