"Get thee up!"
Sadly the recent Commission of Assembly has done nothing to heal the rift in our Church, or to lift the divine chastisement which we as a denomination are experiencing. The suspension of the Rev Maurice Roberts and the "sabotaging" by the Edinburgh and Perth Presbytery of the Report of the "Peace and Reconciliation" Commission have only deepened the wounds rather than healed them. Once again, the real issues have not been dealt with. The failure to apply proper disciplinary procedures to particular matters, including that concerning Professor (now Principal) Donald Macleod, and the subsequent abuses of Church Law and the Constitution are but symptoms of a deep-rooted malaise within the Church.
Truth
At the end of the apartheid era, the South African government set up a "Truth and Reconciliation Commission". It is significant that they linked truth and reconciliation together, because proper reconciliation can only be brought about when truth is honoured. Who among us is not perplexed by the inconsistency of the present situation, where we see, on the one hand, an avowed desire for reconciliation, and yet at the same time, a marked resistance to proper investigation? There are continuing deliberate attempts to suppress the truth, and persistent refusals to bring truth to light and to face up to the real issue. Attempting to "draw a line" under allegations of conspiracy and lying against ministers, and perjury against members of the Body of Christ, is surely no way for the highest court of a Church to behave.
Meaningless
As the proverb says, "therešs none so blind as those who will not see". It is surely equally true that there are none so ignorant as those who do not want to know. The worst kind of ignorance is that which is deliberately chosen by those who will not reckon with the truth, whether about themselves or others (and we have surely seen plenty of that in our own Church in recent weeks and years). We must point our Church to the South African example, and continue to make it clear that, if the Church is to be reconciled, then the Church must face up to the truth, however unpleasant. Until she is prepared to do that, and to act on the basis of that truth, without fear of or favour towards any individuals, or groups of individuals, whoever or however powerful these individuals may be, any "reconciliation" which may be achieved will be in essence totally meaningless.
Disbandment?
As expected, there have been calls yet again from our opponents for the Association to disband. However, we must continue to defend the Constitution against the "little foxes" and "grievous wolves" who are trying to destroy it, and to demand openness and transparent honesty from all courts of the Church in all their dealings. We must also demand that proper disciplinary procedures be applied to all who are accused of wrongdoing, without respect of persons. These, we believe, are the minimum requirements for the Association even to consider disbandment.
Attitude
The attitude prevailing in the Free Church at present is seen in words contained in the Special Commission Report as adopted by the Commission of Assembly. "The Commission humbly acknowledge before God the need for corporate and individual repentance for the many mistakes that have been made during recent years. The Commission of Assembly recognise issues raised within the Church may be insoluble from a human perspective, but refer them to the King and Head of the Church for his perfect and final judgment".
"Mistakes"
So the best analysis that we can give as a Church, as we survey our present troubles, is that many "mistakes" have been made! Certainly none of us is perfect. Certainly we all come short of the glory of God. But surely we are not all the cause of our Church's predicament? If the Free Church is unable to apportion blame for her woes is this not an acknowledgement that her disciplinary process has not been properly followed?
Lying
Why cannot the Free Church go as far as Sheriff Horsburgh, who in summing-up at the trial of Professor Macleod came to the conclusion that "Plainly one side or the other is not telling the truth"? Should she not at least issue a solemn call through her General Assembly to the person or persons who have lied and are continuing to lie to repent of their wicked ways for the sake of the Cause and for the good of their own souls? Might not such a call have a good effect if sincere and accompanied by earnest prayer? Lying, persisted in, leads a soul to hell (Rev.21:8). It is vital that this matter be treated specifically and not covered over by pleas for a general repentance. To refer matters to the Judgment Day is another attempt to avoid facing them by sweeping them under a convenient corner of the carpet.
Achan
We must learn from the sobering account of Israel at Ai (Josh.7). Only one man in the camp sins. (Perhaps a few others know of it and overlook it.) But in the Lord's account, Israel herself has sinned and His anger is kindled against the whole nation. Their army is unable to capture a small enemy city and instead suffers a humiliating defeat. Joshua and the elders, unaware of the reason, humble themselves before God, lamenting the people's plight and trembling for the future. Their distress is understandable. Their prayer is admirable. But there is something missing: a resolve to act. The Lord says to Joshua, "Get thee up!" "Israel hath sinned!" The sin must be discovered, the guilt must be charged and punishment inflicted. He shows them exactly how.
Folly
Is the Free Church really saying that whereas the Lord helped His people to deal with their sin in the past He cannot help us now? Perhaps Joshua too heard a whisper in his ear, "Leave it alone: God will take care of it at the Last Day". What folly! The people were in great danger and the Lord's Name was being dishonoured. The situation demanded immediate attention. Joshua must steel himself for the solemn task of seeking out sin in the camp.
Defeated
Are not our armies defeated? We see few signs of spiritual blessing in our midst today and the gates of hell seem to prevail against us in our evangelism. Can we not see why? Israel was told: "Thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you". Lying lips are abomination to the Lord (Prov. 12:22) and they must be sought out and punished. Do we not have excellent disciplinary procedures (namely, libel) to accomplish such an end? Why is there such stubborn refusal to do the one thing necessary? Do we no longer love righteousness and hate iniquity?
Get thee up, Free Church!
Any comments or questions please E-Mail me or Rev William Macleod the editor.
[Back to Reformed Christian Pages][Back to Free Church Foundations]
[Back to Commission of Assembly Issue]