Doctrinal Testimony Regarding Recent Errors - 2007
The current climate of theological discussion has revealed a number of errors that are having harmful effects within confessionally Reformed churches and are subverting the understanding of the gospel as articulated and affirmed in the Reformed confessions. The faculty has published a Doctrinal Testimony Regarding Recent Errors. The purpose of this document is to identify carefully, to explain clearly, and to evaluate pastorally those errors of teaching.
The faculty and Board of Trustees of Mid-America Reformed Seminary unwaveringly subscribe to the Three Forms of Unity (the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of Dort) and the Westminster Confession of Faith. We also hold in high regard the numerous Reformed confessions produced in the wider body of Reformed churches in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. In light of our vows of subscription and commitment to defend the teachings of Scripture, we are duty bound to address some of the theological errors threatening confessionally Reformed and Presbyterian churches today.
This Testimony consists of three parts: first, “A General Statement”; second, a “Digest of Errors”; and finally, an elucidation of these errors by “Articles of Affirmation and Denial.” This document is not set forth as a confessional standard, but it is presented as an application of Scripture and Confession to contemporary false teaching. We offer this Testimony out of love for the church and her Lord, and with a jealousy to defend the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ against all who would compromise, distort, or deny it. We do not claim that this Testimony is beyond improvement. We do hope it provides those who have been confused or led astray by current erroneous teachings with a clear statement of the gospel of salvation, and invite all who read this to embrace fully the richly biblical truth confessed among the Reformed churches.
To view a copy of this testimony click here.
The faculty of Mid-America Reformed Seminary publishes the Mid-America Journal of Theology on an annual basis. The Mid-America Journal of Theology contains scholarly articles and book reviews on a wide variety of theological issues.
Several volumes of the Mid-America Journal have focused on a specific theme such as preaching, the sacraments, and the anniversary of the birth of theologians Jonathan Edwards and Johannes Cocceius.
For more information on how to purchase a copy or on the articles found in previous issues of the Mid-America Journal please contact Mid-America Reformed Seminary at 888-440-6277.
Called to Preach is a booklet considering the question of a call to the gospel ministry. It is written by Dr. John R. Sittema.
Introduction
I write this little essay because I feel for young men who wrestle with whether or not they are called to the gospel ministry. Such wrestling can be an agonizing experience: it can cause emotional torment; it can become an occasion for your closest friends (who know you only too well as a sinner) to doubt your sanity or question your integrity; and it can make your wife or girlfriend think twice about what she's gotten herself into.
How do you know if you're called? It's a tough question. I remember well a spiritual mentor trying to convince me not to enter the pre-seminary program in college, believing that if he could dissuade me, I would not be truly "called." I also know of many others who have been encouraged, nudged, or even pushed into the ministry against their wishes. An acquaintance was told by family members since his earliest remembrance that he was destined for great things in the ministry, following as he would in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both well-known preachers and authors. The poor fellow was trapped. He left the ministry a broken man only a couple of years after seminary, unable to handle the pressures in large part because he was overwhelmed by doubts about his calling. (Interested in reading more? Click here.)
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