By Elder John H. Terpstra

[This is a series to create awareness of doctrines that contradict Presbyterian and Reformed principles of systematic theology as we gather with people who come from diverse church backgrounds.]

Shape-shifting the Faith

Words matter! A consensus of understanding of a language and its words is essential to effective communication, and of particular words this is particularly so. The term “church” is an example of a word over which there exists great miscommunication because it means something entirely different to many people and can be used in various contexts. Revelation 2:1-7 opens with these words: “To the angel of the church in Ephesus …”, how shall we understand to whom this was addressed?

The word we read in English as “angel” was written in Greek as ἀγγέλῳ (angelo), meaning messenger. What follows is a message sent to the messenger of the church in Ephesus. The Greek word that has been translated as church is ἐκκλησίας (ekklesias) means a gathering or assembly that has been called out from their homes into some public place or places. The context of the message that was sent tells us that such gathering has the purpose of observing religious rites and practices that are necessary for the preservation of those who are assembled.

Doctrine and practice are clearly important matters. The message itself carried a stern warning. Those who were gathered at Ephesus had abandoned their first love, and were called to repent or face sad consequences. They were commended (Rev. 2:2-3, 6) on certain faithful practices of the faith, but had lost sight of the light of God’s love they had at first.

We delight when newcomers enter our gatherings to worship the Lord. We receive them with joy and heartfelt enthusiasm. How shall we minister to them and to each other? Why have they arrived into our group? What brought them upon our gathering? What do they understand of faith and practice? Are they like us? These are important questions because as our gathering grows into a community of like-minded believers the consensus of understanding may shift among us. When that happens shall we remain faithful to the love we had at first? Newcomers may have come to faith recently, or may come from other fellowship groups with deeply entrenched presuppositions.

Formerly conservative evangelical church members who experienced the drifting of their churches into liberalism, moralism, and relativism are leaving to seek shelter in churches they perceive to be more theologically conservative. Likewise, as Baptist and Reformed Baptist churches decline under of the erosion of historic roots and pillars of fidelity, their members are also seeking refuge in more theologically conservative churches. Many who leave the church they grew up in seek the company of believers who share a desire to remain faithful to the Scriptures. They come with a credible witness testifying that they are disciples of Jesus Christ and generally do not come to engage in controversies over particular doctrines. Newcomers are most welcome to our gatherings.