October 2003 letters to the editor Archives of letters to the editor

Kudos for standing firm October 30, 2003 Kudos to one and all for the Lay Committee's public stand. Although stating the obvious, you will no doubt be castigated by many for being nasty, unloving and divisive, when in fact so many in the PCUSA, from our national leadership on down to and through the liberal special-interest groups, are working so hard to steer us away from the truth and the faith once received by preaching a new gospel which of course is no Gospel at all. I know that, like the Apostle Paul, you know the joy of standing firm and realize any persecutions that are sure to come your way are really badges of honor for taking such a leadership role in defending the faith, and that you will not weary in your work. I note that one such letter was already posted on yesterday's Presby Web, and it will be interesting to hear what others have to say. Since we've reached a stage of such embarrassment for the Gospel (per the send-ups about Philadelphia Presbytery and its support for a Messianic congregation) – and any seemingly firm and bold stand for the foundational truths we hold as members of his body, I'm sure the members of PLC are ready for the onslaught of negative reaction. I would also hope and pray that others would see the heartfelt need for such a declaration and respond in support of your action. Hopefully this can be a positive step in correcting the downward spiral our denomination now finds itself in. Thank heavens God has raised up men and women who down through the years have indeed stood firm, sometimes to the death, for the truth, grace, and freedom found only in Jesus Christ – you are continuing that long tradition in answering his call to faithful witness at this time. Bill Prey Many families have already left PCUSA October 30, 2003 It is a shame that it has taken everyone such a long time to see what is happening and has happened. This Declaration of Conscience should have been made public two years ago. There has been way too much talk and a serious lack of action. Many, many families have left because of the most serious problems. What true Christian does not want to fight for what is right? But, what parent can put their young children in the front lines of this turmoil that is sickening at best. I left the PCUSA after seeing firsthand how the liberal crowd did not want normal "traditional" Christians who believed that the Bible should actually be followed. Tolerance is everything to them and the only sin is not to agree with them. I have peacefully withdrawn from this denomination that I participated in for 33 years, but only after I faithfully protested against many things that I witnessed to be wrong. I, as a father, could not leave my young children in the hands of people that clearly did not want to understand the Word of God. If there had been a more conservative Presbyterian denomination near our home, that is probably where I would have gone. Maybe, someone should try to invite the EPC to Central Ohio. But, the denomination is not as important as the Church itself. I am a Christian first and always. I prefer to stand on solid ground, not sinking sand. Willard Camm Couple make their own 'Declaration' October 30, 2003 I've just finished reading "A Declaration of Conscience." My wife and I recently decided that our own "Declaration of Conscience" needed to be acted upon. We have been members of the PCUSA for the last 14 years. We have been members of a strong Scripture-based fellowship and have not been nor are we now displeased with this body of believers. However, conscience demanded of us that we at this time needed to leave our membership in the PCUSA and as a result of that action, also our membership in this local body. There were a number of issues among which is the sending of monies to a denomination headquarters in the form of the "per capita" remitted to the local presbytery and to the national headquarters. It was with deep sadness and sorrow that we submitted our letter asking to be removed from the roles of a church (local) that we love and have heartily supported for a good number of years. We continue to attend and serve in those areas that do not require membership. Our tithe is designated to a specific area that is not subject to "per capita." Yes, there are consequences for actions taken by leaders in this denomination. That is how they have touched us. Paul and Lucille McKay Good things are happening in the PCUSA October 30, 2003 I am very sorry you are unable to see the faithful, untiring work that is being accomplished under the banner of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Through my work in recent years, I have been able to witness the Presbyterian Church at work in the Synod of the Pacific, in border ministry in Texas, in south Florida, in and through the Washington Office of the PCUSA, in the Synod of the Rockies and Alaska Northwest. Lives are being transformed and the Gospel is proclaimed with joy and enthusiasm. It is readily evident that we are an imperfect people and I don't expect that I will always or even often agree with my colleagues except on the truth that Jesus Christ is Lord. It is a sad day when you seek to punish sincere, faithful servants and weaken the witness to our living Lord by holding tight to your money! I think that Jesus may have much to teach us when it comes to generosity and humility. May the Lord forgive us all for our stubborn, pig-headed bickering. Jack M. Terry Interim ministry specialist Declaration is better late than never October 30, 2003 Better late than never. I have always said that the Holy Bible is a living truth. Who so ever goes against it does not remain Christian any more. How is it possible that we obey nine commandments and preach and teach and struggle to declare the tenth commandment does not suit us? A Christian must obey all commandments in the same spirit as they are given by God through his Word. We have to be absolutely obedient to God. We can't be choosy what suits our desires and what does not. God teaches us self-control and if we can not do that we must declare that we are not Christians. "The Declaration of Conscience" by the Presbyterian is worth considering. It has come at a time when our historical faith is endangered by forces of evil that have crept into the church. These aggressive forces will destroy the body of Christ if "common believers" would not react now. The statement that "we are two faiths within one denomination" is correct and we must decide which faith we have to follow. Are we for God or against him, are we for Lord Jesus Christ or against him and are we for the Living Word of God or against. There is no third choice. Well done, Presbyterian Lay Committee! Bishop Timotheus Nasir Presbyterian bishop of Pakistan Look where Calvinism has taken us – Louisville October 30, 2003 Jacobus Arminius was right 400 years ago and he is more right today. Calvin won the battle and lost the war. Look where Calvinism has taken us – Louisville. Calvinism is so easily perverted to allow us to feel comfortable with sin. Sovereignty of God is a "buzz word" tool to excuse man's responsibility for any role in salvation and Christ-like behavior. God is omnipotent and not "sovereign." God gave man a responsibility in his salvation – even though a small one. This is not rocket surgery! There is some small part of my pitiful and sinful nature that wants to be near God! There are those who want to be totally depraved but I am not! Look at the results. Calvinists don't care a wit about evangelism. PCUSA numbers go down year after year. They don't believe John 3:16 or the Great Commission. Look where the Gospel is really reaching people – the community church movement. Ever been in a 5,000 seat church full of committed Christians under 40 years of age filled with the "Holy Spirit" dedicating their lives to Christ? (Forget the Jumbotrons. It works.) The belief in predestination, sovereignty of God, irresistible grace, and "once saved always saved" has undermined evangelism because it doesn't matter to Calvinists. The evangelical movement will either save the PCUSA or it won't. I do not intend to give up and let tens of billions of dollars of assets promote abortion, Wiccans, homosexual behavior and socialism. Douglas Anderson Let Wiccans study theology October 30, 2003 If a Wiccan wants to study theology, I say let them. However, I would be concerned if Presbyterian scholarship funds are used to support such a quest. There is a certain irony in all this. The Wiccans, occultists and pagans I am familiar with ascribe a spiritual power to a source beyond themselves that is often absent in institutional Christianity. Pastor Jerry J. Voss Millbrook Church Fresno, Calif. Book provides light, not heat October 28, 2003 I would highly recommend a book written by Gordon College Professor Marvin R. Wilson, Ph.D. Our Father Abraham: Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith. In addition, Professor Wilson has produced an excellent video-documentary and study guide. I believe this material can enrich this discussion in Philadelphia Presbytery – providing light rather than heat. Marvin Wilson could also serve as an excellent 'in the flesh' resource. This study material is available through Auteur Productions of Potomac, Md., auteur@worldnet.att.net. Rob McClelland Furlong, Pa. Difference between behavior, preference October 28, 2003 In the interest of full disclosure, I should probably preface my response to Ms. Van Brocklin by saying that I am a graduate of Hope College; as such, "Alma" primarily conjures up images of one of the few football teams we could beat during my time there. This probably doesn't affect my replies, but given that she shares a surname with one of the great QBs in NFL history, I can't be certain. That said, I have three rejoinders to Ms. Van Brocklin's statements. First, I continue to deny, along with others, that there are such as "GLBT persons," any more than there are "alcoholic persons." We aren't our desires, not even our sexual desires, nor are we our weaknesses (or, for that matter, our strengths; being intelligent or a good athlete doesn't define one as a person either). We are people who have desires, strengths, weaknesses, etc., but they do not define us; we are bigger, far bigger, than even the sum total of such things. (This is not a new point, either, though our culture seems determined to lose it.) Thus what we have, truly, are people who have GLBT preferences. Second, with the obfuscatory "GLBT persons" removed from the equation, it is possible to see that the issue is not preferences but behavior. Ms. Van Brocklin is completely correct to assert that the Book of Order does not bar people from ordination on the grounds of homosexual preference. It does, however, bar people from ordination on the grounds of homosexual behavior, and it is on these grounds that Ms. Marlow's ordination would be unconstitutional. Three, no one may be called "faithful" who is not faithfully seeking God and striving, by his power, to live a holy life. This means, for Ms. Marlow as for all the rest of us, setting aside one's own will for God's will, which includes giving up one's own desires if they conflict with his will. Ms. Marlow, as an active lesbian, is not doing so, and thus may not be described as "wonderfully faithful;" and while she may very well be "working to nurture our young people in their faith," she is not, at least in one respect, working to nurture them in the faith which was "once for all delivered to the saints." Rev. Rob Harrison Grand Lake, Col. PCUSA's priorities are wrong October 28, 2003 I do not understand how PCUSA has become more concerned about political correctness than spreading God's word to the world. The Bible is very clear about such things as homosexuality and bisexuality. We are all sinners and are all welcomed to become members of church, but only those whom we can look up to for guidance and trust should be our spiritual leaders. How can we even consider ordaining practicing homosexuals or bisexuals? This would be the same as ordaining practicing alcoholics or habitual liars. The fact that PCUSA is even considering this shows how far we have moved away from spreading God's Word and how much more concerned we are with looking politically correct to our peers. Daryl Gessner First Presbyterian Chuch Cartersville, Ga. PCUSA leaders need to wake up and smell the roses October 28, 2003 The leaders of the PCUSA need to understand that if they are ever successful in putting homosexuals in our pulpits, they will have won the battle but lost the war, as at least 50 percent of the PCUSA membership will walk. There are denominations where homosexual leadership is not an issue. Yes, there are other denominations to go to. Bible-believing Presbyterians will be no part of a denomination that has homosexuals in their pulpits. Not only is it not Biblical, it puts us in the same boat with the Catholics who have many legal cases against the church because of deviate homosexual priest's molesting young boys. These staggering legal costs would put the PCUSA in bankruptcy. When are our leaders going to wake up and smell the roses? Ed & Barbara McLean Homosexual argument not about salvation October 28, 2003 It made me very sad to read Mark Achtemeier's characterization of Robert Gagnon's position on homosexuality as "Pelagian." Pelagius was the British monk, contemporary with Augustine, who thought that we have in ourselves the ability to obey God and live sinless lives. Gagnon's article begins by saying that Paul's letter to the Romans places people "face on the floor, open to whatever way God chooses to redeem us because we have nothing to bring with us" [italics added]. The homosexuality debate is not about whether a practicing homosexual can be saved. Of course he can! It is not about whether he must stop practicing homosexuality first. Of course, that is not a requirement, any more than a thief must give up stealing first. Rather, a saved thief now hears God's call to wrestle with and ask for deliverance from his thievery. Ditto for homosexuality, promiscuity, gossiping, voting for the party that will do the most for me, and all other expressions of our rebellion against God. The homosexuality debate is solely over whether this activity is or is not sinful. If it is not, then we celebrate it as part of God's good creation, which is what the Covenant Network and its allies want. If it is sinful, then God calls the homosexual to struggle against his sin in exactly the same way in which he calls the rest of us to struggle against our sins. If that is Pelagianism, then Luther and Calvin, to say nothing of Augustine and Paul himself were Pelagians. We should be glad to join their company. Dan Reuter Prospect, Pa. Where's the beef about Jewish-Christian congregation? October 28, 2003 I fail to see what all the uproar is regarding the PCUSA support of a Jewish Christian congregation. Has our denomination forgotten that Jesus was a Jew and so were the apostles as well as most of the early followers of Jesus? Three out of the four gospels were written by Jews, as was almost all of the New Testament. When Jesus sent the twelve out on a short term mission trip, he limited their ministry to the Jews only: "These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:5-9, NIV) What right have we to exclude the Jews from hearing and receiving the good news of the Gospel? It's interesting that a denomination that wants to be so inclusive as to welcome unrepentant sinners, those who don't believe in the divinity of Jesus, those who don't believe in the resurrection, and those who don't accept the authority of Scripture should raise such a fuss about evangelizing "the lost sheep of Israel." After all, it was his Jewish followers to whom Jesus spoke the words of the Great Commission: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20, NIV) Peggy A. Alexander Kirk of the Hills Tulsa, Okla. Church believes that the gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone October 27, 2003 I am the pastor of Church on the Mall in Philadelphia, the congregation that is leasing space to Congregation Avodat Yisrael. I appreciated your article on Congregation Avodat Yisrael dated October 23, 2003. I appreciated the balanced approach you have taken in reporting the different views of this ministry, but from the perspective of Church on the Mall, I believe some clarification is needed. I would like to point out that the worship center Congregation Avodat Yisrael currently uses has been and continues to be the sanctuary of Church on the Mall since 1972. Church on the Mall has held weekly worship services in the Plymouth Meeting Mall, located in a northwest suburb of Philadelphia, since 1967 and has opened her doors to many different outreach ministries over the past 37 years. The "discreetly placed baptismal font" belongs to Church on the Mall and the session of Church on the Mall has been clear that it is to stay within the sanctuary at all times and in plain view. There have been several occasions where Church on the Mall has had to replace the font to its appropriate place in the sanctuary during our relationship with Congregation Avodat Yisrael. I realize that these issues may seem to be petty and insignificant, but our support of the Presbytery of Philadelphia's new Messianic NCD has not been in any way petty. We entered into this relationship fully aware of the consequences, which have included the very real perception that Church on the Mall does not exist anymore, vandalism to our prayer room, and the continual harassment of church members and staff through phone calls, mail and personal visits. The session of Church on the Mall believes that the gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone and seeks to honor the ordination vows we all take, including the vow; "Will you be governed by our church's polity, and will you abide by its discipline? Will you be a friend among your colleagues in ministry, working with them, subject to the ordering of God's Word and Spirit?" (G-14.0207 e). We answer, "we will" and will continue to pray for the Holy Spirit to be the guide and force behind all of our ministry endeavors. Rev. Scott K. Bohr The church is continuing to go down the pathway to destruction from within October 27, 2003 Having attended the presbytery meeting that took place in September and having felt violated by those who wish to hijack the agenda and rid the presbytery of this new congregation, I left feeling that the church I have loved and served is continuing to go down the pathway to destruction from within. It seems to me that it goes back to the issue that is at the very crux of our divisions, which is, the authority of Scripture, and the inability of some to take serious what we are called to do as Christians, to go out into the world, and teach and baptize in the name of Christ. We also continue to deny that Jesus is the only way. In this age of being politically correct, exposing such a view does not fit in with the popular culture affecting the church. I still believe that the greatest love we can show to all people is the love of God found in Christ's' name. I do not believe that this makes me anti-Semitic at all, yet I know some probably do. As one pastor told me that if we fail to do what God has called us to do, then maybe we should just cancel Pentecost next spring. Rev. Stewart Bair Tully Memorial Presbyterian Church Sharon Hill, Pa. Israel's Messiah is our Savior, and theirs as well October 27, 2003 It would seem those who are appalled at the effort to support a Messianic Jewish congregation within the Presbytery of Philadelphia are unfamiliar with the 11th Chapter of Paul's Letter to the Romans. As a "wild olive shoot" (Rom 11:17) that has been grafted onto the root stock of Israel, I would suggest that we should celebrate the fulfillment of God's plan to save all of Israel after "the full number of Gentiles has come in." (Rom 11:26) Since the "full number of Gentiles" has not yet come in, it is our responsibility to see that the remnant of Israel, which God himself has preserved these 2000 years since the Messiah's birth, has every opportunity to worship the Lord and Savior, for Israel's Messiah is our Savior, and theirs as well. While "supersessionism" is wrong to suggest that Israel was cursed, the Scriptures are clear that Israel's rejection of its Messiah did result in part of Israel being cut off for a time. "For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead!" (Rom 11:15) I applaud the bold faith of the presbytery, synod and even the denomination in supporting a Messianic Jewish congregation. May the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, prosper Avodat Yisrael. Jim Wilken Marion, N.C. Presbyterians have long history of reaching out to Jews with gospel October 27, 2003 Actually, Presbyterians in New York city and elsewhere had a long history of reaching out to Jews with the gospel. My recollection is that there was a messianic Jewish congregation in the Baltimore area some 30 or 40 years ago. The attempt to exclude Jews from access to their Messiah is relatively recent. Dan Reuter Let the world know that Jews need Jesus, too October 27, 2003 For more than a month now, I have been investigating congregation Avodat Yisrael. While I was initially thrilled that the PCUSA would back a Messianic congregation, I quickly became wary of this congregation's soteriology. I have interviewed all the principals involved and have unearthed other resources. My concerns can be found in the articles in the general news media, and they have been confirmed through interviews. This deficient soteriology is being mandated by the PCUSA itself. As someone who has been involved in the Messianic community for years, I beg you to let the world know that Jews need Jesus, too. If Jesus did not come for Jews, he did not come for anyone. 2000 years ago, Jesus was not considered to be for Gentiles. Now, it is the reverse. Please, I beg you! My Gentile cohorts! Do not show ingratitude. Don't prevent the gospel from going to all people. That view isn't based on Scripture. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! I am not ashamed of the gospel which is first for the Jew and also for the Greek. Geoff Robinson Haddon Heights, N.J. What matters is what Holy Scripture commands October 27, 2003 When The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Washington Post criticize Avodat Yisrael, it must be a good thing to rejoice about, since both papers are liberal leftist. Bravo, for those presbyteries supporting evangelizing Jewish people. Since when should not Jewish people be evangelized? Did not Christ instruct his disciples to go, make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18)? It should not matter what anyone thinks of evangelizing Jewish people. What matters is what Holy Scripture commands and that the Body of Christ obeys. Lou. S. Nowasielski Wilmington, Del. How dare the church withhold the only God-given message of eternal life from anyone? October 27, 2003 As an orthodox, Bible-believing evangelical Christian and Presbyterian pastor, I have watched the progress of Philadelphia Presbytery's Avodat Yisrael NCD with keen interest. Rabbi James Rudin of the American Jewish Committee is quoted as saying, "The PCUSA scheme to convert Jews in the guise of Avodat Yisrael is a direct attack on the 1987 document that affirmed 'the continuing existence of the Jewish people ... we (Presbyterians) must always acknowledge that Jews are already ... with God.'" Reflecting on Rabbi Rudin's statement, those misguided (no matter how well-intentioned they perceive themselves to be) folks who produced this 1987 document seem to have missed – or deliberately rejected – the fact that God has a scheme to convert the world in the guise of Jesus Christ. That "Jews are already…with God" is not the point. I will be the first to affirm as the gospel truth that all religions … indeed rejection of religion … will take a person to God. Jesus never said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to God except by me." If your only goal is to get to God any path will take you there. Judaism will take you God. Islam will take you God. Buddhism will take you to God. Hinduism will take you to God. Wicca will take you to God. Any religion will take you to God. Even atheism will take you to God. But the Bible teaches that when religion takes you to God you stand before the Holy Judge in his courtroom. And all the good works you bring with you in hopes of meriting God's favor are seen for the filthy rags they are in light of your sin (Isaiah 64:6) and rejection of God's way of salvation (John 1:11-12), as it is written in John 3:16-21: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict [my emphasis]: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed." But those who come to God, not on the basis of religion but through a relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, do not arrive at God's courtroom. For "there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). Rather, we arrive where Jesus said we would – at the threshold of God's house – where we are welcomed into our eternal home by our Heavenly Father. For Jesus did say, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me" (John 14:6). So how dare the Church of Jesus Christ, whose marching orders are the Great Commission and the Great Commandment, withhold the only God-given message of eternal life from anyone. Because the truth is this: It is not just the Jews who are under the curse of the Law – which only teaches us that we are sinners in need of a savior and never leads to eternal life – for rejecting Messiah Jesus. Every last human being on earth is under the curse, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). And we all are in need of the salvation that God offers by grace through faith in Messiah Jesus, as it is written: "For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). One poet put it this way: "Run and live," the Law commands, But gives me neither feet nor hands. Far better news the Gospel brings. It bids me fly… And gives me wings. – Author Unknown The question for every human being on earth is this: Do you want justice from God the judge? Or grace and mercy from God the Father? You cannot have both, "for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Life or death? Blessing or curse? Which will you choose? So, what I find deeply dismaying in all the hubbub about Avodat Yisrael is not the outreach of the gospel to Jewish people by culturally contextualizing the message of Messiah Jesus. This is only in keeping with what the church should be doing in all times and places and cultures. Respect? Yes. Mutual understanding? Naturally. Preach the gospel? Always. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to all who believe, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentiles" (Romans 1:16). No. What is "such an appalling religious enterprise" with regard to Avodat Yisrael is the rampant anti-Semitism of people like the Rev. Cynthia Jarvis, who bear the name of Jesus Christ and even hold ordained office in his church but declare by their actions that the Jews can all just go to hell. That is their fate and the fate of all who do not claim salvation through faith in Messiah Jesus. This is clearly what the Word of God teaches: "This is the testimony, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life. Whoever has not the Son of God has not life" (1 John 5:11-12). Sadly, this is the same kind of race-hatred I saw displayed by a group of so-called Christians in a presbytery to which I formerly belonged when the presbytery sponsored a seminar on reaching Muslims with the gospel and the NCD committee began to explore establishing an outreach to Asians. The bottom line of their position was that Muslims can go to hell, too, because we should not share the gospel with them either. This has left me wondering is there anyone at all with whom we Presbyterians should share the gospel? And is it any wonder the PCUSA is withering away at the rate of one member every 14 minutes? When will God's faithful people say "Enough is enough?" Rev. Bill Pawson Westminster Community Church Canton, Ohio A Confessing Church Those who say we should not proselytize Jews miss the point October 27, 2003 May Adonai YHWH Shaddai enlarge the tents of Avodat Yisrael that the name of Yeshua Messiah be proclaimed far and wide among the Jewish people so that they, too, should voluntarily, humbly, and gratefully bow their knees before the crucified and risen Lord and proclaim that he alone is Lord of all of heaven and earth. Regarding those who claim to be Christian yet who say that we should not "proselytize" or "target" Jews by reaching out to them with the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ really miss the point of who Jesus Christ is, what he came to do 2000 years ago, and what, exactly, is the nature of the charge he laid upon his people just prior to his ascension. Jesus Christ is the ontological Son of God, consubstantial with the Father and the Holy Spirit. This means, among other things, that he is identical with the God of the Old Testament. The calling of Abraham and the establishment of the Old Testament nation of Israel was a work of the triune God, which means that Jesus Christ, together with the Father and the Son, set Abraham and his descendants apart as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Ex. 19:6) just as he later set apart the Church to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (I Pet. 2:9). The eternal Son of God was made flesh and led a life of perfect active and passive obedience unto the Father in complete fulfillment of the Old Testament law. As such, he was the sacrificial Lamb of God, without spot or blemish, and the great High Priest, who offered himself up on calvary to atone for all the sins of all those for whom he died. The Spirit, speaking prophetically through the lips of Abraham, said to Isaac, "My son, God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering." (Gen. 22:8) John the Baptist, the greatest of the Old Testament prophets (Lk. 7:28), said of Jesus, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (Jn. 1:29) The Old Testament people of God offered up animal sacrifices, in accordance with the Scriptures, to atone for their sins. But as the author of the epistle to the Hebrews wrote, "For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins." (Heb. 10:1-4) And again, "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many." (Heb. 9:27-28a) Likewise, the Apostle Paul wrote, "For the death that he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life that he lives, he lives to God." (Rom. 6:10) In Lev. 17:11, the Lord told the people of Israel, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul." Likewise, the author of Hebrews wrote, "According to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission of sins." (Heb. 9:22) But as David rightly said, "For you do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart – these, O God, you will not despise." (Ps. 51:16-17; see also Ps. 40:6-8) Therefore, whereas the Old Testament sacrifice was a form of the sacrifice to come, whereby the Son of God poured out his lifeblood for the remission of all the sins of all those for whom he died, and thereby pointed the way to that one sacrifice, the Old Testament sacrifice is obviated by the one atoning sacrifice of the Son of God on Calvary's cross. Indeed, to persist in Old Testament sacrifice in spite of the one sacrifice of Christ on the cross is odious now before the Lord God. What then of the Jewish people? Are they cut off? Certainly not! "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith.'" (Rom. 1:16-17; see also Rom. 2:1-11) Moreover, in his last words before his ascension, our Lord commanded, "You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8) We must, however, be sensitive to the fact that for the Jews especially, Jesus of Nazareth is an exceedingly divisive figure. However, to honor their request to not make any attempt to present the Gospel claims to unbelieving Jews is dishonoring to the Lord and disobedient to his unmistakable command. And it is not love we demonstrate to unbelieving Jews or Gentiles when we withhold him from them, even at their own request. Loren Golden Overland Park, Kan. 'Presbyterians like process better than they like results' October 27, 2003 While Douglas Anderson will undoubtedly be hammered in this forum for his rather impolitic comments about Calvinist theology, he does expose an important problem in Reformed circles. There is a sense of entitlement that comes with being one of the "elect" – especially one who happens to have been baptized in a Presbyterian church. Like Calvin and his minions in Geneva, Presbyterians like to run things, enjoy being the establishment. In the PCUSA, this has led to inflated bureaucracy and undue concentration on the political process. In fact, I have often said that Presbyterians like process better than they like results (witness the endless stewing over ordination standards). And, of course, because God is sovereign, all of this must be OK with him, or he would stop it, right? To coin a phrase, "theology matters." How we think about divine sovereignty and human responsibility will influence how we act in the world. Just ask Michael Servetus. Tom Johnson Lincoln, Neb. PCUSA, as a denomination, does not follow Calvin October 27, 2003 I note Mr. Douglas Anderson's comments re: John Calvin: "I just finished three weeks of researching John Calvin and his legacy, reading everything that is readily available to a layman." I also note his remarks, "Calvinism is taking the PCUSA into the ground. All across Christianity, Calvinism has failed. It is time to be honest and profess the theology that 90 percent of members actually believe." I take his comments on face-value, even though I did assert, in my mind, that he intended a tongue-in-cheek approach. However, that didn't work. I suggest that Mr. Anderson be more aggressive in his research. But, his conclusion that the PCUSA dump Calvin theology in favor of some "populist" poppycock flies in the face of facts. The PCUSA, as a denomination, does not follow Calvin and hasn't followed Calvin since at least 1967 or perhaps 1926 (choose your own watermark). Yes, there are congregations in the PCUSA that uphold Calvinist theology and those congregations are growing. The EP and PCA uphold Calvinist theology and are growing. When I speak about growing I don't mean increasing pew sitters and money givers. I mean those who come to Christ and are supported and grow in faith in congregations using Calvinist theology! So, Mr. Anderson, I would assert that "liberation theology," "feminist theology" and "theology of relativism and narcissism" are wrong-headed, stiff-necked, hardened heart approaches and doomed except in one instance – cozening the adversary, like a viper, to one's bosom. Thus, contra Mr. Anderson, I assert that the PCUSA needs to bring back, reinstitute, and uphold Calvinist theology. And while we are at it, I would commend the Westminster Confession of Faith and the French Confession, also. Do we want to go backwards as Calvinists are so frequently accused of desiring? No! What is desired is to make correction of the PCUSA's trajectory that is presently heading into the nether gloom. Dr. Karl M. Everett Norman, Okla.

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