Your Will part of the church's highest court con­ Won't Help You cerning our own membership. Let's hope so! How fortunate that the Acts of the RES reached us only after the General As­ sembly concluded its deliberations. One notes no "pious advice" to the butchers of RES-half not told Moscow or the slaughterers of Peking. Then there was the Scotsman who prom­ The RES should hold emergency sessions ised a large cash gift to missions after his in those cities very soon. calf was sold. He missed church for John H. Thompson, Jr., pastor several weeks. One frigid morning he ap­ Ocala, Florida peared at the pastor's study in fiery rage, Ed. note: The decision of the OPC slammed some money on the desk, and General Assembly to remain in the RES announced his withdrawal from the for now, even while refusing to urge the church. Said he, "I passed the kirk last RPCES and the PCA to join, indicated its night, and you were singing about me­ concern about developments in RES 'the calf has never yet been sold:" member churches while recognizing a It's your family Well, "the half has never yet been told" responsibility to continue to work with about the Reformed Ecumenical Synod. the organization while there was still any who willbenefit At least, this is my feeling about the hope of improvement. handling of RES matters at the recent froID your will OPC General Assembly. Was the assembly aware of the strong protests of some of Time for a change? Without a will, your property will the smaller Reformed churches against Just a word of thanks for the article of be distributed according to state the continued membership of the doctrin­ John Fikkert, "A Church in Quarantine?" laws of descent and distribution. Since these laws have to apply to ally shaky Dutch churches? Did anyone (September) . all kinds of people, they can be tell that the "pious advice" to the South The name "Orthodox" has no doubt overly protective in some cases. African government was initiated by the attracted its tens, but it has also turned The result is unnecessary delays, "moderamen" and not by the rank and away its thousands. I have always held red tape and expenses for your file? Did anyone paint the dramatic that the OPC is the best of all possible heirs. picture of RES delegates vacillating on churches, if you can stand it. When the this "advice" until after they had dined name Orthodox was adopted I put forth Without a will, none of your pro­ sumptuously as guests of a government a much better name that was rejected. perty can be used to further your official? Everyone now, of course, is sorry. stewardship goals. Many people One can almost see and feel the frenzy who are concerned about stew­ Anyway, haven't we been sick long ardship find special satisfaction of delegates swallowing whole their des­ enough, and isn't it time to lift the quar­ in making charitablegifts through serts in order to get back to the holy, antine? Of course, John did not advocate their wills. Westminster Theologi­ compelling business of instructing the a change of name, but he touched on an cal Seminary welcomes bequests South African government about its idea whose time has come. and puts them to specific use, internal affairs-all contrary to Scripture Robert K. Churchill training men to serve in the gos­ and to the standards of our church. Then, OP Chapel, pel ministry. in the ultimate act of betrayal of the Amarillo, Texas biblical Reformed churches, the RES de­ Find out more about writing or termined to continue its dialogue with the I updating your will. Send for our Omit Orthodox? j free booklet offered below. No ob­ World Council of Churches. The writer wants to heartily endorse the j ligation. Some of us entered the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in order to witness comments of the Rev. John Fikkert in his against both the unbelief and political article appearing in the September issue I r~~~~:~_~_a~~~:~~~_-dJ_, activism of the rotten "ecumenical of The Guardian, "A Church in Quaran­ tine." In my opinion his evaluation is of J councils." Now we are in fellowship with I the RES, which is more culpable because far-reaching importance. I consider it Westminster Theological Seminary it pretends to represent Reformed pre­ worthy of careful consideration. 1 P.O. Box 27009 cision. We have sought relief through I heard Mr. Fikkert voice these remarks Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19118 overtures to the church courts-to no in an Orthodox Presbyterian church ~ o Please send 37 Things People avail. Thankfully, the assembly stopped where the morning attendance has "Know" about Wills That Aren't short of endorsing or recommending dropped 25% in recent years and is still Really So, without cost. .1 membership in this evil alliance to the dropping, while other churches in the Name _ RPCES and the PCA. Perhaps this hesit­ J ancy indicates second thoughts on the (continued on page 10) Address _ ) The Presbyterian Guardian is published eleven times each year, every month except for a combined issue in July-August, by the Presbyterian Guardian Publishing Corporation, 7401 Old York Road, City _ Philadelphia, PA 19126, at the following .rates, payable in advance, postage prepaid: $4.25 per year ($3.75 in clubs of ten or more: special rate for "every-family churches" on request). Second State 2ip _ class mail privileges authorized at the Post Office, Philadelphia, Pa. ) IL ~ , I i Page 2 The Presbyterian Guardian I truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to fou~d another instance of this use of the your former manner of life, you lay verb "to learn" with a person as its ob­ aside the old self, which is being cor­ ject anywhere else in Greek literature, and rupted in accordance with the lusts so it has been suggested that "Christ" here Learning of deceit, and that you be renewed in verse 20 simply stands for "Christian in the spirit of your mind, and put teaching," But there is no warrant for that on the new self, which in the likeness suggestion. We must let the apostle's in­ CHRIST of God has been created in righteous­ spired language have its full force and Robert B. Strimple ness and holiness of the truth. remind us of that personal relationship In this passage many terms appear with Christ himself which is the blessed which we associate with man's intellectual distinctive of our Christian religion-s-the life: verse 17, "mind"; verse 18, "under­ blessed reality of the Christian life, that Westminister Seminary's Vice President standing" versus "ignorance"; verse 23, by the regenerating work of Christ's Spirit for Academic Affairs welcomed new stu­ again "mind." And particularly in verses we come to know not merely truths about Christ, but Christ, and by the Spirit's dents with the following message at the 20 and 21 we find terms which we use to sanctifying work we grow in our knowl­ 49th annual opening exercises held on describe that activity which is closest to edge of Christ. September 6, 1977. our hearts as students, our academic en­ deavor, the pursuit of knowledge: "learn," Now notice very carefully please that to We are pleased to have with us this "taught," "truth." emphasize this is not at all, not for a evening so many returning students, Notice, however, the unique and un­ minute, to adopt the so-called "inter­ alumni, and friends. But we are especially usual way in which these terms are used personal" concept of revelation which is happy to be greeting so many who are here. If we wanted to describe the result popular in so many seminaries and beginning for the first time their studies of Christian training, we would be most theological circles today, the insistence at Westminster. In the absence of Presi­ likely, I think, to speak of learning about that God gives us himself in his self-rev­ dent Clowney, it is my privilege on be­ Christ. But Paul here speaks of "learning elation and not any facts or any truths half of the faculty and the student body Christ." If we wanted to emphasize the about himself. Remember how Paul to welcome you new students especially in fact that the Risen Christ himself must warned the Romans against those who Christian love to the Seminary and its illumine us by his Spirit if we are to come stand "in opposition to the doctrine which work. to true knowledge, we would be most you learned" (Rom. 16:17); and how he In Ephesians chapter 4, verse 20, the likely to speak of our being taught by urged Timothy to continue in the apostle Paul speaks of conversion as a Christ. But Paul here speaks of being "things" which he had learned and be­ "learning Christ," and I would like to taught in Christ. It is possible to trans­ lieved (II Tim. 3: 14). Paul saw no con­ suggest to you who are newly enrolled as late Paul's preposition in verse 21 as "by" flict whatsoever between his emphasis on Westminster students that you consider as the Authorized Version does; but in sound doctrine and his emphasis on a the goal of your seminary studies also to the context ("in Him, just as truth is in personal relationship with Christ. be to "learn Christ." Seeing this as our Jesus") and in the light of Paul's fre­ You see, the Christ who is learned and common objective together as faculty and quent references to our being in Christ, it known by the one who is truly a child of students will serve to remind us of the is most natural to translate it as "taught God is not just any Christ-the Christ of distinctiveness and the scope of the study in him." And surely this striking, dis­ your imagination, the Christ of some un­ in which we are engaged. tinctive language of the apostle demands believing theologian's imagination, like Paul writes in Ephesians 4: 17-24 closer examination and meditation upon those seven British theologians who this (NASB): its significance. summer published their attack on what This I say therefore, and affirm Paul's concern in this fourth chapter, they term The Myth of God Incarnate. together with the Lord, that you walk as he expresses it back in verse I, is that No, the Christ who is learned and known no longer just as the Gentiles also Christians lead a life worthy of, in har­ by the one who is truly a child of God walk, in the futility of their mind, mony with, the calling to which they have is the true Christ, the Christ who is re­ being darkened in their understand­ been called. The Gentiles live a life of vealed to us in that Scripture inspired by ing excluded from the life of God, sensuality and selfishness in their ignor­ his Spirit, revealed to us in his person as because of the ignorance that is in ance and hardness of heart. But you, the the God-man and in his work as the Re­ them, because of the hardness of apostle says, verse 20, and he puts the deemer, who was put to death for our their heart; and they, having become pronoun in the emphatic position. The trespasses and raised again for our justifi­ callous, have given themselves over to Gentiles walk that way, yes, but you. . .I cation. sensuality, for the practice of every Paul points us to the sharp moral anti­ And therefore, as I say, to emphasize kind of impurity with greediness. But thesis which should be evident to all. The the way in which Paul speaks of the you did not learn Christ in this way, Gentiles walk that way, but you-you did Christian as one who has learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and not so learn Christl have been taught in Him, just as It has been said that there has not oeen (continued on page 13)

November 1977 Page 3 Thus, if I understand you correctly, you As you might at least partially infer think it may be high time to have an from the title of Bahnsen's 58-page ar­ An open letter to Orthodox Presbyterian Church where ticle, he presents what may seem to many amillennialism has become the only al­ to be a somewhat surprising thesis: "that Dona Id J, Duff lowable millennial position, even though the postmillennialism which characterized you admit that, "judging from public John Calvin, the second generation re­ The statements of men in our own church, .. , formers, the early English Puritans, the such a time is not yet come." Westminster Assembly, Presbyterians and Personally, as one who has very great Independents in England, American and POSTmillennial respect for the Orthodox Presbyterian Scottish Calvinists, German and Dutch Church, I am glad such a time has not scholars, the great missions movements Question yet come and hope that such a time may and awakenings, early American Presby­ never come, at least in the direction you terians (whether Old Light or New Barry A. Traver suggest. More than that, I hope that you Light), social and intellectual move­ yourself may have yet another change of ments - this same posnnillennialism con­ mind as you continue to explore the tinued with driving force among mission­ Scriptures in this area, for I believe there ary leaders, ecclesiastical leaders, Christian are indications in your article that you writers in England, Scotland, Germany, have not given sufficient consideration to and America, leading Presbyterians in the Not long ago I was reading Rousas J. postmillennialism as an especially live Northern, Southern, and Reformed Pres­ Rushdoony's recent booklet, God's Plan option for Reformed Christians today, byterian Churches, as well as the great for Victory: The Meaning of Postmillen­ On the complex matter of how com­ Princeton theolog-ians. One cannot draw nialism. In it he speaks of an "Orthodox mon grace relates to the millennial ques­ back from concluding that postmillennial Pharisees Church" where amillennialism tion, I -like you - will not say very much, eschatology is central in the heritage of has become the only allowable millennial although for a different reason. I do not Reformed theology ..." (pp. 103f., italics position (p. 9). The following day I read think that the millennial question can be his). I hope that you will read Bahnsen's your article, "The Millennial Question" approached very satisfactorily through the article for full confirmation of that state­ (Presbyterian Guardian, May 1977), in common grace question. There are amil­ ment, if it should seem surprising to you. which you argue that "it is high time" to lennialists who do not even believe in I could at this point - but will not - go follow Dr. Meredith G. Kline's sugges­ "the biblical doctrine of common grace" on in great detail about such recognized tion "that ecclesiastical polity should be (see, for example, Herman Hoeksema's (and recognizable) postmillennialists as changed so as to curtail or even reduce Reformed Dogmatics and his Behold, He John Owen, Stephen Charnock, Matthew confessional liberty as to millennial posi­ Cometh, a commentary on the Book of Henry, Isaac Watts, Joseph Cotton, Jon­ tion" in the Orthodox Presbyterian Revelation). athan Edwards, George Whitefield, John Church, There are also postmillennialists who Dick, E. W, Hengstenberg, J. H. Thorn­ do not feel threatened by the implications well, R. L. Dabney, W. G. T. Shedd, and Relation to common grace of the doctrine of common grace (see, for many others. Instead, I would rather Specifically, you claim that Dr. Kline example, Gary North's essay, "Common speak of three items I know will be of has shown "that both classical premilIen­ Grace, Eschatology, and Biblical Law," in definite interest to you: the Westminster nialism and postmillennialism are incom­ the Winter 1976-77 issue of The Journal Standards, the Princeton / Westminster J patible with the biblical doctrine of com­ of Christian Reconstruction) . Those who Seminary tradition, and Trinity Hymnal, mon grace, while the amillenial position t want to explore the millennial question all of which are likely to be of special I is altogether consistent with it." Thus, on the basis of the implications of com­ significance to a pastor in the Orthodox J although your article concerns itself pri­ mon grace are welcome to do so; but Presbyterian Church. marily with premillennialism, it is clear there are other, more direct approaches that you also consider the postmillennial to the question. position to be inconsistent with the teach­ Recent Presbyterian tradition !, ing of Scripture. History of Reformed thought You argue that "we should stick with I This fact is brought out in your auto­ One such approach is to consider what the amillenial documents we have," and ! biographical account. You relate your conclusions concerning the millennial you indicate that you "hope that the J most recent change of mind: "Through question various Reformed leaders and church will not water down its confes­ r my study I became convinced of the thinkers have come to in the history of sional standards in order to promote a amillennial position, but I was still will­ the church. Here I would strongly recom­ greater toleration of differing views." Are ing to allow for others. ...I have mend to you an excellent article by Greg you not aware that the Westminster changed my mind, however, and nar­ Bahnsen, "The Prima Facie Acceptability Standards favor, if they favor anything, rowed the degree of latitude I am willing of Postmillennialism" (in the same issue not the amillennial but the postmillennial to accept with regard to the millennial of The Journal of Christian Reconstruc­ question." tion just mentioned above). (continued on page 12)

Page 4 The Presbyterian Guardian ) the Orthodox Presbyterian churches, to remembered or come into mind. But be Dr. Meredith G. Kline, who before wrote glad and rejoice for ever in that which I From another direction an article in connection with the same create; for, behold, I create Jerusalem a question and also against this doctrine. rejoicing and her people a joy." Here the Rev. Duff writes that first he did not prophecy about Jerusalem is connected "The Millennial know very much about the matter, that with the new earth and the new heaven, later he rejected the thousand-year reign as we read about it in Revelation 21. It Question" ideas, although being of the opinion that also speaks there about the Lord wiping those ideas were to be tolerated. But this all the tears from the eyes of His children. changed. He writes: This is what Isaiah 65: 19 mentions, too. "Press Review" in the Clarion Six years ago I became a pastor ... Important also is Isaiah 60: 17-22. Again [The issue of the millennium] was no there is spoken about the future glory of longer a topic in systematic theology, Jerusalem and God's people dwelling in but a question of "What does the Bible it. And it, then, says that the sun and say for God's people today?" [Having moon shall not be needed [as] lights The following comment is reprinted from once been willing to allow for varying anymore, since the Lord God Himself the Clarion, publication of the Cana­ opinions] I have changed my mind, shall be her light in her midst. This also dian Reformed Churches, the so-called however, and narrowed the degree of we find ... being fulfilled in the New "Article 31" churches whose best-known latitude I am willing to accept with re­ Jerusalem [as] Revelation describes it: leader was the Dutch theologian, Klaas gard to the millennial question. As I the new Jerusalem on the new earth Schilder. The article has been somewhat continue to preach, I find that it is not (Revelation 21:23). All this does not condensed. just a matter of how I interpret a few mean that there are no difficulties in un­ derstanding and in explaining a number The Millennial Question is an important texts in Daniel or Revelation, but how of Old Testament prophecies. But in the issue. The reader knows that the word I interpret the whole Bible and in par­ above-mentioned words we find the line "millennial" means: pertaining to the ticular the Old Testament. ... It will in which the New Testament (that is, the millennium, which is the so-called "thou­ make a big difference whether I take Holy Spirit) interprets the Old Testa­ sand-year reign" of Christ in Jerusalem the amillennial or the premillennial ment. And we are bound to that interpre­ in Palestine. position as I preach on Exodus or Deuteronomy. tation of Scripture itself. or, of the Holy This doctrine that Christ will come and Spirit Himself. establish a thousand-year reign on this The reader knows [that] "a-millennial" In this connection I like to mention earth with the earthly Jerusalem as His means: there is not a special thousand­ another text. The ideas about a thousand­ residence and with the Jewish people as year reign of Christ in the earthly J eru­ year reign of Christ in an earthly Jeru­ His people, is strongly propagated in our salem coming; "pre-millennial" means salem are closely related with ideas about days. Clarion has given attention to it, that Christ will come and establish that Israel as the real people of God's cove­ too. Lately De Reformatie in The Neth­ thousand-year reign on earth before the nant, while the church is only an interim­ erlands wrote about it in connection with new earth comes. The author continues: entity. However, the apostle Peter in the publication of some.books in Dutch I have concluded that if I am really I Peter 2:9, 10, writes about the New translation of the American author, Hal going to preach Christ from the Old Testament church, consisting of believers Lindsey, especially The Late Great Planet Testament as Jesus himself did on the from both the Jewish people as well as Earth. road to Emmaus, as Stephen did before from the Gentiles: "But you are a chosen Prof. Douma discussed the ideas of J. the Sanhedrin, or as Paul did in all the race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, this author in a few articles. Rev. Tj. synagogues, I can only do so from an God's own people, that you may declare Boersma wrote a book against Hal Lind­ amillennial position. Only that inter­ the wonderful deeds of Him Who called sey's ideas and gave it the title: De Bijbel pretative approach will give the proper you out of the darkness into His marvel­ is geen Puzxleboek (The Bible is Not a application for God's people today. lous light. Once you were no people but Jigsaw Puzzle Book). Prof. Doekes wrote The author is right. The Old Testa­ HOW you are God's people; once you had a number of articles about this thousand­ ment Jerusalem as well as the Old Testa­ not received mercy but now you have re­ year reign doctrine from a different angle, ment prophecies about Jerusalem find ceived mercy." showing that there is much more at stake their fulfillment in the heavenly Jeru­ If the reader would take the trouble to than only a difference of opinion with salem where Christ is on His throne study these two verses. he would discover regard to a certain number of Bible texts. ruling there as the "Ruler of the kings of that Peter uses terms here that are used in It is a different way of reading and in­ the earth." Hebrews 12:22-24, as well as the Old Testament to indicate the Lord's terpreting the Scriptures. Galatians 4:26 and other places of Scrip­ relation to Israel. So. what under the Old About this question I also read an ture, are clear in this respect. I like to Testament could he said of the people of article in The Presbyterian Guardian of point also to Isaiah 65: 17, 18: "For be­ May 1977. It is written as an open letter hold I create new heavens and a new by Rev. Donald J. Duff, pastor of one of earth; and the former things shall not be (continued on page 11)

November 1977 Page!> pIe ted the October issue of the Guardian Even so, the committee hopes to see a new before taking up his new post. editor at the desk early in the next year. The Guardian is published by the Meanwhile, a second committee has Presbyterian Guardian Publishing Cor­ undertaken the tasks involved in publish­ GUARDIAN poration, an independent organization ing the Guardian on a regular schedule. whose major concern is the magazine it­ This group is seeking suitable materials, Looking for self. The corporation is controlled by a editing, seeing it through typesetting, fit­ board consisting of the following: Glenn ting it into the space layout, and having A. Andreas, Edmund P. Clowney, F. it printed and mailed out. Subscribers New Editor Kingsley Elder, John P. Galbraith, George should be patient if all of this results in E. Haney, Robley J. Johnston, Arthur W. somewhat later delivery than usual. Kuschke, LeRoy B. Oliver, Robert E. Though with a new editor the office Reymond, O. Palmer Robertson, Michael of the Guardian may be moved, for the A. Schneider, John VanVoorhis, and John time being all correspondence should be With the resignation of the Rev. John J. H. White. directed to 7401 Old York Road, Phila­ Mitchell, who had served as editor for the One committee of the trustees is delphia, PA 19126 as before. Mrs. Grace past seven years, the Guardian is looking charged with the task of finding a new Haney is handling the subscriptions and for a new chief. The search is being editor. It has considered several possibili­ renewal notices will be going out as usual. actively pursued, but there is no result ties and has talked to some candidates. We appreciate the support of our to report at this time. The choice is difficult, involving both readers and ask that you pray for the Mr. Mitchell assumed his new duties journalistic ability and theological per­ Guardian during this period of change as General Secretary of the Committee on ception. It is difficult also to expect to and search. Thank you. Stewardship of the Orthodox Presbyterian find a person who has all the necessary Church, beginning on October I. He com- gifts and who is immediately available. -The Trustees

had been in the OPC all my life. Further, abstinence. I had been opposed to the proposed OPC· I hope no one in the OPC was naive RI'CES merger. enough to have voted for merger in 1975 Old Wine In the past four years I have come to in the hope that the RPCES no longer appreciate the RPCES a great deal and believed in blanket total abstinence. As Debates in to respect many of the people in the far as I was concerned, the 1937 situation church. In my judgment, our two denom­ had prevailed all along. All the 1977 inations are much closer together than I Synod resolution does is to make it clearer NEW SYNODS had thought previously. But there are that this is still pretty much the case. still serious reservations in my mind about Davis A. Young the wisdom of merger in the near future. Guilt of overgeneralizing One reason is the RPCES position on the One thing keeps standing out in my I me of alcoholic beverages. mind in the whole discussion of alcoholic ) The Synod debate beverage use. Both sides seem to be guilty I The 1977 General Synod of the Reformed , It was my privilege to attend my first of overgeneralizing what is an extremely Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod, RPCES Synod this past May. The debate complex issue. adopted a statement on the use of alcoho­ on the use of alcoholic beverages was The RPCES resolution is guilty of s lic beverages. The statement is given in naturally of great interest. The following overgeneralizing and going beyond full in the July.August issue of the remarks regarding that debate are in­ Scripture when it advocates total abstin­ Guardian, and the editor commented on tended to amplify the editorial comments ence in a blanket fashion. The Bible its significance at some length. Dr. Young in the Guardian (July-August issue) . simply doesn't advocate total abstinence is an elder of an RP congregation in Actually, I was a bit surprised at the for everybody at all times. It certainly Wilmington, North Carolina, and a pro­ editorial conclusion that "we are back warns of the potential dangers of drink fessor of geology in the state's university to 1937 all over again." Prior to this and condemns drunkenness; but it doesn't there. Synod my general impression was that we recommend that no one ever touch an Four years ago, the Lord put our family never had left 1937 on this issue inasmuch alcoholic beverage. into a city more than one hundred miles as the RPCES had never departed from The Bible does command us to abstain from the nearest Orthodox Presbyterian its traditional view on total abstinence. when there is the likelihood of leading a congregation. We joined the local Re­ Certainly the church had never made any weak brother into violating his con­ formed Presbyterian church. This was a official pronouncements to indicate that science (Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8). very difficult decision to make, since I it had repudiated its position on total But it certainly doesn't lead us to believe

Page 6 The Presbyterian Guardian that there are no situations or circum­ The original version of this resolution the ruling body of the local fellow­ stances where we are not bound to offend as brought in by the study committee ship of believers in achieving con­ someone else. The Bible just does not contained the following language: sensus of policy in accordance with recommend blanket total abstinence. In light of the increasingly serious Scripture. The results of such dis­ Those favoring total abstinence should abuse of alcohol in contemporary cussions might be shared at Presby­ stick to the biblical directives of Romans American culture, in which it is re­ tery level for the sake of conference 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 and stop generaliz­ ported that almost 9% of those be­ and possible uniformity. ing. tween the ages of twelve and seven­ Synod quickly eliminated the lengthy On the other hand, the "moderates" of teen overdose with alcohol at least clause dealing with teenage alcohol prob­ both the OPC and the RPCES also are once a week and that almost half a lems. After much other debating and often guilty of overgeneralizing. For ex­ million teenagers have serious or amending, Synod finally came down to ample, the Guardian editor's conclusion potentially serious problems with the heart of the matter. Would it sup­ is that "the biblical principle is modera­ alcohol, our Synod should continue port or reject blanket total abstinence? tion." Well, yes and no. It is too general a to counsel all individuals-pastors, A motion was made to eliminate the statement. officers, and lay people-to follow the word "all" from the statement "Synod Does any pastor in counselling a fif­ procedure of total abstinence from should continue to counsel all individuals teen-year-old in his congregation suggest the beverage use of alcohol. Dispas­ .. ." The motion to delete the word "all" the path of moderate drinking in that sionate discussions of this and other was adopted by a vote of 83-73. At that stage of his life? Does a pastor in dealing Synodical statements and studies stage it was clear that Synod had rejected with a converted alcoholic suggest that it might be held in Sessions to assist the position of blanket total abstinence is all right if he drinks moderately? Isn't it true that the biblical principle is ab­ stinence in many situations? One certainly should not drink moder­ ately with or offer alcoholic drinks at dinner to persons about whose feelings towards alcoholic beverages we are un­ aware. Unfortunately, perhaps too many of those who hold to the "moderate" or "Christian liberty" position have abused that liberty by drinking moderately at times when they should have been abstain­ ing. There are too many times when drinking in moderation has hurt another Christian. The Bible does not teach blanket total abstinence. But then, neither does it teach blanket moderation. The sooner the RPCES and OPC recognize this and succeed in articulating it in some detail on paper and in working it out in practice, the more likely we are to have a successful merger some day.

Signs of hope Having said this, however, I would like to suggest that perhaps there has been some improvement in the situation. There are some signs of hope. The fact that the resolution on beverage use of alcohol was adopted by a vote of 146-34 obscures what really happened at Synod. The real crux of the issue was resolution #2 of the total package of seven resolutions. Resolution #2 specifically reaffirms advocacy of total abstinence.

November 1977 advocated by the committee. that some RPCES men and churches and the elevation of Dr. William S. Barker would pull out of the church if the "total to that post. A reversal of viewpoint abstinence" position were ever formally Of course, space was not spared in your It appeared that the "moderate" posit· repudiated. I'm not sure that another four column article, "The Church and ion would win out. But later in the day, schism is the price to pay for merger. Alcohol." Even what was reported reo another motion was made to substitute Much as I sincerely wish for the ideal of garding the adoption of the statement on the language ultimately adopted in merger, I still question the wisdom of it total abstinence was one-sided. It would resolution #2 for the original amended at this time. have been helpful for readers of the form (with the "all" deleted). Although Guardian to know that while the final the motion was at first ruled out of order - statement passed 146-34, the crucial vote as having in effect already been rejected was on point 2, "Synod reaffirms ...." by Synod, the Synod was charitable Mr. Mitchell, the former editor of the Guardian comments as follows: The vote of 101·96 clearly showed that enough to allow further debate to con­ Synod was divided on the issue. The I appreciate Dr. Young's sharing of this tinue on a matter on which feelings ran final vote for adoption would reflect in background and his own impressions. In very high. part (the issue having been decided on saying "we are back to 1937," I did, per­ The motion to substitute language point 2) a desire not to see the events haps naively, think that things had advocating total abstinence was ultimately of 1937 repeated in 1977. changed since then. The Proposed Plan adopted by a vote of 100·95. These facts Your comment that we are back in 1937 of Union for the OPC and RPCES (which need to be brought out so that Guardian is without merit. We will be back in was passed by the OP Assembly and failed readers will realize that the RPCES is 1937 only if one wants to relive those to obtain the required two-thirds majority split right down the middle on this issue. events and keep the body of Christ in the RP Synod of 1975 had carefully divided. I believe Synod took a position Improvements elsewhere avoided any statement of "blanket total not based on Scripture, but I equally Although the crucial battle over abstinence"-much to the relief of anxious believe I have no scriptural cause for resolution #2 was very narrowly lost by Orthodox Presbyterians. Since nearly dividing, or keeping divided, the church the "moderates," some significant im­ 60% of the 1975 RP Synod did approve of Christ over a matter of "adiaphora.' provements in resolutions #3 and #4 this Plan, it seemed to many that the To be sure, discussions on merger are were made by Synod over the original RPCES was no longer insisting on a committee recommendations. After each not helped by this action of Synod. But "blanket total abstinence" position. I per­ on the other hand, discussions of 'merger of the seven resolutions had been debated sonally regret the action of 1977 that and "improved," the entire package of are not helped by a continuing desire to does, as I saw it, put the situation back to keep the old debate going from the other resolutions was voted on and adopted the divisive tensions of 1937. 146·34. side. By no means does this vote prove that You may say we are back in 1937, but I Synod favored total abstinence by that and many of my contemporaries choose kind of margin. Once the issue of blanket not to live in the past. We choose to live total abstinence vs, moderation had been in 1977, announcing to lost men in 1977, settled, probably the majority of "moder­ The Wine "Be ye reconciled to God." Let us arise ates" voted to adopt the final measure as and together build a united testimony for a gesture toward preserving harmony and Christ before a lost and dying world. unity within the church. Debate, cont. Thomas E. Troxell, pastor J As one who does not believe the Bible Hope Reformed Presby. Church either requires or recommends blanket Tempe, Arizona total abstinence, I was encouraged to see nearly half of the RPCES moving away Selective reporting Engagement not broken? from the traditional total-abstinence Your selective reporting of the RPCES I read the July·August Guardian with position. It was a much larger number General Synod was a great disservice to great interest, particularly the RPCES than I ever expected. In this sense, I your readers. Much more work of sub­ resolution on alcohol and your comments, would say that the OPC and RPCES are stance was completed than what was as well as the very pertinent questions really closer to each other than in 1937. selected for inclusion in the July-August asked by Roland Priem. I think we in the In spite of all this, I still have great issue of the Guardian. "ministry" should not dismiss his ques­ concern about the effect of a possible One item not mentioned, yet having a tions without very serious consideration. merger. Merger with the ope would potentially important role in merger talks, I would make the following comment clearly tip the scales toward the "moder­ was the move toward shared control of about the resolution on "The Beverage ate" position, and that might be extremely Covenant College with the Presbyterian Use of Alcohol." First, the makeup of the difficult for some RPCES men to live Church in America. Another item left out committee was supposed to represent the with. It is my impression, though I was the retirement of Dr. Robert G. Ray. sincerely hope it is a wrong impression, burn as president of Covenant Seminary (continued on page 12)

PageS The Presbyterian Guardian cording to God's law. The latter inter­ pretation is more in keeping with other Scriptures. Leviticus 15:16-18 speaks of ceremonial cleansing only for seminal emissions without regard to moral fault for "wasted seed" (see also Lev. 15:19­ 24). Christian Leviticus 20, Romans I, and other pas­ sages list sexual sins, but contraception is Family Planning not included. Sexual continence is per­ mitted in I Corinthians 7:3-5, but only Alan Hemphill, M.D. for short periods with mutual agreement for prayer, and not specifically for con­ traception. In Deut. 28: I eunuchs were excluded from God's people, but Jesus said in Matthew 19:12 that some had The family has been the basic unit of now more than filled. According to these made themselves eunuchs "for the sake society since God himself established it observations, then, unlimited procreation of the kingdom." Whether one considers in Genesis 2:24. His word has much to is not now (if it ever was) a requirement that Jesus was speaking figuratively or of say about the family. As Christian couples for mankind. literal, physical sterilization makes no it is our duty to know what God's direct­ Another Scripture passage which has moral difference, for the end result is ions for us are in this most important bearing on our thinking about Christian the same. Thus, the Bible speaks of with­ area. family planning is Luke 14:28-32. Here drawal, sexual continence and steriliza­ What are God's purposes for marriage Jesus, though not speaking directly to our tion, but without giving any clear direc­ and the family? First, and foremost, it is subject, makes it very clear that when at­ tive for or against their use in family to fulfill man's need for help and com­ tempting to accomplish something of im­ planning. Consequently, Scripture seems panionship. Genesis 2:18 tells us that it portance, it is foolish not to plan and to leave the question open to the in­ was not good for man to be alone, so God count the cost before beginning. Is it dividual couple before God. made Eve and brought her to Adam to be reasonable then that we should plan his helper. Secondly, God's command to ahead for building our house and not for Principles for Family Planning them in Genesis 1:28 was "Be fruitful building our family? I think not. If family planning is an option for the and multiply, and fill the earth, and The third part of God's command to Christian couple, what are some of the­ subdue it; and rule over (it)." (See also Adam and Eve was to subdue and rule principles that should be its basis? As we Genesis 9: 1-7.) Other purposes of the over the earth. This gives man the re­ have already seen, God's first purpose for family are to provide for and teach the sponsibility to use the abilities he has marriage was for companionship in its children which bless that home (Deut. been given for his own good and God's fullest sense. Genesis 2:24,25 tells us that 6:7, Provo 19:18, I Tim. 3:12, II Cor. glory - to control his environment within since God made woman from man to be 12:14, Eph, 6:4). Another purpose is to be limits, to use and preserve earth's natural his helper, "For this cause shall a man a picture of our heavenly family relation­ resources, to breed better animals, to leave his father and his mother, and shall ships (Eph. 5:21-33). conquer diseases, and possibly to control cleave unto his wife; and they shall be­ It is obvious that the first purpose is his own procreative abilities as God gives come one flesh. And the man and his to be fulfilled in every marriage - mutual him the knowledge and wisdom to do so. wife were both naked and were not help and companionship in their fullest Therefore, if God does not require all ashamed." Other passages such as Genesis sense for every Christian couple. The couples to "fill the earth," and if he ad­ 24:67, Ecclesiastes 9:9, and the Song of second and third purposes, however, are monishes us to plan major undertakings, ,. Solomon teach us that this total physical not necessarily to be fulfilled in all and has given us the ability to plan the families. Since it is in God's providence number and spacing of our children (Gen. 29:31; 30:22) that about one out (within the limits of his sovereign con­ of eight couples are not able to have trol) , does the Bible have anything to say About the author: He is a pediatrician children, there are some couples who in about birth control? in a [our-man pediatric practice in Long God's plan are not to "be fruitful and Yes, Genesis 38:8-10 speaks directly of Beach, Ca. and member of a weekly multiply." They may still have a full and birth control by withdrawal (coitus in­ doctor's Bible Study at Memorial Hospital happy marriage according to God's pur­ terruptus). It is not clear from the passage Medical Center Of Long Beach where he pose for them. Furthermore, the second itself, however, whether God's punish­ is on staff. He is married, has three chil­ part of that command- "to fill the earth" ment of Onan was for birth control per se, dren, and is a member of Los Angeles, -is now or at least soon will be accom­ or for his selfish act in refusing to fulfill R.P. Church. Reprinted from the Coven­ plished, and some parts of the world are his moral duty to his brother's wife, ac- anter Witness by permission.

November 1977 Page 9 and spiritual union of husband and wife be much more of a difficult problem. The is to be one of great comfort and pleasure means by which they work has not been News and Views to both. A newly married couple needs completely worked out, and probably (continued from page 16) time to adjust to one another, and to differs from one brand or type to another. learn to share the joy and pleasure of Some may prevent conception, while The conference began with two ad­ each other before the responsibilities of a others may prevent implantation of the dresses before and after lunch on Friday family increase. The length of this ~riod very early embryo, but after conception by the Rev. William A. ~ahlow, Sr., ~as­ will vary with the needs and desires of has occurred, thus causing an early abor­ tor of the rapidly growmg Evangehcal each couple. tion. Presbyterian Church of Annapolis, Md. God makes very clear what parents' Pastor Mahlow, speaking on the general For More Information theme of making disciples in the churches, responsibilities are for their children. The For further information about the pros marriage is to be pernIanent, broken offered numerous practical suggestions on and cons of the variety of methods avail­ ) only by death (Matt. 19:6). Parents have how to bring individuals and families to a able today there are a few good, new total commitment to Christ, to the word of the responsibility to provide for the Christian books now available. These I God, to the church, and to evangelization t physical needs of their children (II Cor. books also deal with sexual fulfillment 12:14, I Tim. 5:8), and we are to plan of the world. Late Friday afternoon Dr. ~ and sexual problems in marriage from a for those needs ahead of time (Lk. 14:28­ D. Clair Davis of Westminster Seminary Christian point of view. Probably the best spoke in his usual stimulating man.ner on 32). Psalms 128:1-4 and 127:3-5 make it are: The Act of Marriage, by Tim and clear that children are a rich gift and "The History of Small Groups m Re­ Beverly La Haye, (Zondervan, 1976, 394 blessing to the couple that fears the Lord. formed Churches:' A communion service j pp., $6.95, $3.95 pb) and Intended for "Happy is the man who has his quiver full in the evening was followed by questions Pleasure, by Ed (M.D.) and Gaye Wheat, of them:' The Old Testament is full of to Dr. Davis concerning points raised in (Revell, 1977, 223 pp., $7.95). Dr. Wheat passages showing our great responsibilities his presentation. also has a set of tapes, Sex Technique and On Saturday morning, the Rev. Wayne to teach, train and guide our children in Sex Problems in Marriage (Bible Be­ the ways of the Lord. All these factors Brauning, pastor of Hope Fellowship in j lievers Cassettes, 130 Spring St., Spring­ must be considered as each couple decides Philadelphia, delivered a helpful exhorta­ dale, Ark., 72764-set of 4 cassettes, how many children God would have tion on the pastor's need to guard against 1 $13.95). Anyone of these would make a them care for and when. discouragement and bitterness. Afterward very important addition to the library of Other considerations in family planning the respective presbyteries held their a Christian family, church or pastor. They may be the health of the mother or the business meetings throughout the day. Ex­ could be invaluable as counseling aids for pressing the favorable response of many, problem of fear of an untimely pregnancy pastors. They deal with an important area which may limit a couple's complete en­ one presbytery went on record as endors­ of the family that Christian writers in the joyment of their sexual union. ing an attempt to schedule another such past have largely avoided, and yet they All of the above considerations must meeting in the fall of 1978. Overall, there deal with it thoroughly in a clear and appeared to be a sincere attempt to realize take into account the fact that man's at­ tasteful manner. tempted controls are only finite, and that more fully the psalmist's words: "Behold, God intended marriage and the family God is in sovereign control of all. He can how good and how pleasant it is for for our good and our pleasure. I trust brethren to dwell together in unityl" and often does overrule even the prayer· that these thoughts will help you, by fully laid plans of Christian families for God's grace, to make yours a relationship their joy and his glory. that is closer to his ideal. Letters (continued from page 2) It is not the purpose of this brief article to give a detailed account of all the vari­ community advertise two Sunday morning ous methods of contraception that are services or have enlarged their buildings available today. However, a few com­ or parking lots. The OP congregation ments are appropriate. There is some con­ does not advertise Sunday worship ser­ troversy regarding "natural" versus "arti­ vices. ficial" means of birth control: "Natural" I wonder if Mr. Fikkert's words would referring to various rhythm methods, abo TRAINING AND SERVICE CORPS be more convincing if a comparison were stinence, or withdrawal; "artificial" in­ Teach the Ward af Gad or serve in tech­ made of regular OP churches that do in­ cluding diaphragms, pills, etc. There is nical capacity abroad. Join TASC - two clude the word Orthodox in their cor­ nothing in Scripture specifying either. We year program. Candidate semester at porate name with churches that do not certainly do many other things "artifici­ RBC. Language study in Mexico, Middle East, or elsewhere. Field Service assign­ use that name or use their local name ally" such as irrigating crops without ment fallows. Prerequisites: Mexico STS with the words Orthodox Presbyterian thought of its morality. So why should (before or after Candidate Semester), underneath. "artificial" means of birth control be less college graduation for teachtg mem~ers Another part of Mr. Fikkert's article moral than "natural" means? of TASC (one or two years or assocIate members). church endorsement. deals with independent isolation. Is it All of the above discussion pertains to possible that this condition is p~tly family planning by contraception, in Ask for complete details caused by introversion? Rev. John MIller other words preventing fertilization of REFORMED BIBLE COLLECE noted this cancer several years ago and the egg. It is reasonably clear from ~p­ 1869 ROBINSON ROAD, S.L wrote an exhaustive article dealing with ture that abortion is one form of birth it. This too might be worthy of consider­ control which is not an option for the CRAND RAPIDS, MI 49506 • ation. Christian. The choice of some IUD's and ~ 616-458-0404 A. L. LeGro some of the newer birth control pills may Wilmington, Delaware

Page 10 The Presbyterian Guardian "The Millennial Question" (continued from page 5) ANATOMY Israel, exactly that can be said of the New Testament church after Pentecost. The OFA church of the Lord Jesus Christ is the true Israel now, the people of God's new PREACHER covenant. The reader may remember that the question of this millennialism was (and is) an issue in the proposed merger be­ The following letter is not a "fake" - it was actually sent to a young man on the occasion of his ordination. tween the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Dear Rick, Evangelical Synod. This aspect was also touched upon in the article of Pastor Here's an anatomy lesson for a young preacher, on the day of his ordination: Duff. We read further: For your own sake, your church's sake, the kingdom's sake - I hope you'll One of my biggest concerns [in 1975 keep agood when the Plan of Union was voted on] was in connection with the proposed head on your shoulders, and that those changes in the Westminster Larger Cat­ shoulders will be broad enough to weep on and shaped right for putting to echism, changes intended to alleviate a that wheel people talk about. Also, I do hope you'll have supposed amillennial bias in the cat­ eyes that can tell motes from beams - both in yourself and in your echism and allow for greater latitude flock - and on the subject of the millennium. [But] premillennialism is not then just ears that can listen to the miseries and woes of your people without an aberration in an otherwise sound passing those confidences along to your system, but it is a symptom of some­ tongue - which will need repairing often at the tip (where you will thing that is fundamentally wrong. have bitten it nearly off, many times.) May your I am now convinced that we must not compromise on a couple of catechism nose be short enough to stop just this side of others' business, but long enough to sniff out problems before they become real questions in order to promote unity biggies. You'll need with those who want more latitude in regard to the millennial question. We arms that can enfold and support a whole congregation - yet yours should stick with the amillennial docu­ will need to be held up by a few faithful people, all your life. I hope your ments we have and even consider go­ ing" further in making them more hands will not be afraid of hard work, nor reluctant to do a lot of foot­ explicit. ... washing for the Lord's sake. (Sometimes life will feel like a lot of We can hope that the OPC will listen knuckling under and working of fingers to the bone.) You'll to voices like this. The difference between have to Reformed and millennialism is far bigger stomach more than you can anticipate right now, but our sovereign God than a different interpretation of a few is always faithful to his own people. Your texts. That is absolutely true. Professor legs and feet will have to carry you on numerous uncharted paths. Doekes showed that clearly in De Re­ (You will find that keeping on your toes helps a lot - although [ormatie, as pastor Duff says it above, as once in a while you'll be made to feel like a heel.) Of course 1 said. Let us be warned. a strong [, Geertsema backbone is better than a wishbone, as you walk. Spend a lot of time on your knees, since you and your flock will both reap the benefits. And please, please don't ever lose the obviously warm The Rev. ]. Geertsema, a pastor in heart that is one of God's gifts to you. Keep it tender. Chatham, Ontario, is a member of the editorial committee of the Clarion. In all of this, thank God for Bethann, whom he gave you as a "suitable help." It should be noted that his definition of ..millennia!' as reierring to the thousand­ With love, 'leur reign of Christ in Jerusalem is ac­ Aunt Dottie curate only for some premillennial views but not for the postmillennial position, which sees the thousand-year period­ either stricti» or loosely -as a period of progress and victory for the gospel beiore Christ returns.

November 1977 Page 11 the call of Scripture to apply the law of minster, in the Department of Systematic love, remembering, "love works no ill Theology both the late John Murray and Wine Debate toward its neighbor." the present Norman Shepherd have ex­ (continued [rom page 8) Then there is the matter of a particular pressed in print their postmillennial con­ church or agency requiring total abstin­ victions. two positions found in our Synod: those ence of church officers, or requiring total And there are some (myself included) who believe the Bible teaches total abstin­ abstinence in agencies for a particular who would consider Trinity Hymnal to ence, and those who think it does not time and place. As to agencies, this be one of the genuinely and especially prohibit its beverage use. In viewing the should not affect a board since Synod significant contributions of the Orthodox names of those placed on the committee, elects its members. However, with mis­ Presbyterian Church. Are you aware that I was sure we would wind up with a sions personnel the country to which one Trinity Hymnal contains many hymns by majority and minority report. It was a is sent may be the determining factor for postmillennial writers and expressing very pleasant surprise to see unanimity. total abstinence. i.e.. such as an Islamic postmillennial sentiments? (For example, Then too, in reading the report there nation. look at numbers 123, 217, 218, 225, 226, was also a sense that we have grown and As a very practical matter, churches 275, 298, 300, 326, 372, 373, 374, 384, 386, can seriously examine a highly inflamma­ elect to office those whom they think fit and 494.) Here are hymns that express tory subject in a very cool way. for the offices. In the RPCES this means the postmillennial expectation (lain I would agree with you that this resolu­ some churches require total abstinence Murray calls it The Puritan Hope in a tion does put a further obstacle in the while others do not. It is possible for a book of that title) that the gospel of road to union [of the OPC and RPCES]. church to determine it will have no bald­ Christ the King will have its day of tri­ However, the OPC's position on the headed, bearded officers. Some churches umph on the earth. "Christian Sabbath" also is an obstacle to exclude those with the scriptural gifts I mention all these things in case you ­ union. If you will permit the illustrations, because something about them does not like many others today - may not be we have gone from the first and second suit the local church. aware that, as Bahnsen documents ex­ finger of the hand to the first and fourth. Let me sum up by saying that the tensively in his article, "the postmillen­ However, this is not bad, since "the course resolution is "pious advice." I trust it will nial hope has been the persistent view­ of true love never runs smoothly." Let's be seriously considered by all in the point of most Reformed scholars from the trust the engagement is not broken, but RPCES and be used as the Lord leads, in sixteenth century into the early twentieth only that the wedding is postponed. love. I also trust that the OPC will not century.... The position has been en­ I do not agree with your interpretation regard it as a "red flag" but as the effort dorsed by the most dependable and out­ of the resolution. It does not "call for of a sister church to meet our greatest standing theologians and commentators total abstinence"; it merely urges it as a drug problem. from the Reformation to the present" matter of prudence due to the serious Bob Wildeman, Sr. (pp.68f.). Lingle, Wyoming abuse of beverage alcohol in our day and The Bible's teaching The most important question, of course, is what the Bible teaches on the Samuel Rutherford, Robert Baillie, Wil­ millennial question. Although I agree liam Gouge, Joseph Caryl, Edward Ray­ with you that "most premillennialists The Postmillennial Question nolds, Thomas Manton, and other "West­ have a different set of rules for interpre­ (continued [rom page 4) minster men" were undeniably postmil­ tation to start with" than the amillen­ lennialists. nialists, I do not think you will find the Consider also the Princeton/Westmin­ same to be true of postmillennialism. I position - and that therefore yours is the ster Seminary tradition, of which many invite you to check me out on this by differing view? in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church reading, for example, the detailed exe­ Since postmillennialism and amillen­ are rightly proud. Archibald Alexander, gesis of Matthew 24 and Revelation 20 nialism are probably much closer to one founder of "Old Princeton," was a post­ contained in J. Marcellus Kik's An Escha­ t another than you may realize, it may not millennialist; so were J. A. Alexander, tology oi Victory. After that you may be obvious to you that the Westminster Charles Hodge, A. A. Hodge, C. W. want to go on to read]. A. Alexander's Standards are not amillennial but post­ Hodge, and B. B. Warfield. J. Gresham Commentary on the Prophecies ot Isaiah millennial documents; but such is the Machen, frequently looked upon as the (or other exegetical works by some of I case. A number of historical studies in re­ "founder" of Westminster Seminary, was the authors already mentioned, for that ~ cent years show clearly that this is so. For not - contrary to popular opinion - an matter) . ! example, J. A. De Jong's As the Waters amillennialist but a postmillennialist, ac­ To return to your endorsement of the I Cover the Sea (a doctoral dissertion done cording to Paul Woolley, who worked proposal to "curtail or even reduce con­ at the Free University of Amsterdam) with Machen in those early years of the fessional liberty as to millennial posi­ I comes to the conclusion that "West­ Seminary. tion," I hope that it is clear by this point I minster's formulation must be seen as a Again, contrary to popular opinion, it that before we decide to do that, we must deliberate choice of mild, unsystematized, appears that Oswald T. Allis was not certainly explore more carefully the post­ postmillennial expectations" (p. 38). This amillennial but postmillennial (see his millennial position than is usually done. is what we would expect of confessional foreward to Roderick Campbells' post­ This is especially needed since the standards written at a time when the millennial exposition, Israel and the New Westminster Standards themselves seem to postmillennial position was widespread Covenant) . Although postmillennialism is favor a postmillennial position. Thus you and prevalent in Puritan thinking. In one tradition of "Old Princeton" that has can see that your posing of "the millen­ keeping with the spirit of the times, not been strongly maintained at West- nial question" leads necessarily to my

Page 12 The Presbyterian Guardian posing of "the postmillennial question." May our great and gracious God grant us all increasing light on this subject Learning Christ from his infallible Word! (continued from page 3) MEXICO SUMMER TRAINING SESSION Mr. Traver, who is presently engaged Eleven weeks of academic and practical in the Th.M. program at Westminster and who is to go on growing in Christ, is missionary orientation beginning June not at all to fall into step with the false 3, 1978, in Pueblo (teachers, others: Seminary, is pastor of the Talmadge Me­ investigate late arrival). Eleventh season. morial Fourth Reformed Church in Phil­ mysticism of modern theology or to trum­ Studies in Bible, Spanish, and Missions. adelphia, Pennsylvania. pet the(popular slogans of "down with Field Training Assignments. Required: We are appreciative of Mr. Traver's doctrine" and "down with propositional high school graduation 1977 or earlier, revelation." To emphasize Ephesians 4:20, church sponsorship. Single persons, response to Mr. Duff's article, and we in­ couples, families welcome - no upper vite any premillennialist to enter the and the accent on learning Christ, is age limit! discussion. simply to emphasize the full, rich meaning Complete STS details gladly sent of Christian discipleship, that being a REFORMED BIBLE COLLEGE student of Christ involves more than a mere mastery of the loci of Christology, 1869 ROBINSON ROAD, S.E. STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MAN­ and walking as a Christian is the result of GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49506 AGEMENT AND CIRCULAnON (Act something more than a mere study of the ofAug. 12, 1970; Sec. 3685; Title 39 USC) ethics of Jesus. 616- 458-0404 Calvin wrote in the Institutes of those 1. Title of publication: who The Presbyterian Guardian "have falsely, and also unjustly, pre­ 2. Date of filing: Sept. 28, 1977 • tended the knowledge of Christ, 3. Frequency of issue: mon thly, eleven Spirit. whatever they . . . learnedly and times per year, at $4.25 per year. And thus, you see, our relationship to volubly prate about the gospel. For 4. Location of known office of pub.r truth is no mere external, academic re­ 7401 Old York Road it is a doctrine not of the tongue but lationship, in which what we study might Philadelphia, PA 19126 of life. It is not apprehended by the remain outside us, so to speak, with no 5. Location of hdqtrs.: Same understanding and memory alone, as effect upon our lives. No, we must be in 6.&7. Publisher and owner: The Pres­ other disciplines are, but it is re­ intimate personal relationship with Christ byterian Guardian Publishing Corp.; ceived only when it possesses the to be in true possession of truth, for as John J. Mitchell, editor whole soul, and finds a seat and Paul says in verse 21, "truth is in Jesus." 8. Known bondholders, etc.: None resting place in the inmost affection Note that well. "In Jesus"-in the In­ 9. The purpose, function, and nonprofit of the heart" (III:vii:4). carnate One, who in the state of his status of this organization and the Being a Christian, as Paul puts it here humiliation declared, "I am the Truth." exempt status for Federal income tax purposes have not changed during the in verse 21, is to "hear Christ," and that Even in the apostle Paul's day some preceding 12 months. cannot mean simply to hear about him. wanted to draw a sharp distinction be­ 10. Extent and nature of circulation: If that is all it meant, then Paul could tween the Jesus of history and the Christ Av. no. copies each issue (x); never have put it hypothetically, "if in­ of faith. But Paul will have none of that. Actual no. copies issue nearest filing deed you have heard Him." There could To learn Christ is to learn the One who, date (y). be no question that every last one of although the Son of God, learned obedi­ A. Net press run: (x) 4863; (y) 4900. Paul's readers had heard about Christ, ence through the things which he suf­ B. Paid eire., counter: (x) 214; (y) 226; had learned about Christ. But to hear fered. To know Christ today is to know mail subscr.: (x) 3720; (y) 3746. Christ, you see, to learn Christ, implies Jesus of Nazareth who died for our sins C. Total paid eire.: (x) 3934; (y) 3972. D. Free distrib.: (x) 799; (y) 818. more. It implies understanding and according to the Scriptures, who was E. Total distrib.: (x) 4733; (y) 4790. obedience; and not everyone who hears buried, and who was raised on the third F. Office, left-over: (x) 130; (y) 110. about Christ hears Christ in that full day according to the Scriptures. There is G. Total: (x) 4863; (y) 4900. sense of believing, obedient response, but but one Lord Jesus Christ; the Jesus of 11. 1 certify that the statements made by only those whose deaf ears are unstopped, history is the Christ of our faith. me above are correct and complete. whose blind eyes are opened, whose hard To learn Christ, Paul emphasizes, is to John J. Mitchell, editor. hearts of sin are softened by the sovereign learn the Holy One of Godl To put on grace of God. Christ is to put on the New Man. To put This is the supreme blessing for which on Christ is to put on righteousness and we praise our gracious God! That we have true holiness. A Ministry in Memphis been made to "hearChrist"-to hear him, Praise God we have learned Christ; we Eastland Presbyterian Church (PCA) of not as some voice from the blue nor some have heard him and have been taught in Memphis, Tenn., desires to minister widely voice from the deep recesses of our own him. But how much of him we have still in the Mid-South area. Those moving to the being, but to hear him in the proclama­ to learn, we who would preach and teach area, or those temporarily in the area for tion of the gospel, for it is Christ who is Christ to others. Is Paul's desire yours as medical or military reasons, are urged to preached and it is Christ who is received. you begin this academic year: "that I may contact the Rev. Robert L. Mabson (901­ 323-6578), or write to the church at 3741 not merely facts about Christ. And it is know him"? Have you caught the urgency Jackson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38108. in Christ that we are taught. not merely of Peter's command: "Groui in the grace Services are held each Sunday 11 o.m., 5:30 by him but in him, in believing, living and knowledge of our Lord and Savior p.rn., and Wednesday at 7 p.m. union and communion with him by the Jesus Christ"?

November 1977 Page 13 sible to have righteous indignation a­ In such instances, can I honestly say ~ gainst yourself for failing to love your that I have righteous indignation against neighbor as yourself. This was shown in the fact of the child's sin of not honoring Geneszs 2:22 Jesus' anger at the hardness of heart of me as a parent? If so, then my verbal some toward a person who needed heal­ communication, hot off the collar, must ing (Mark 3:5). be directed to that specific breaking of Now let's state your central question God's law and not at the end result of into a specific situation. Let's say you the transgression. have told your child many times not to Aside from Jesus' cleansing of the temp­ How can we distinguish between right­ stack dishes when he carries them off the le (Matthew 21:12) and the incident men­ eous indignation and verbal outburst table; and, you always get the same reac­ tioned above (from Mark 3:5), there are when our children disobey us? Some non­ tion of disgusted compliance with your very few examples in the Bible of right­ Christian thoughts I've read on this indio "silly rule." The day comes when your eous anger. And even in most of these it cate that all anger toward our children's child decides he knows better and in is questionable exactly what God intends actions is to be avoided. direct disobedience he stacks your best liS to learn from them about righteous Yet Scripture gives clear illustration of china-while guests are there and he's fair­ anger. For instance, we are told of Moses' our Savior's righteous indignation. Is all ly sure you won't repeat your admoni­ anger at the erection of the golden calf righteous indignation in Scripture be­ tion- and the inevitable happens. Your (Exodus 32: 19). Surely, we say, this is a cause of disobedience to the first part of anger is real as you see two plates in case of righteous indignation. But is it? the law (Matthew 22:37), or is righteous pieces at your feet and you explode Is the recorded fact of Moses' action-his indignation also applied to the second verbally, throwing down and breaking the two part of the commandments? Let's examine your anger and its re­ tables of stone-really being condoned mits. If you are like me, the anger is here? Was indeed his anger righteous? -(Mrs.) Jeanne Phillips really about the fact that two of your best So what this comes down to is basically dishes are broken. The child's disobedi­ this: Are you angry primarily because Dear Jeanne: ence - his sin of disobedience - resulted God is offended, or are you angry prim­ Your question is anything but easy to in personal hurt to you. Can you be ob­ arily because you are offended? This will answer. I'm not sure that I can do much jective enough in this instance to say that determine whether your anger is righteous more than make a few observations that, what made this really bad was that your or unrighteous. James says, "Everyone I hope, will direct our thinking in the child sinned against God rather than that should be quick to listen, slow to speak, right way. he sinned against you. I seldom have and slow to become angry, for man's First: The breaking of any command­ been able to, I must confess. My verbal anger does not bring about the righteous ment, not just those of the first part of outbursts stem from the hurt that is done life that God desires" Games 1:19-20). the law, is of course sin against God (and to me, whether by way of embarrassment certainly deserves his righteous indigna­ or tangible hurt, and my anger is direct­ -Sarah. tion.) Therefore, it is theoretically pos· ed toward my thoughtless, unloving childl

self selected to bear his Name, to do his earthly kingdom. will, to glorify him before the nations of the earth. Choices, choices Futile Are you one of these people? Have you How easy it is to judge those Israelites. taken the name of Christ upon you? Have How quickly they fell into sin. Samuel's you brought your burden of sin to the warnings soon forgotten, they turned THINGS cross and left it there? Have you been aside to idols of wood and stone, the Dorothy Stukey washed in the blood of the Lamb and futile things that could not profit or de­ dressed in his pure righteousness? Are liver. you walking in that straight and narrow But what of you and me? Life is a suc­ way that leads at last to the gates of cession of choices and decisions. With heaven? Have you accepted Christ as each choice and each decision we align And you must not turn aside, for then you your king, the ruler of your life? Do you ourselves either in the service of Christ would go after futile things which cannot see yourself as a loyal and faithful or that of Satan. Already you lift your profit or deliver, because they are futile follower, a servant of Jesus Christ? voices in disagreement? Aren't there (1 Samuel 12:21) . Or are you one of those to whom choices and decisions that are neither Samuel spoke that day when he said, "You good nor bad? Futile things. How much of time and have committed all this evil"? The people This may be true to a degree. But if a strength are spent going after futile of Israel had desired an earthly king. No rich dessert adds weight to an already things, things that cannot profit or deliver longer satisfied that the Lord should be weighty figure then perhaps it is bad. If because they are futile? their king, they would bring their taxes the red dress is more expensive than the "And Samuel said to the people ..." and their homage to a man like them­ blue, perhaps it breaks an already Not President Carter making a telecast to selves. The choice was between the spirit­ strained budget. If it takes more time to the American people, but the Prophet of ual and the physical, and they were tired call a friend and ask her opinon, maybe God speaking to that chosen people, that of the spiritual reign of the Almighty and you should make the decision yourself. special, peculiar treasure that God him- turned their faces toward the pomp of an Time is always short, and too much is I

Page 14 The Presbyterian Guardian 1 wasted because of insufficient planning, thing that weakens or destroys our wor­ flowers from her garden, or just a pleas­ misdirected effort, or purposeless activity. ship and love for the triune God. Can ant visit-strange that we think of her as Now this may sound as though I had you look back on a time when Jesus was a loving Christian? all the answers, and in a way I have. But your ali-in-all? Has your heart grown And what about "praying in a time knowing what is right and doing right cold lately? Are you burdened with the when God may be found"? Did you ever are two entirely different things. In fact, cares and sorrows of this world? Are you go calling just to find the friend not at as I sat down to write, I had to confess wasting your energies on futile things home? You remember the disappoint­ that I allow so much that is futile to that cannot profit or deliver? ment? To have missed the sweet commun­ frustrate me that, for a while, I was "For this shall everyone that is godly ion of friend to friend, not to have seen tempted to put down my pen and go pray unto thee in a time when thou may­ a familiar face and talked together-do away. est be found" (Psalm 32:6). Are you you suppose the Lord misses us in an But from the first time that I read this taking time to pray? Does the "everyone" even more real and perfect way, when we passage in my morning devotions some apply to you, to me? Are we godly? Where do not take time to pray? months ago, that thought of "futile things on our list of priorities do God and his Already the day is far spent and there which cannot profit or deliver" has Christ come? is much to do. But with a prayer that haunted me. A lifetime of energy and each of us might consider more carefully talent may be wasted in futile things be­ Serving the Lord the direction of our lives, let us recall fore one realizes it, and the Christian Is your first thought on rising, "Today our Lord's admonition: woman in today's society would be wise to is the day which the Lord has made; how evaluate each activity for its worth in can I serve him best?" Mine is more apt Seek ye first the Kingdom of God. God's eyes. Especially is this true in the to be concerned with getting breakfast use of time-that commodity that slips and packing lunches and getting three away from the best of us and before we sons off to work and to school on time. Mrs. Dorothy Stukey-one of those who realize what is happening, it is gone. So When my father was ill, one little helped initiate this special section for our life is spent, and we are left with neighbor woman found time to visit my women-lives with her family in Polson, either gold and silver, or wood, hay, and mother, bring her a jar of jam, some Montana. stubble.

What to choose come to the Lord. Bob and Don married Do you take time for personal devo­ Christian girls and each has a child of tions each day, three of four times a week, his own. once in a while, or never? Do you have a God, in his sovereign love for us, gave Bible commentary? Do study a Scripture PRINCESS-­ us Sarah Beth late in life to bring up in passage digging for the meat, or do you the nurture and admonition of the Lord. quickly skip over a Psalm? Do you mur­ God's Those words were never so precious to me mur a prayer while half asleep or do you as when we had her baptized by the Rev. wrestle with God in prayer, demanding a Russell Piper ac the Mission Valley OPC blessing before you quit? Are you satis­ Gracious Gift of Ronan, Montana on Easter Sunday fied to sit in a pew on the Lord's Day? April 10th. You see, Sarah didn't come Or do you desire to enter into a real Jo Anne M. Ross into the world normally. She was born by spiritual warfare for the blessing of God Caesarean section. Not unusual, you say. upon the church, the bride of Christ? Maybe not, but again after five normal And what of our conversation? "For births, this little one, I was informed by out of the mouth are the issues of life"l my doctor, could not live-and neither Now, I am really great on the weather: How God blesses our lives and guides our could I if this operation was not done. "We have had a long cold spell this spring destiny, was never so clear to me as it was I put it in God's hands and he brought us that really spreads gloom." (There I go this past year. Sarah Beth was born March againl) Have you ever sat quietly, prob­ 22, 1977 at 8:45 p.m.-a beautiful perfect both safely through. ably as a newcomer, and listened to a baby girl, weighing 8 lbs. 2~ oz. This So, young couples, when that covenant group of women? Or spent half an hour may not seem unusual-another child child of yours is brought for baptism, on the telephone and, upon hanging up, being born, healthy and hearty-but to us think on those vows you are asked to made any mental note of the conversa­ she was our Iittle miracle and God's bless­ take. Members of the congregation, you tion? How much of what we say is really ing on our lives. Bob, my husband of al­ also have a duty, to see that this little one glorifying to God? most twenty seven years, is 48 and I, on is brought up in the Lord. I can visit for hours with a neighbor on March 22, lacked two weeks of being 46. Sarah, meaning princess, and Beth, a patterns and materials for we both like Ours is a love story of almost thirty years gift of God, is the name we chose to give to sew. But never once have I asked the and five children: Robert 24, Donald 22, our baby daughter. She is our little condition of her soul. We really do not Scott 21, Cathy 15, and Susan 12. We were princess and truly God's gracious gift to want others to think of us as "religious not Christians when these five came into all the family. nuts" and too often we would probably our lives, just churchgoers. Our vows at be surprised to know that very few of their baptism were only words. Nine years our friends even know we go to church, ago we responded to God's call to be his Mrs. Ross, a friend of Dorothy Stukey, is a let alone esteem ourselves as vital, born­ children, and Bob and I came to know member of Mission Valley ope in Ronan, again Christians. Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. Since Montana where her husband Bob is an Futile choices might be defined as any- then we have seen each of our children elder.

November 1977 Page 15 Postmaster: Send Form 3579 to Second Class Postage Paid At Philadelphia, Pa.

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of growth which strives to integrate learn­ official was executed, and with him seven­ ing and practice as much as possible. Dr. teen others including the governor-gen­ Nicholas's presentation of the Spanish eral of Eritrea, with whom the OPC mis­ River program generated a number of sion had had meetings. In February 1977, questions and issues for discussion by the the second highest ranking official and News and Views C. E. Commktee. six others were killed. In the business meeting which followed Meanwhile, "track down and kill" ex­ on October 3, plans were discussed for a peditions against the Ethiopian people future conference on Music in the Church. (specifically "counterrevolutionaries" or Such a conference is being planned for "backsliders") have even increased. In the Fall of 1978. Further details concern­ May, the Ethiopian Herald reported a toll OP Christian Ed Committee ing this event will be forthcoming. of 971 killed in one week. Many students Focuses on Adult Education have died, some by dynamite and knives to conserve bullets. The government is The Bethel Orthodox Presbyterian Ethiopia Update distributing guns to its new local civilian Church in Wheaton, Illinois was the loca­ September 1977 officials. tion of the fall meeting of the Christian The United States stopped sending Education Committee of the OPC. In the In mid-1976, Ethiopia launched the first arms to Ethiopia in April 1977, but in past couple of years it has been the cus­ "peasant army" against Eritrea province. June the USSR began deliveries of heavy tom of the C. E. Committee to combine One year later, the second peasant army weapons (mostly paid for by Libya). In a brief study conference on some aspect is being deployed. This time, it is much September, prospective delivery was an­ of Christian education with its regular larger (300,000 as against 50,000), better nounced of four squadrons of MIG-21 business meetings-.The meeting in Whea­ armed (modern automatic weapons) , and aircraft, 200 tanks, also anti-aircraft and ton was the latest such meeting. On Fri­ better trained (the Cubans have sent ad­ anti-tank missiles. day and Saturday, September 30 and visers). But the opposition is also much In all this disorder, the religious groups October I the Committee considered a stiffer. The Eritrean and People's Libera­ do not seem to have been singled out as model of adult education which has been tion Fronts are now said to have 30 or they are in Uganda and many other implemented at the Spanish River Presby­ 40,000 (in 1976, it was 10 to 25,000). Only places. How clear it is that God's children terian Church (PCA) in Boca Raton, a few cities remain in Ethiopian control. are protected by God alone. "Remember Florida. On Monday, October 3, the Com­ The Sudan is openly on the side of the them that are bound, as bound with mittee transacted its regular business. fronters. But the most significant develop­ them." The two-day conference on adult edu­ ment is the Ogaden war between Somalia cation began with a survey of the field of and Ethiopia, which broke out immedi­ adult education in the church. This ses­ ately following the independence of Philadelphia OP's, RP's sion was led by Mr. Paul Heidebrecht, an Djibouti, the newest member of the UN. elder in the Bethel Church who is on the This tiny country, really just a seaport, is Get Together staff of Christian Service Brigade in at the east end of the Ogaden, the desert In an effort to promote increased fellow­ Wheaton. Mr. Heidebrecht acquainted the area between Ethiopia and Somalia. ship between the respective Philadelphia Committee with a number of trends in The Somalis, or Somali-assisted irregu­ presbyteries of the Orthodox Presbyterian adult education and then suggested some lars, have captured about a third of Church and Reformed Presbyterian, implications of these trends for those who Ethiopia's territory and are threatening to Evangelical Synod, a joint presbytery con­ carry responsibility for planning and im­ consolidate their gains by seizing the main ference was held on September 30-0cto­ plementing Christian education programs. towns. Ethiopia faces the threat of being ber I at Tuscarora Inn, a Lutheran Following Mr. Heidebrecht, Dr. David cut off from the sea byethe Eritrean and Brethren conference center located on Nicholas, pastor of the Spanish River Ogaden conflicts. With this double-front, the Delaware River a few miles south of Presbyterian Church, gave a full presenta­ plus several other opposition movements, the Delaware Water Gap near Strouds­ tion of the ministry of his church to it is possible that Ethiopia could lose the burg, Pa. Despite earlier gloomy predic­ adults. He pointed out that the Spanish Eritrean conflict and Eritrea become in­ tions, weather was mild and pleasant until River Church pays attention to the con­ dependent. This would probably mean rain began on Saturday afternoon. The text of growth as well as the specific strong Arab influence in Eritrea. center provided excellent accommoda­ means for growth such as Sunday school Since mid-1976 the Ethiopian govern­ tions. classes and Bible studies. The members of ment has been involved in a lot of killing. Spanish River are involved in a program In July 1976, the third highest ranking (continued on page 10)

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