Published on May 29, 2024, 1:10 am

The President of Gateway Seminary, a prominent Southern Baptist Convention seminary, has recently voiced opposition to proposals intending to uphold the teachings of God’s Word. In an article for the Baptist Press, Jeff Iorg’s objections are primarily centered on concerns over church autonomy, administrative burdens, potential legal issues, and broad implications for unity within the church. However, this viewpoint seemingly downplays the crucial role of obedience to God’s Word.

Iorg maintains that adherence is not an encroachment on church autonomy but restores biblical fidelity – true reformation. The church must not be seen as a democracy where majority rulings hold sway; instead, it is a theocracy with Christ leading and His Word as our ultimate authority.

Contrary arguments that suggest upholding biblical standards would burden the SBC either administratively or legally seem short-sighted. God’s commands do not depend on our convenience or ideologies that are borne out of non-compliant churches in revolt with female pastors. Obedience often comes at a significant personal and community cost – yet it should remain non-negotiable.

Additionally, financial concerns have been raised regarding individuals from excluded churches potentially losing their disability insurance and other retirement benefits connected to SBC affiliation due to legal definitions and the inability to grant arbitrary exemptions. However, historical examples from Israel’s history paint a different picture – one of God providing for those who remain loyal and faithful. This provision can be found even in challenging circumstances such as Israelites’ sustenance in wilderness or Early Church thriving under persecution.

Iorg notably argues about women in pastoral roles not being recognized as sinful:

“Gender leadership roles are a debate about interpreting the Bible, not about submitting to its authority.”

However, this claim contradicts clear biblical teachings on female pastorship which forbids women preachers categorizing them under disorderly worship per 1 Corinthians 14.

Lastly, worries about impact upon cooperation and unity within SBC tend to overlook an essential truth: genuine unity is not rooted in compromises but in alignment with God’s Word.

In conclusion, should Southern Baptists risk divine judgment by battling to conserve a man-made institution against Him using human ideas? Or would obeying God’s command brace them for His favor? It seems clear that obedience to God’s Word should be the unwavering standard, regardless of the cost.

This real news article displays how pivotal it is to retain steadfast and undeterred in a trusted Christian worldview, especially when our faith is tested against contemporary challenges. Amidst breaking news, let us recall that true unity lies within conformity and obedience to the truth embedded in God’s Word.