Resolution of Reformed Presbyterian Church Concerning Same Sex "Marriage"

The Aquila Report ^ | 4-25-13

[ReformationFan]

The Reformed Presbyterian Church in the U.S., at it meeting on April 19, 2013, adopted a statement concerning Homosexuality and Same Sex marriage. They intentionally included positions from the Presbyterian Church in America and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church with the hope that they would once again join in making a prophetic statement to those in civil authority that the fear and judgment of God may at least move enough legislators and judges not to approve of or support legalizing “same sex marriage.” Their desire is that the whole Christian, and especially the Reformed church, should protest this matter.

Resolution Adopted By the April 19, 2013 Meeting of the Covenant Presbytery of

The Reformed Presbyterian Church in the U.S. Concerning Same Sex marriage

The Reformed Presbyterian Church in the United States being of more recent origin than the Presbyterian Church in America does at this date adopt the position of the Presbyterian Church in America on Homosexuality adopted at the 5th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America, 1977, 5-49, 4, p. 67 and 8, p. 68:

Whereas, God has plainly spoken of homosexuality in his Word, denouncing both the, act and the desire as sin, condemning this perversion as unnatural, a degrading, passion, an indecent act, an error, an abomination and hence worthy of death (Lev. 18:22, Rom. 1:26-32); and

Whereas, we recognize, that God’s righteous judgment is upon those who approve of such detestable acts, as well as those who practice them; and

Moreover, whereas God has clearly stated that the condoning of homosexuals along with murderers, immoral men, kidnappers, liars, perjurers and all other unrighteousness is contrary to sound teaching (1 Timothy 1:11, 2 Peter 3:14-18);

Therefore, be it resolved that the General Assembly encourage Christians to recognize their responsibility to petition the powers that be that such men and women who practice, approve, or condone any of these activities not be invested with the authority to teach in schools or be in a position where they can influence our nation, which professes “In God we trust.”

That the Fifth General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church affirms the Biblical position for our denomination which states that: 1. The act of homosexuality is a sin according to God’s Word; 2. Churches should actively seek to lead the homosexual person to confession and repentance that he might find justification and sanctification in Jesus Christ, according to I Corinthians 6:11; and 3. In light of the Biblical view of its sinfulness, a practicing homosexual continuing in this sin would not be a fit candidate for ordination or membership in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Furthermore, we stand with and republish the Orthodox Presbyterian Church’s 1993 60th General Assembly’s humble petition to the President of the United States of America to stand against the sin of homosexual activity and now to stand against so-called “same-sex marriage.” In consideration thereof the 60th General Assembly of the OPC stated in part the following:

Based on the Word of God and his creation law, homosexuality (including bisexuality and lesbianism) violates God’s non-negotiable moral standard and therefore is sin. According to the Scripture of the Old and New Testaments, it is an abomination and contrary to nature as God intended for man and woman. “Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable” (Leviticus 18:22). “Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion” (Romans 1:26-27).

The practice of homosexuality is a reproach to any nation. It undermines the family, and poses a substantial threat to the general health, safety and welfare of our citizens. Your own Christian background ought to demonstrate to you the practical benefits of upholding the biblical stand against homosexuality, especially in light of the current epidemic of AIDS and other diseases spread through homosexual conduct.

“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Moreover, any such preaching subsequent to lifting the ban might be considered a hate crime.

Therefore, for the honor of Christ and his Church, and the welfare of our nation, we exhort you to remember the words of the wisest magistrate, “Righteousness exalts a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). Our prayers go with you, your family and your administration, and we commend to you the salvation that comes only though Jesus Christ our Lord. “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Furthermore, we, the Reformed Presbyterian Church in the United States, in the name of the One and Only True and Living God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the ultimate King, Governor, Judge and Savior of all nations, as revealed in the 66 Books of the Holy Scriptures consisting of the Old and New Testaments, do call upon all State and Federal legislators, governors, congress, judges, courts, and the President of the United States to cease and desist from any legislation legalizing same sex marriage. This moral evil that will further corrupt our society may bring the temporal judgment of God Almighty both upon individuals and the nation now and will certainly bring God’s final judgment on individuals on Judgment Day.

Further, we do call upon all Christians as individuals, Churches, Conventions, Fellowships, Presbyteries, and Denominations to stand with us publicly in the adoption of this resolution.

[HarleyD]

This is the difference between going to a “confessional” church where the emphasis is on our sinful nature or going to a church where the emphasis is thinking God will just ignore our sinful behavior because of His love.

I’m glad the PCA still has their act together.

[Cronos]

congratulations! how big is the RPC-USA?

[ReformationFan]

‘This is the difference between going to a “confessional” church where the emphasis is on our sinful nature or going to a church where the emphasis is thinking God will just ignore our sinful behavior because of His love.’

Agreed.

[Theophilus]

AMEN