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December 09, 2007 Q & A

True Church and the OPC

Question:

Do you consider the OPC to be the true church today and other Protestants to be wrong?

Answer:

No, we make no claim that we are the true church and that all others are wrong. Protestant doctrines are more like the rainbow. They differ from the Bible (in our judgment) in varying degrees. Protestants are theoretically agreed (with some exceptions) that the Bible is the infallible, inspired Word of God. The differences are in how the various churches and denominations interpret it. And the differences are accounted for in certain historic traditions plus the fact that there is no biblically perfect church on earth.

As a result of the fall of Adam, human thinking has been affected in varying degrees—blinding those who are unbelievers most extremely. And while those who sincerely profess faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are able to read and understand the Scriptures, yet they cannot in this life perfectly understand God's Word.

That doesn't excuse us from striving towards unity in faith and life, yet "...we know in part; but when the perfect comes (at the resurrection of the righteous dead at the entrance into the final state). the partial will be done away... For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then will I know fully just as I also have been fully known [by the all-knowing God]" (1 Cor. 13:9-13).

We differ from some denominations in many ways, from others in a lesser degree. And it would be arrogant on our part if we were to claim, or even think, that only we have the truth, "unchurching" all who differ with us. Nevertheless, it is our desire to lay hold on all the great teachings of the Bible, even those that are hard to understand.

I must add that there are some Protestant churches and denominations which deny the full inspiration and authority of the Bible. God is their judge, but to the degree that a church gives up "the faith once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3) they become apostate and should be looked upon as no churches at all.

 

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