Date: Tue, 18 Nov 1997 04:06:22 -0500 (EST)
From: Darrell128@aol.com
Subject: NR 97116: Speakers and Topics at ICRC 1997
NR #1997-116: Speakers and Topics at ICRC 1997
The edited text is excerpted from an official press release produced by the
International Conference of Reformed Churches, summarizing five papers which
were presented to the meeting and discussed. These papers will appear in the
printed Proceedings of the meeting.
NR 1997-116: For Immediate Release
Speakers and Topics at ICRC 1997
by Rev. John Galbraith and Rev. W. Peter Gadsby
ICRC Press Release Committee
Distributed by United Reformed News Service
[The following edited text is excerpted from an official press release
produced by the International Conference of Reformed Churches]
SEOUL, South Korea (October 23, 1997) URNS -- Five papers were presented to
the meeting and discussed. These papers will appear in the printed
Proceedings of the meeting.
The first paper was presented by Elder Mark Bube, General Secretary of
Foreign Missions of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, on "Principles of
Reformed Missions." Beginning with the premise that worship lies at the heart
of the church's missionary endeavors, Bube outlined God's decree to save a
people for himself, for the manifestation of his glory. He noted that God has
foreordained all the means by which such is to be accomplished; that it is to
the church that Christ has entrusted this ministry for the gathering and
perfecting of the saints; that in this supernatural ministry, God is
especially pleased to make the preaching of the Word an effectual means of
accomplishing that end; and that, in His Word, God has fully supplied the
elders in His church with all that is necessary for them to carry out this
work.
Dr. Soon Gil Hur, President of Kosin Theological Seminary in Pusan, South
Korea, and a member of the Kosin Presbyterian Church, spoke on "Women in
Office, with Particular Reference to 'Deaconesses.'" He stated that eldership
is restricted to male members of the church because its task is to exercise
authority over the congregation. This is a clear teaching of the Scriptures
(I Timothy 2:12). However, diaconal office does not involve the exercise of
authority. Therefore, it seems possible that female members may be installed
as unordained deaconesses or assistant-deacons, seeing that women were
positively involved in the life of the apostolic church.
Dr. Robert C. Beckett of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ireland
discussed "Biblical Principles for the Relation Between Church and State."
Dr. Beckett affirmed the total sovereignty of God over all the structures of
authority in both secular and ecclesiastical realms. The New Testament does
not give approval to any specific form of government. Democracy involves the
determination of laws by the majority views of fallen man, and is a perilous
substitute for the infallible Word of God. Both church and state are
established by God under the sovereignty of Jesus Christ, and are distinct
structures that should peaceably co-exist and support each other. Complete
separation of church and state is an unbiblical illusion, and Christians
should be encouraged to act as "salt and light" within the political process.
Involvement of pastors as politicians is forbidden by Scripture, and brings
dangerous confusion to the gospel message. Within a pluralistic society, the
church can best fulfill its duty to God and the state by prioritizing the
Great Commission. Obedience is to be rendered to the state as far as humanly
possible, without transgressing the law of God. When the demands of the state
are in conflict with the law of God, God must be obeyed rather than man, and
civil disobedience becomes inevitable.
The fourth paper was presented by Dr. Richard B. Gaffin, professor at
Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and a member of the Orthodox
Presbyterian Church, on the subject of "Challenges of the Charismatic
Movement to the Reformed Tradition." Gaffin addressed two issues: the meaning
of Pentecost (being baptized with the Holy Spirit) and the cessation of
certain gifts of the Spirit. On the first issue, Gaffin argued that Pentecost
has its significance in terms of "historia salutis" (the completed
accomplishment of salvation), not "ordo salutis" (the ongoing application of
salvation). It does not provide a repeatable paradigm event for individual
Christian experience. In the light of the truth of I Corinthians 15:45 ("the
last Adam became a life-giving Spirit), Pentecost reveals the unbreakable
unity between the activity of the exalted Christ and the Holy Spirit in the
church in all aspects of their conjoint activity. On the issue of cessation,
Gaffin argued that New Testament prophecy possessed inspired and infallible
authority, and was present in the life of the church only for the period when
the New Testament canon was in the process of formation. The view that New
Testament prophecy continues today with lower fallible authority was shown
not to be sustainable exegetically and to undermine the final authority of
Scripture.
Finally, Rev. David John of the Free Church of Central India spoke on "The
Ministry of the Word Amongst Asian Religious Peoples." He gave information
about Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism in India, stating that
many Asian people respect their elders, worship ancestors, and seem to be
very respectful and humble. They claim to be seekers of wisdom, peace, and
light, desiring to become one with god and achieve salvation. To achieve this
goal, they go to extremes, such as "yoga," transcendental meditation, and
asceticism. This often means a withdrawal from real life -- its hardships,
trials, and responsibilities. Tradition holds that the Gospel was first
brought to India by Thomas, the disciple of Christ, in AD 52. Christian
missions, now including Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, have been
present in India ever since. Besides evangelism, educational work and
ministies of mercy have been founded. It is said that annual church growth in
India is about 3.4% and that there are now about 97,700 professing Christian
congregations with 7.3 million members and 16 million adherents. It should go
without saying that the only approach to all religions is by the Word of God
and the only salvation is by the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Cross-References to Related Articles:
#1997-103: International Conference of Conservative Reformed Denominations to
Convene Next Week in Seoul, South Korea
#1997-106: Former Reformed Ecumenical Synod Moderator Opens Prayer Service
for International Conference of Reformed Churches
#1997-107: International Council of Reformed Churches Convenes in Seoul,
Elects Korean Chairman
#1997-108: International Council of Reformed Churches Admits Seven New
Denominations; Questions ARP Qualifications
#1997-109: A New Member Responds: "What's the International Conference of
Reformed Churches Good For?"
#1997-110: International Conference of Reformed Churches Amends Constitution
and Regulations
#1997-111: International Conference of Reformed Churches to Promote Jewish
Evangelistic Outreach
#1997-112: Kosin Presbyterian Church of Korea: "Church of the Martyrs"
#1997-113: Regional Mission Conferences, Seeking Advice on Doctrinal Issues,
Improved Interdenominational Cooperation Urged by International Conference of
Reformed Churches
#1997-114: Restructuring Ecclesiastical Fellowship Among Conservative
Calvinist Denominations
#1997-115: Speakers, Business, and Budgets for Upcoming Conferences
Contact List:
Rev. W. Peter Gadsby, ICRC Interim Committee Member
9 Craiglee Close, Taree, NSW, AUSTRALIA
O/FAX: [61] 6-552-1317 * E-Mail: gadsby@tpgi.com.au
Rev. John P. Galbraith, Delegate, Orthodox Presbyterian Church
Rydal Park, Jenkintown PA 19014
H: (215) 885-7981 * E-Mail: jpgopc@erols.com
Dr. Soon Gil Hur, President, Kosin Theological Seminary
Amnan-Dong 34, Su-Koo, Pusan, 602-030, SOUTH KOREA
O: [82] 51-2575131 * FAX: [82] 51-2535133 * E-Mail:
KTSNET@chollian.dacom.co.kr
Rev. David John, Delegate, Free Church of Central India
Free Church Premnagar, Jabalpur, 482 001 MP, INDIA
O: [91] 761-27613
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