May 23, 2023

Steve Pettit: An Advocacy for the Advancement of Reformed Theology

F
ormer BJU president Steve Pettit will be a featured speaker at an upcoming conference for the advancement of Reformed Theology (RT). Sponsorship of the conference is by the Reformed  Baptist Network. Conference host is Grace Baptist Church, Taylors, SC.

Steve Pettit's attachment to and advocacy of RT is not a new revelation. His participation in the conference is merely a continuation of his years long commitment to RT. He continues in cooperative ministry with men whose doctrine (RT) he is in close agreement with. (For a primer on Reformed Theology see below.)

Some men believe when Steve Pettit first arrived at BJU to assume the presidency he merely inherited what RT was present at the time. We have irrefutably proven, and offered a new proof today, Steve Pettit is passionately committed to the advancement of Reformed theology. During his tenure as BJU president he promoted a proliferation of Reformed theology in his personal ministry. He invited, almost exclusively, Reformed speakers for campus conferences (CoRE, Foundations, Dr, Stewart Custer Lecture Series). See for example, 




Steve Pettit is soliciting for and receiving invitations to appear at churches, camps and conferences.  Before you host and/or attend any events where Steve Pettit would be speaking you might ask, "Do I want to expose myself, my family or people under my ministerial care to a man..." 


LM

What is Reformed Theology?

Reformed Theology is a theological system of thought based upon Augustinian theology of the 4th century. Augustine, the founder of the Roman Catholic Church, based his doctrines on the Bible and substantial philosophical thinking of his day. As it follows a literal-historical-grammatical hermeneutic combined with allegorical interpretation that results in a misunderstood eschatology. 

The Reformers recovered much truth which had been lost, for which we are thankful. The Reformers, however, never totally freed themselves from the allegorical, non-literal method of Origen and from the church/kingdom concept of Augustine (as reflected by the “kingdom now” proponents of today).  Most Reformed men deny the rapture and the millennial reign of Christ, and many embrace Preterism (the belief that most prophecies relating to the tribulation and second coming were fulfilled on or around 70 A.D.).

Reformed Theology is often identified with five-point Calvinism, although Luther and Calvin both taught that Christ died for the sins of all men without exception.  Thus, Calvin was not as Calvinistic as many who now bear his name. Today most men (though not all) who embrace Reformed Theology embrace Covenant Theology, rejecting Dispensationalism. 

I encourage visitors to read Dispensational Theology by Dr. Myron J. Houghton.

Future Events: If God's program for Israel is distinct from His program for the Church, then those Scripture passages describing God's program for Israel should not be used to determine our understanding God's future program for the Church. With this in mind, we understand that Matthew 24 describes God's program for Israel and not the Church.

Related Reading

The Danger of Covenant Theology

The Danger of Teaching that Christ Died Only for the Elect


May 17, 2023

Bob Jones University: A Ministry in Flux with its Future Unsettled

In an email blast we have been informed, "The Bob Jones University Board of Trustees today appointed Dr. Alan Benson acting CEO, effective May 17, 2023." The BOT added, "Teaming with Benson will be Dr. Gary Weier and Dr. Bruce McAllister."

In recent weeks the Board of Trustees (BOT) has appointed four men to leadership positions. They are:
  • Samuel Dawson- Chairman BOT
  • Gary Weier- Acting CEO (temporary)
  • Alan Benson- Acting CEO
  • Bruce McAllister- Team Support (?)
Weier and Benson had been supportive of Steve Pettit's agenda. They signed the April 3 demands and ultimatum letter addressed to the BOT. Dawson is a bit of a mystery. Did he support Pettit's agenda? He has been on faculty at Dave Doran's seminary for many years.  We're hopeful he does not embrace Doran's rejection and redefinition of "militant" biblical separation.* Why the inclusion of Bruce McAllister? We trust his appointment is not merely a facade showing allegiance to separatist Fundamentalism.

The mixed bag of appointees, allowing Pettit's resignation to stand and a permanent successor to Steve Pettit yet unnamed indicates the BOT and the transition is in flux. Nothing is settled.

In a previous article Steve Pettit's Resignation Stands we asked, Will the revamped BOT:
  • Roll back Pettit’s disastrous agenda?
  • Restore integrity and trust?
  • Restore a balance in biblical separation?
  • Reach out to and reassure the disenfranchised base?
  • Put in place safe guards and boundaries for leadership as conditions of remaining employed?
The wave of recent appointments and pending permanent successor to the former president suggests the answer is, "to be determined."


LM

*Dave Doran is no friend of Fundamentalism. Doran (and Kevin Bauder) has a track record of tolerating, allowing for, excusing and ignoring doctrinal aberrations and worldly compromise for cooperative ministry with the so-called "conservative" evangelicals.

Previous Articles in the Series
When we reflect on the definition of New Calvinism and note the radical shift in doctrine, practice and culture Steve Pettit engineered on campus we conclude he is a passionate advocate for the advancement of New Calvinism.  Steve Pettit stands alongside well known gurus of New Calvinism. New Calvinism is the driving force behind the departure from BJU's historic legacy.
Steve dismissed the importance of the meeting from the outset by recognizing the number of students represented by the pastors in the room as if to say, “you pastors are not sending that many students.” The better question would have been, “You pastors sent X number of students five years ago and only Y number now. What’s happening?”
With the 2014 announcement Pettit would become BJU president objective observers instinctively questioned whether the agenda that led to Northland's ruin might be attempted at BJU. We didn't have long to wait to find out. Spiritual sanctification was sacrificed for secular pragmatism, pandering to millennials became the guiding principle, Reformed & Covenant theologies quickly permeated the school, with New Calvinism the underlying driving force behind it all. The disastrous results of the Pettit and executive administration agenda brought BJU to the current crisis. 
As Transitional Fundamentalists crusade for change we must be aware that the change envisioned is not a return to orthodoxy and orthopraxy; it is a compromise of the truth. It is informative to note that mainstream evangelicals have gone on record as stating that there is no appreciable difference between Conservative Evangelicalism and Fundamentalists who are in transition.
I have observed 'from the back pew,' a repetition of the same failures at Bob Jones University that initiated the demise of CCC [Clearwater Christian College] and other Bible fundamental colleges. Unfortunately, led by the current president of the university and his administrators, the same compromised ideologies (and many of the same personalities) that drove those institutions to their demise are perpetuating the same at BJU. They have rejected the university’s fundamental Bible legacy and voided the disciplines that shaped and instilled Christian character in generations of graduates.
Dr. Mark Minnick said, "I shared with him [Steve Pettit], in all honesty, 'you need to know, I need to say, what I feel I have to tell people now.' I've never told people not to go to Bob Jones University. In most cases I usually end up saying, 'I hope that you're able to do that and if you can I want to encourage you.' But I had to tell Dr. Pettit that, 'parents are going to have to be far more vigilant, they're not going to receive the same kind of reinforcement if they've come from conservative homes, the same kind of reinforcement in many, many of the situations'."


May 16, 2023

Maranatha Baptist University Announces New President

Dr. David Anderson, currently senior pastor of Heritage Baptist Church of Roscoe, Illinois, has been named the sixth president of Maranatha Baptist University. He will take office on August 1, 2023, in preparation for the fall semester. Dr. Anderson will succeed Dr. Marty Marriott who has served as the school’s president since 2009 and was named chancellor at the MBU commencement program on May 5.

For more see- MBU Names Dr. David Anderson as President



LM

May 12, 2023

Bob Jones University Appoints CEO

The Executive Committee (EC) of the BJU Board of Trustees (BOT) "unanimously appointed" Dr. Gary Weier as "temporary" CEO.1 

Why appoint a temporary CEO when the BOT has a chairman? One friend suggests the SACSCOC is behind this appointment. When the office of the president is vacated SACSCOC guidelines may require the position be filled with an appointee who at least temporarily takes on that role. In any event, there may be a need to ensure all matters going forward meet legal and/or ethical requirements.

According to the EC announcement the full BOT meets on May 16 to decide "how [BJU is] to proceed." With the SACSCOC requirement in mind and the appointment of Dr. Weier to expire at the end of the day (May 16) we might conclude a new college president will be named on May 16.

Fwiw, Gary Weier was the lead signer of the April 3rd appeal letter to the BOT. Of course, the "respectfully request" points within the letter were demands in addition to several accusations. Will Dr. Weier be a voice to impede rolling back Steve Pettit's erasure of BJU's fundamentalist, separatist foundation and deep infusion of Reformed, Covenant theology into the university and seminary?

Once the board decision "how to proceed" is announced we may have a better idea of what's in store for the university- it's faculty, staff and student body. Until then speculation runs the gamete.


LM

Footnote:
1) See Here
Dear Faculty, Staff, GAs, and Retirees,This afternoon, May 11, 2023, the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Dr. Gary Weier as acting CEO until end of day Tuesday, May 16, 2023. The full Board is scheduled to meet on that Tuesday and will decide as a Board how to proceed. The Executive Committee expressed appreciation for Gary’s willingness to serve in this temporary position. 
Previous Articles in the Series
When we reflect on the definition of New Calvinism and note the radical shift in doctrine, practice and culture Steve Pettit engineered on campus we conclude he is a passionate advocate for the advancement of New Calvinism.  Steve Pettit stands alongside well known gurus of New Calvinism. New Calvinism is the driving force behind the departure from BJU's historic legacy.



I have observed 'from the back pew,' a repetition of the same failures at Bob Jones University that initiated the demise of CCC [Clearwater Christian College] and other Bible fundamental colleges. Unfortunately, led by the current president of the university and his administrators, the same compromised ideologies (and many of the same personalities) that drove those institutions to their demise are perpetuating the same at BJU. They have rejected the university’s fundamental Bible legacy and voided the disciplines that shaped and instilled Christian character in generations of graduates.

May 4, 2023

Bob Jones University: Will the University Recover From Steve Pettit’s Presidency?

Now that Bob Jones University (BJU) is free of Steve Pettit's presidency the question is: Will BJU recover from or fail to resist his erasure of the university's fundamentalist, separatist foundation for compromising evangelicalism, Reformed theology and New Calvinism?

The challenges facing the Board of Trustees (BOT) cannot be underestimated. And who knows if the BOT even has the numbers or will to reverse the worst elements of Pettit’s tenure. 

New Leadership
Certainly naming a new or interim president is a high priority. Will there be infighting over candidates among members of the BOT? Whoever is selected will, by name alone, send a signal to the public.1

Because of the sharp partisan split in the BJU community, whoever is named will likely trigger a new wave of protests with students electing to depart. During Pettit’s tenure, scores of pastors were disenfranchised because of his stubborn rejection of their concerns, resistance to biblical counsel and the pleading of friends of the university. Without a concerted effort by the BOT, those pastors may never return to the BJU fold, no matter who becomes interim president. 

How can current and prospective students make an informed decision with BJU's future direction uncertain and undeclared?

Enrollment
According to US News & World Report (fall 2021) BJU had an enrollment of 2,705 undergraduates. The BJU enrollment figures I was given for the end of 2023 I have since found out were wrong.  BJU ended the year with nearly 2,700 undergrad students and 300+/- present students have not left for colleges like Cedarville. An employee from BJU recently (August 2023) informed me, "Enrollment numbers for this year look to be right around 2,670 (around 30 below what we were at the end of school year 2023. Around 20 of those 30 who left were student-athletes who left because we dropped our NCAA affiliation. We will know the final figures for enrollment in a couple of weeks. Last year’s freshman class was the largest (705) that we have had in several years."

The Board of Trustees
Can we hold the Board of Trustees partially responsible for Pettit and his executive administration descending the school far into non-separatist, compromising evangelicalism? To be sure, some members saw where Pettit was taking the school and argued for a solution. Nevertheless the BOT did not act decisively when it was abundantly clear (early on) what Pettit intended for the university, which brought on the current crisis. The inability to act decisively only emboldened Pettit to accelerate his radical transformation of the university.

That said let's consider the following:
  • The BOT went through a significant reshaping to become an accredited school.
  • The existing members of the BOT needed to be sure of a conservative majority before implementing a plan to deal with Steve Pettit.
  • The current BOT is conservative.
  • Genuine fundamentalists were trying to intervene to bring about a change.
All of those things took time.

What Can We Do?
  • We should thank the BOT for not letting Pettit stay or return and encourage them to continue to move the school clearly to the right.
  • Pray that the BOT finds the wisdom to recover the school to its foundational moorings.
  • We encourage the BOT to humble themselves, acknowledge a corporate failure, and ask for forgiveness and assistance.
The BOT does not have the luxury of time on their side. Assuming the BOT wants to salvage the university they should reach out to all the disenfranchised pastors and former board members who resigned in recent years and invite them to a closed board meeting to discuss the future of BJU,

The Choices for the BOT Are Clear
The BOT needs to act soon and decisively! Either:
  • Announce an end to Pettit’s agenda with a plan to reverse course back toward a balanced fundamentalist, separatist stance. Remove administrators complicit in Pettit’s compromises, and replace faculty and staff who resist and do not support BJU's Bible fundamental legacy.
  • Allow the school to continue the leftward trajectory that Pettit engineered and implemented.
  • Guide the school into closure if finding it unsustainable. And if closure comes accept it contentedly as the Lord's doing.
Closing
While some board members resigned rather than contest Pettit’s agenda others stayed in the fight. One pastor said,
"The conservatives on the BOT said, 'I’ll stay and fight rather than leave and watch it die.' The fighters on the Board have won the majority of the board. Sadly, they’ve lost the school because of Steve Pettit. I do not see how BJU survives. The constituency is gone. The spirit is broken. The purpose is in question."
If the BOT does not have the numbers and will to reverse Pettit’s agenda then BJU may close. The cause of Christ would be better served with BJU's closure rather than slip deeper into the abyss of worldly culture, non-separatist and ecumenical compromise.


LM

See the comment section below for an important addendum to Pettit's departure.

Previous Articles in the Series

When we reflect on the definition of New Calvinism and note the radical shift in doctrine, practice and culture Steve Pettit engineered on campus we conclude he is a passionate advocate for the advancement of New Calvinism.  Steve Pettit stands alongside well known gurus of New Calvinism. New Calvinism is the driving force behind the departure from BJU's historic legacy.



I have observed 'from the back pew,' a repetition of the same failures at Bob Jones University that initiated the demise of CCC [Clearwater Christian College] and other Bible fundamental colleges. Unfortunately, led by the current president of the university and his administrators, the same compromised ideologies (and many of the same personalities) that drove those institutions to their demise are perpetuating the same at BJU. They have rejected the university’s fundamental Bible legacy and voided the disciplines that shaped and instilled Christian character in generations of graduates.


Steve Pettit Resignes B JU Presidency

We Deserve Our Troubles, But He Deserves None

Footnote
1) We've seen Richard Stratton being floated as a potential candidate for next president. Fresh off Stratton steering Clearwater Christian College away from "its founder’s purpose, philosophy, and vision, driving it into extinction" Pettit hired him. Stratton brought CCM, MTV, and unlimited cable programming into the Clearwater student center and chapel services. The college closed later that year. When you're looking for men to appease millennials with a bona-fide track record of destroying a fundamentalist school it made sense for Pettit to bring Stratton aboard to help him erase BJU's legacy.

Related Reading
BJU president Steve Pettit, Sam Horn and the board would do well to heed the warning. They are making many of the same mistakes made by the men at Calvary, Baptist Seminary, Northland, Clearwater, TTU and Pillsbury. BJU is on a course that, if history is our teacher, will in all likelihood lead to its eventual demise.
BJU: An Intrusion of Reformed/Covenant Theology, Calvinism & Lordship Salvation

Steve Pettit Entangles BJU With Franklin Graham's Ecumenical Movement


May 1, 2023

Archival Series- Transitional Fundamentalism

 There are many non-negotiables for New Testament believers. Most certainly the fundamentals of the faith are never open for dialogue or debate. Even those who are currently in transition away from the Fundamentalism of the past admit that there are some issues upon which there can be no compromise without departing from the Word of God. The emphasis of Scripture for believers is not upon change but upon stability.

Dr. Milton Jones

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.  
1 Peter 5:8, 9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 
Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  
Colossians 2:5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
We are continuously warned to be aware of the temptation to compromise and accommodate the ever present pressure to change.
2 Peter 3:11-18 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 
Jude 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
This is not to suggest that Biblical faith is static. Quite the contrary, it is very dynamic! This dynamic however does not lie in finding ways to be flexible with truth in order to fit a changing culture. The dynamic of Biblical faith lies in its unchangeableness and eternal power to confront the culture demanding a submissive response. In other words, Biblical Christianity is not about making the Bible fit the culture; it is about calling upon people in the culture to submit to the authority of Scripture.

The Winds of Change
There is a sense in which people have always been in motion away from Biblical faith. It is the result of the strong vacuum pull of unbelief. In the 1970’s and early 1980’s Fundamentalism saw a significant defection centered in Lynchburg, Virginia and spreading through the sphere of influence dominated by Jerry Falwell. At that time those who were in motion were called “Pseudo-Fundamentalists” and then “embryonic New Evangelicals.” Those who shifted during that time frame have now arrived as full-fledged New Evangelicals. Then as now, decisions were made, sides were chosen, and separations in fellowship followed.

Rather than trying to coin a phrase to describe what has been going on in Fundamentalism over the last number of years, we would serve a better purpose by simply referring to those who are in motion as Transitional Fundamentalists. The very word “transition” indicates movement. Motion is not inherently evil. Walking with God (Genesis 5:22, 24) implies motion. The real question has to do with direction. In what direction are the feet of Transitional Fundamentalists pointed?

One of the spokesmen for those in transition has called for a “radical center” in which conservative evangelicals and fundamentalists in transition can find a home.1 The vision articulated indicates that Conservative Evangelicals are moving to the right and certain fundamentalists which the author characterizes as “mainstream” are moving to the left to meet in the “radical center.”

The problem with that model is the reality that Conservative Evangelicals are not moving at all. While they have become more vocal in decrying the radical shift to the left within the evangelical world, conservatives within that world stand exactly where the movement has stood since its inception. The only people who are actually moving are the Transitional Fundamentalists. There really is no “radical center.”

The New Direction
The evidence of movement toward New Evangelicalism is found in the very spirit of accommodation that has long characterized that movement. There is little question that many from the fundamentalist camp have embraced various forms of Contemporary Christian Music. Some have attempted to alter the scores from Sovereign Grace Music in order to utilize the lyrics. Others have succumbed to the sirenic allurement of new sounds. Others are responding to consumer demand for music that emulates that which the world produces. As controversial as music issues often are, the direction in which the musical feet are pointed have historically been telling of where the theological feet will soon follow.

Another characteristic of this movement is the increasingly casual atmosphere created in previously fundamental ministries. No real fundamentalist insists upon a dead somber approach to the worship of God; but neither is he looking to soften edges by dressing casually for church or opting for entertaining environments. A tuxedo is hardly required for the pulpit but a reasonable suit and tie would be nice. The attire is not the issue; the attitude is the issue.

In no area is the fact of transition more apparent than the willingness to closely associate with the Scripturally disobedient.

Increasingly there is “pulpit swap” between Conservative Evangelicals and Fundamentalist ministries. In that process the evangelical is promoted and the resolute Fundamentalist is vilified. Every pastor of an autonomous church is free to bring whomever he will to his pulpit but he must realize that in the choices he makes he is also authenticating the position of every guest speaker. A willingness to become participants in the Together for the Gospel and Gospel Coalition movements are clear indications of a change in method as well as direction.

Fundamentalists do not have anything theologically that New Evangelicals want or think that they need. They want access to our people, institutions, and finances to be utilized for purposes other than those for which they were established.

Why are They Moving?
It must also be recognized that the nuclear glue for the new coalition that is forming is undoubtedly Reformed Theology. Reformed Theology with its covenant perspectives, open church membership, and increasingly radical Calvinism is the new impetus for a new brand of ecumenism. As surely as the foundation of New Evangelicalism found its roots in men from the Reformed Tradition, so is the appeal to Transitional Fundamentalists. The show of intellect and evident scholarship has captured a generation of younger preachers. There have always been Calvinists in the Fundamentalist Movement but their Calvinism has never been the cause. The greatest case in point was C. H. Spurgeon. In the last great battle of his life, the Downgrade Controversy, he demonstrated that fidelity to truth superseded his personal understanding of the mechanics of soteriology. It is not accidental that concurrent with the approachment of evangelicalism by those in transition from Fundamentalism there has been an acceptance of the Reformation Bible (ESV) on a broad scale.

Whatever your position on textual issues, it is a plain fact that this reworking of the old liberal Revised Standard Version has been designed to be the Bible of a renewal of Reformed Theology.

It is incredibly sad that we learn so very little from history. There has never been a more stridently Calvinistic pastor than John Gill in the eighteenth century. It is most revealing that charges of antinomianism were levied against those who were associated with him. Antinomianism refers to a rejection of rules of conduct. It is strange that a theology that purports to honor the majesty and holiness of God should be guilty of worldliness to excess.
It is very much a part of the Transitional Fundamentalist mindset to raise debate about issues that have been long settled in the hearts of godly people.
Fundamentalists have long believed in personal separation as well as ecclesiastical separation. This translates to a rejection of the use of alcohol as a beverage as well as other overtly worldly practices. Standards of modesty and conduct are as Biblical as the major doctrines. Increasingly Transitional Fundamentalists dismiss such discussions as irrelevant and characterized them as the restrictions of a past tense Fundamentalism. It should be noted that failures in ecclesiastical separation usually precede the erasure of standards of personal separation. The “spiritual pride” that would countenance worldliness as insignificant appears to parallel the pride of intellect too often found in Reformed circles.

The Danger
Fundamentalists cannot “live and let live” in this matter. Disastrous effects are already accruing. Several institutions, agencies, and many churches have already been delivered into the hands of compromise. It is to be feared that there will be no return for these because their leaders seem to think that they are doing God service (John 16:2) by “reclaiming authentic fundamentalism.”2

Sadly the “authentic fundamentalism” claimed is bereft of accurate history and intellectual integrity.

Worse, a whole new generation of believers will be influenced to embrace compromise as normative Christianity. This is especially true since the centers of learning that were previously well within the Fundamentalist Movement, are training a new generation of leaders to imbibe the transition to Evangelicalism as wholesome and desirable. Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of this tragic transition is its drafting effect. Everyone who has experienced the rapid passage of a large vehicle has felt the motion effect in the direction the vehicle was travelling. The larger the vehicle and the greater the speed, the greater will be the effective draft. It is to be feared that more and more institutions, agencies, and churches will be drawn toward Conservative Evangelicalism. At the moment at least it has the appearance of some resurgent success in articulating conservative values and gaining the public ear. Beware of pragmatism that would ride the coattails of this compromise. Disobedience cannot bring about revival. Only God-sent Biblical renewal can stem the tide of political liberalism and religious apostasy. A major component in revival is repentance and restoration to obedience to the authority of Scripture.

We must also recognize the minimalism inherent in this movement. The core of the Bible is not the gospel! The core of the Bible is Christ! Much is being said about the gospel, its definition, and the need for its promulgation. Fundamentalists embrace the necessity of the gospel but do not reduce Biblical Christianity to a general agreement about the gospel. It is the old paradigm battle that has reappeared many times in the past. Will we be soteriological in approach or doxological? Preaching the gospel glorifies God but so does obedience. A gospel preached at the behest of disobedience will eventually become a compromised gospel. It has in the past and will be again.

As Transitional Fundamentalists crusade for change we must be aware that the change envisioned is not a return to orthodoxy and orthopraxy; it is a compromise of the truth. It is informative to note that mainstream evangelicals have gone on record as stating that there is no appreciable difference between Conservative Evangelicalism and Fundamentalists who are in transition.3

How Shall We Respond?
We must be found in the same heart and mind evidenced by our Lord in the first letter to the churches of Asia Minor.
Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
This is the ever present ministry of reproof and challenge to people who are genuinely saved, but sadly disobedient.
Further we must refuse to surrender resources to those institutions, agencies, and churches who are moving. 
It is not wise to continue to send our children to colleges, give our money to agencies, or support churches that are in transition while we wait to see where they will land. By then it is too late! Look at where their feet are pointing! At some point there must be separation from this disobedience. It is the only tool which God has given to us to police ourselves and to maintain the priority and purity of our position.

In doing these things, we need not expect to be applauded. Regardless of how lovingly we reprove and how carefully we withdraw fellowship we will be labeled as unloving and judgmental. We do not judge in order to condemn; that is God’s business. We judge righteous judgment to the end that we may maintain obedience and fidelity to the truth.

We will one day (short of the Rapture) become part of a new remnant. Every age has its remnants. We exist today as Fundamentalists because of previous remnants. We must not fear being marginalized, vilified, or even persecuted. We must fear to compromise. We must endeavor with all that is within us to honor God above men, truth above movements, and faithfulness above success. We must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit so that we can take our stand without a censorious spirit, without pride, and with compassing desire to see our brethren recovered from the error of their decisions.


Dr. Milton Jones
Originally published May 2013






1) Douglas R. McLachlan, “Moving Toward Authenticity: Musings on Fundamentalism” posted on the website of Northland International University

2) Ibid.

3) See, Four Views on the Spectrum of Evangelicalism, edited by Andrew David Naselli and Collin Hansen, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011.)

Reprinted with Permission:
Indiana Fundamental Baptist Fellowship
News & Views
March 2013 ~ Issue 31
Pastor Rick Arrowood, President