Statement on Music in the Life of the Christian and the Church

Jun 28, 2023

One of the greatest gifts God has given to mankind is music. From Genesis  to Revelation we see that music was used in the daily lives of the people and in the worship of God.

With the secularization of our age, the continual advancement in new technologies, our interconnectedness on social media platforms that are not friendly to Bible-believing Christianity, and the failure of many to recognize the importance Scripture places upon godly music, Christian churches and families must be on guard as never before. We must look carefully at the lyrics of our hymns and songs, as well as the instrumentation, melodies, harmonies, rhythyms, and other characteristics of the music itself.

God ordained the use of music in the daily lives of His people

For the Children of Israel, music was used in their daily lives for: joyful occasions (1 Chronicles 13:8), the feasts and festivals (Psalm 81:3), for the offering of sacrifices (2 Chronicles 29:27), calling men to battle (Numbers 10:9), celebrating victory (Exodus 15:1; Revelation 15:3); mourning and lamentation (Jeremiah 9:20), to announce important events (Joel 2:1), to call the people together (Numbers 10:2), and for many other purposes. Even music for proper enjoyment and rest must be considered. Very shortly after giving us the account of creation, Moses tells us in Genesis 4:21 that Jubal “was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.” Music has played a role in the lives of all cultures and civilizations since Creation.

Some of the great events in Biblical history are marked by music. Moses and Miriam sang after Israel passed through the Red Sea (Exodus 15), trumpets sounded at the laying of the foundation of the temple (Ezra 3:10-11), Paul and Silas sang while imprisoned in the Philippian jail (Acts 16:25), the trumpet shall sound when Christ comes and Christians of every age are caught up together to be with Him in the air (Matthew 24:31), the seven trumpets played by the angels in the book of Revelation will announce great events in the last days (Revelation 8-11), the 24 elders will play upon their harps in heaven before the Throne of God (Revelation 5:8). Even one of the official feasts of the Jews was the Feast of Trumpets. And, Jesus Christ Himself sang a hymn with the disciples in the upper room (Matthew 26:30), and is said to sing in the midst of the church in Hebrews 2:12 (quoting Psalm 22:22).

The highest use of music is in the worship and praise of God

The commands to praise the Lord and worship him with instruments, and the many examples recorded are ubiquitous throughout the Scriptures. Praising the Lord through song is a daily and lifelong action of the believer in his private life and in worship. David writes in Psalm 146:1-2: “Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.” Psalm 150 calls on all instruments and all voices — everything that hath breath — to praise the Lord! Psalm 30:4 tells us to “Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.”

The words of the Psalms and other portions of Scripture have held a high position in the hymnody of the people of God throughout the history of the church. Certainly the words of Scripture, sung in proper context are the very Word of God, and can bear no improvement. In addition, many hymns have been written by devout Christians through the ages, and have been a blessing to the church. However, all Christians and church leaders must be scrupulous to examine the words of the songs and hymns chosen to make sure they are true to the Bible, and meet the proper purpose in the worship of God.

In the New Testament, Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16-17 are key passages. We see in these passages that when we worship God we are to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” All believers are to join in singing “psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs” when we gather together in worship. However, it is not only the words that matter. Our singing is not just a ritual, but must come from pure hearts that love God, and it is to be directed to the Lord.

God despises singing and supposed worship if it is not truly coming from a heart obedient to God’s Word, and dedicated to His service. In Amos 5:23, God told the disobedient Children of Israel that He rejected their sacrifices. He further told them: “Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.”

Motion in worship

The Old Testament speaks of dancing for joy in worship on several occasions. The New Testament is silent concerning this. Movement certainly is not bad in itself, and is employed by many faithful churches around the world. No matter what culture or practice we have, our guiding principle must always be what we read in Psalm 96:9: “O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.” If movement is in any way sensual or lewd, or if it mimics actions seen in nightclubs, bars, and any other ungodly circumstance, it makes a mockery of true worship of God, and is in opposition to such passages as 2 Timothy 2:22: “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” We also are commanded to “Love not the world, neither the things which are of the world …” (1 John 2:15).

Also, “performances,” where attention is drawn to the musicians, rather than to Christ, must be guarded against. Sadly, what our young people see on television and social media, presenting itself as worship, is often just a production to keep people entertained — geared to making sure people continue to watch the show. The wide availability of keyboards, with sounds and rhthyms of worldly styles of music, and distracting novel sounds, should come with some instruction about the purpose of worship to those who will be playing them. This applies also to the great availability of musical sound tracks often played over loudspeaking systems. Biblical wisdom, discretion and temperance should be used concerning the use of these modern technological aids.

Actions and practices which come from the worldly society around us, particularly that widely associated with the practices of the unregenerate, or modern emotional “worship” not rooted in Biblical faithfulness, must be rejected. We cannot preach solid Biblical truth, and use music and practices which contradict it. A pastor must use godly wisdom, gained from his diligent study of God’s Word and walk with the Lord, to lead his flock in these matters.

Music for Christian instruction

The Bible many times uses music for the instruction and warning of God’s people. When Moses lay upon his deathbed, God directed him to write a song, and teach it unto the Children of Israel: “Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel” (Deuteronomy 31:19). It was for their present instruction and to convict them in the years ahead.

In Psalm 107:2, we are told: “and declare His works with rejoicing [singing].” Such music refreshes and renews our knowledge of God’s glory, in all its aspects, and is frequently employed directly in our praise of God.

In the New Testament, Paul wrote to the Colossian church that they should be active in “teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16).

Music used for evil purposes

Any good thing that God has created can be perverted by Satan for evil purposes. Daniel 3:7 shows music involved in worshipping a false idol: “Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.” David lamented in Psalm 69:12: “They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards.” Music was used for worship in pagan temples, and for various lewd and wicked purposes — much as it is today.

From church history we learn that during the Arian controversy in the fourth century AD, the Alexandrian deacon Athanasius wrote that this heresy spread so quickly across the Roman empire because Arius had put “his wretched words of irreligion into dissolute and loose metres.” People’s remembrance of the false teaching was magnified because it was wedded to music.

Is any kind of music acceptable in the worship of God and in the life of the believer?

Most will agree that the words to our songs are extremely important. However, some have taken the mistaken belief that the music itself is amoral — that what kind of music one chooses to use is perfectly fine at any time, and is completely detached from of any moral judment or constraints. When rock and other worldly forms of music began to come into the western churches in the 1960s, there was much opposition in many quarters. The only argument that the advocates of this music could muster was to claim that music without words is “amoral.” However, this faulty assertion has been uniformly denied, with few exceptions, throughout history.

John Calvin wrote: “There is hardly anything in the world with more power to turn or bend, this way and that, the morals of men.… It has a secret power to move our hearts in one way or another. Wherefore we must be the more diligent in ruling it in such a manner that it may be useful to us and in no way pernicious.”

Martin Luther, in the preface to the Wittenberg Hymnal of 1524, wrote: “These songs … give the young …something to wean them away from love ballads and carnal songs and teach them something of value in their place.”

Puritan commentator Matthew Henry observes: “[Those who listen to musical instruments] should feel themselves obliged to preserve them always free from any thing that savours of immorality or profaneness.”

It is clear from Scripture that instruments used, and the melodies played, have great significance and elicit specific thoughts and emotions, apart from any lyrics. The trumpets of victory were certainly distinguished from the harps used in mourning.

There are many occasions where instrumental music by itself carried a message in the worship of God. In 1 Chronicles 25:1-3, Jeduthin and his sons played “with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the Lord.” Psalm 98:6 tells us: “With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.”

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, he and Joshua heard a loud noise in the camp, which Moses discerned to be music. Joshua and Moses discussed the meaning found in the music, apart from the words (Exodus 32:17). They determined just from the sound that this music reflected evil purposes.

In 1 Samuel 16:23 we read that, when an evil spirit came upon King Saul, David played his harp before the King. The result was that: “Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.”

Paul tells us in the New Testament that a trumpet must be played in a way that evokes confidence and authority. He also indicates that even the timbre of the different instruments, and the characteristics of the music played, are quite important. In 1 Corinthians 14:7-8, he writes: “And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?”

Music of itself does carry meaning. For example, the tune for the hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” is strong and solid — like a “foundation,” like “a bulwark never failing.” Whereas, “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart,” is a prayer, which is sung to music which reflects quietness, humility and spiritual introspection in a plea for God’s help. The tune for “Onward Christian Soldiers” is in a time signature which matches the common pattern of soldiers when they are marching.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Conclusion

The International Council of Christian Churches, meeting in its 21st World Congress, June 21-28, 2023, in Collingswood, NJ, USA, calls on Bible believing Christians everywhere to:

1. examine the music they listen to in their daily lives in the light of all that the Bible teaches about godliness and holiness. 1 Peter 1:15: “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.”

2. only listen to music which will bring glory to God. Colossians 3:17: “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” One of the reasons many churches are using poor music, is because young people are not being taught at home what is good and wholesome. Rather, they are allowed to consume a steady diet of music which is carnal and sensual. 

3. study music, in light of the Word of God, to be able to discern that which is worldly, trite, sentimental and mundane, from that which is excellent, and a worthy vehicle for conveying godly words. 

The International Council of Christian Churches further calls on all Bible-believing churches to:

1. establish principles of music in worship which will lead the congregation in genuine praise to God.

2. choose styles of music which in any particular country or culture are not associated with sin, worldliness, and popular secular artists. Just as a faithful pastor does not compromise the preaching of the Word in order to attract an audience, neither should the motive for using any music be merely to attract the young people, or for other pragmatic reasons.

3. choose music which serves as the best vehicle possible for conveying the message of any given hymn or song. God has given Christians around the world a rich and diverse musical heritage. What might be best in one area of the world may not convey the same message in another place. However, all of these things must be taken into account, no matter what the musical norms may be in any given place.

4. make sure that all practices which accompany music in the church are godly, and will indeed bring praise to God. Worship should not place attention on the actions of man, but rather should be focused on the glory of God. Pastors and other church leaders should be involved in directing all aspects of corporate worship. Those involved with the music of the church should be marked by godliness. Musical decisions should not be left to the discretion of the carnal or spiritually immature. 

5. train young people in the churches to sing the best hymns and Christian music at their disposal. The judgment concerning this may be quite different in various areas of the world. Like everything in life, it is usually best to dispose of the mediocre and inferior, in favor of that which is best. All music should be well crafted. It may be very simple, but must not be trite and superficial. It may be complex, but must not be pretentious or confusing. It should be beautiful, but not geared toward entertainment and carnal desires. It can include great variety, but it must always be appropriate and subservient to the message to be conveyed. 

May all things be done to the glory of God alone. Soli Deo Gloria!

Statement on the World Evangelical Alliance and Apostasy

Statement on the World Evangelical Alliance and Apostasy

Jun 28, 2023

The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) traces its roots to 1846, when the Evangelical Alliance was inaugurated in Great Britain. At present, the organization includes in its membership an extensive list of regional bodies, such as the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) in the United States. It also includes many wellknown mission, medical, legal, educational, and relief agencies as affiliates.

Since its inception in 1948, the International Council of Christian Churches (ICCC) has stood in opposition to what was then called the New Evangelicalism. The NAE, a mouthpiece of this New Evangelicalism, championed a philosophy of “infiltrating” the apostate churches — particularly those in the Modernistic National Council of Churches (NCC) and the World Council of Churches (WCC). In contrast, the American Council of Christian Churches (ACCC), and the ICCC took the Biblical position that Christians and churches should “separate” from apostasy, compromise, and unbelief (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1). 

As the years have passed, the warnings issued by the ICCC have proven to be correct. When a person or church begins to use human reasoning to countenance compromise on things concerning which the Bible is clear, there rarely is a return to Scriptural conformity and obedience. Compromise breeds compromise, and things usually continue to progressively diverge from what God has commanded in His Word. The WEA is a case in point. It has passed the point where its goal was just to “infiltrate,” to the place where it now fully cooperates with the apostasy.

WEA considers itself to be one of the “Four Pillars” to bring about global “Christian Unity.”

On June 17, 2022, the WEA website carried the headline: “WCC, Global Christian Forum (GCF) sign memo­randum of understanding affirming mutual quest for Christian Unity.” The WEA writer reports: “Both Sauca [World Council of Churches Acting General Secretary at the time], and Essasmuah [secretary of the GCF] expressed joy at the pivotal role of the four pillars — ‘namely the WCC, World Evangelical Alliance, Pente­cos­tal World Fellowship and the Roman Catholic Church.’”

The reporter continued that Arch­bishop Thomas Schirrmacher, secre­tary general / CEO of the WEA, stated at the meeting that he considered it to be “gracious of the WCC to agree to be just one pillar of several,” leaving room for the other three groups. This was not just the description of a WEA staff writer. Dr. Schirrmacher used this language himself, publicly declaring that the WEA is “one of the [four] pillars.”

The report continues that this mem­orandum of understanding was signed by Fr. Andrzej Choromanski, of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Chris­tian Unity, the WCC’s Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, Rev. Dr. Casely Essa­muah of the Global Christian Forum, Archbishop Thomas Schirrmacher of the World Evangelical Alliance, and William Wil­son of the Pentecostal World Fel­lowship.

Ties between the WEA and WCC have never been closer.

At one time, many evangelicals agreed that the WCC was an apostate organization. Some top WCC leaders denied such cardinal doctrines as the Virgin Birth of Christ, the Deity of Christ, the necessity of Christ’s atonement on the cross, His bodily resurrection, His working of many mighty miracles, and so forth.

However, in recent years, the WEA has had extensive cooperation and has begun working closely with the WCC, The Roman Catholic Church, East Orthodox churches, and so forth.

At the WCC 11th World Assembly, August 31 through September 8, 2023, WEA Secretary General Archbishop Schirrmacher was in attendance. Together with greetings of ecumenical cooperation from Pope Francis, and representatives of Eastern Orthodoxy and Judaism, Schirrmacher spoke on behalf of the WEA.

He began by praising outgoing WCC Acting General Sec­re­tary Ioan Sauca, a priest in the Ro­manian Orthodox Church. Speaking of their close “friendship and cooper­ation,” he stated: “Professor Sauca has been a gift of God to the body of Christ for such a time as this.” Pointing out that the WEA and WCC were of approximately equal size, Schirrmacher stated: “We are a­­ware that we have a considerable over­­lap in membership.…”

He continued: “Nowadays, WCC and WEA work together in most areas of ministry. We exchange members on all important commissions. My own involvement in [the WCC] Faith and Order [Commission] has given me enormous insight into the different theological topics that still divide churches and the urgent need for more intense listening to each other.”

This close union between the two groups has been apparent for many years. On August 25, 2021, the WEA official website carried a headline titled: “World Council of Churches (WCC) and World Evangelical Alli­ance (WEA) Strengthen Their Collabo­ration [August 2021].”

In his concluding remarks to the WCC Assembly, Bishop Shirrmacher stated: “We pray for God’s blessing on all the ongoing work of the WCC and this Assembly. May God the Fa­ther give us all strength to work on behalf of his creation. May Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who saved us from sin and death, be our example in his will­ingness to give his life for the good of others. And may the Holy Spirit keep us all from evil ways and unjust thoughts and lead us into the growing truth promised to his church on earth.”

The entire message was based al­most exclusively on “peace and jus­tice” themes, decrying the war in Ukraine, and fearing that “racism” against Rus­sians would arise from this. He also spoke strongly against anti-semitism. We will not judge Schirr­macher’s in­tentions, but almost any such speech he and others from the WEA make to ecumenical gath­erings fails to explicitly promote the real gospel of salvation by faith in Christ alone.

The WCC also speaks about Jesus Christ saving us from sin and death, but it is virtually always in vague terms, which could be interpreted in different ways. When it is explicit, it invariably is focused on social justice and mak­ing “all things new” on this earth.

Instead of an encouragement to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission, as presented in the Bible, Schirrmacher speaks of “work on behalf of God’s creation.” Instead of the Good News, we are to make Christ “our example in his willingness to give his life for the good of others.” Instead of the Holy Spirit illuminating the Scriptures, the sure and complete Word of God, we are to look to Him to “lead us into the growing truth promised to his church on earth.” In the context of social justice, we are to look to the Holy Ghost to “keep us all from evil ways and unjust thoughts.”

The WEA and WCC both promote a questionable version of “social justice” at the United Nations.

The WEA and WCC both hold offices at the United Nations, where they speak out about all kinds of “social issues.” The WEA holds Special Con­sulta­tive Status with the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), “which serves as the central forum for dis­cussing international economic and social issues, and for formulating pol­icy recommendations addressed to Mem­ber States and the United Nations system.”

The WEA uses this platform to advocate for “climate care,” and “glob­al sustainability,” together with other issues of “social justice.” In its August 21, 2021, meeting with the WCC, the two organizations agreed to expand their coopera­tive work for “climate justice.” In 2019, the WEA  established the “WEA Sustainability Center (WEASC) in the strategic ‘UN City’ of Bonn, Germany.” The whole goal of the Center is to teach and encourage the churches to take part in “climate care.”

The ICCC certainly desires to see clean water, clean air, and to discourage practices which harm our planet, but this is not the gospel of Christ. Further, since the WCC program for “justice” is decidedly Marxist, one must be very concerned that the WEA has such ease in collaborating with the WCC in these matters.

Evangelical churches and organizations need to be obedient to Scripture in order to warrant our support.

Many have criticized the ICCC, and other Bible-believing groups, for being too strong in their stand against such compromise. People often justify such compromise with the human rationalization that many WEA member groups “do so much good.”  Some just choose to ignore the facts, or simply wink at the situation.

As Bible believers, we must not have a censurious spirit, and we should be patient and kind, but nowhere in the Bible are we commanded to support a church or organization because “they do so much good.” It is not there! The Bible is clear from beginning to end that true Christian love, cooperation, and support are based on obedience to Christ and His Word — nothing else.

Many so-called conservative denominations, including the Presbyterian Church in America, the Presbyterian Church of Brazil, to name just a couple, maintain their membership in the WEA through the World Reformed Fellowship (WRF). Even within that group there are many unfaithful churches. 

In addition to regional evangelical organizations, and a few denominations with international reach, there are also many non-profit organizations familiar to many Christians. Even though many do seemingly “good work,” yet their disobedience must be a real concern for Bible believing Christians. These organizations include:

AAdvocates International, AM International, Asia Theological Association, Asian Access, BBarnabas Aid, Bakke Graduate University, Barnabas Relief Fund, Bible Discovery, Bible League of Canada, Biblica, CCampus Missions International, CEDAR Fund, Center for Mission Mobilization, ChinaSource, Christian Endeavor World Union, Christopher Sun Evangelistic Association, COMIBAM – Cooperation of Mission from Latin America, Creatio International, Crossroads Christian Communications Inc., Cru, DDavid Chung Ministries International, EEFCA Reach Global, Elim Center International, Engineer Ministries International, Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Every Home for Christ International, Every Nation Churches & Ministries, F Faith & Family Foundation, Finnish Lutheran Overseas Mission, Frontier Ventures, Frontiers USA, G Global Outreach Day, Global Scholars, Gospel & Information Technology, H Healthcare Christian Fellowship International, Holy Bible Society, I Integral Alliance, International Association for Refugees, International Association of Evangelical Chaplains, International Christian Medical and Dental Association (ICMDA), International Council for Evangelical Theological Education – ICETE, International Evangelism Association, International Justice Mission, International Needs Network, J Jews for Jesus, K Kenosis Media Group, L Luis Palau Association, M Micah Global, Middle East Concern, N The Navigators, No More Violence International, NORMISJON, Norsk Luthersk Misjonssamband (Norwegian Lutheran Mission), O Olivet Center for World Mission, Olivet University, One Challenge International, One Collective, One Mission Society, OneHope, Open Doors International, Operation Mobilisation, P The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, Pioneers International, Power to Change, R Refugee Highway Partnership, Reliant Mission, RREACH, RUN Ministries, S Saint Luke Society, The Salvation Army, Scripture Union International Council, SIM International, Sojourners, T Take Heart, TEAM – The Evangelical Alliance Mission, Tearfund UK, Teleo University, Timothy Two Project International, Trainers of Pastors International Coalition, U United World Mission, V Veritas College International, Veritas Legal Society, Voice of the Martyrs Canada, W Water is Basic, World Evangelical Theological Institute Association, World Mission Prayer League, World Olivet Assembly, The World Reformed Fellowship, World Team, World Thrust International, World Vision International, World Without Orphans, WorldVenture, Wycliffe Associates, Wycliffe Global Alliance, Y Young Disciples of Jesus, Youth Evangelical Fellowship, Youth for Christ International.

Conclusion

The International Council of Christian Churches, meeting in its 21st World Congress, June 21-28, 2023, in Collingswood, NJ, USA, condemns the compromise with apostasy that continues to characterize the World Evangelical Alliance. Bible-believing Christians are urged to channel their support exclusively to churches and Christian organizations which are not involved in such compromising relationships. Further, the ICCC calls on all churches and organizations affiliated with the WEA to:

1. Withdraw your membership from the WEA, its regional councils, and any other organizations which fail to remain separate from all unbelief and apostasy. The Scriptures make quite clear that Christian love and fellowship are based solely on obedience to Christ and the Scriptures. You simply cannot “work together in most areas of ministry” and “exchange members on all important commissions” with the apostate WCC and be faithful to Christ. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

2. Make fidelity and obedience to Christ and His Word the foundation of your church or organization. Utilitarian and pragmatic decisions are never of God if they violate His Word. God’s work must always be done in God’s way. ““Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not … in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you.…” (Matthew 7:22).

3. Firmly recognize that it is God who must build our ministries. No associations which may bring funding and influence — even for worthy purposes — will ever justify being unfaithful to Christ. “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain” (Psalm 127:1).

4. Actively carry out Christ’s Great Commission: “… Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations.…” Although Christians are to oppose injustice and corruption in our fallen world, this is not the Gospel of Christ. Anything presented as the “gospel” apart from the glorious redemption purchased by Christ, is indeed a counterfeit gospel which cannot save.

5. Make common cause with those who seek to be faithful to the Scriptures. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7).         —#—

Resolution on Gender & Sexuality

Jun 28, 2023

WHEREAS, God created all human beings as either male or female at the time of Creation (Genesis 1:27); and

WHEREAS, God gave very distinct roles to men and women, in every aspect of life, from the time of Creation (Genesis 2:18); and

WHEREAS, God ordained marriage between one man and one woman, for life, as the only permissible arrangement in His good plan (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:7-9); and

WHEREAS, adultery (Exodus 20:14), fornication (Colossians 3:5), homosexuality (Romans 1:27), polygamy (Matthew 19:4-6), and all other forms of sexual perversion are a sin against God;

WHEREAS, through Adam’s fall, sin passed upon all men, and we are all “desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9);

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the International Council of Christian Churches rejects such sinful aberrations as our society increasingly presents as good and normal. These include:

1. the destruction of all roles the Bible reserves for men and women respectively, such as fatherhood, motherhood, who is the head of the family, who may be ministers and other officers in the church, etc.;

2. endeavors to blur the God-ordained differences between masculinity and femininity;

3. all attempts to change (“resassign”) persons from the sex to which God created them to the opposite sex, by means of surgery, medication, or any other means;

4. the claims that there are many genders, with a wide number of variations on the spectrum;

5. the introduction of a multitude of new “pronouns,” with the demand, sometimes even by force of government, that everyone must learn these words and use them according to the dictates of each individual, no matter how untruthful these pronouns may be;

6. all forms of sexual practice outside the Biblical position that marriage is between one man and woman, as long as they both shall live.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 tells us: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” These verses tell us that just as extortion, stealing, alcoholism, etc., are sins, so also are all deviations from how God created the sexes, and all perversions of sexuality.

Yet, Paul tells us concerning those who have come in repentance to Christ for salvation: “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). The Bible gives us the wonderful promise that: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). We call upon all who have been captured by these and other sins to come in repentance to Christ, forsake their sins, and look to Him for salvation.

FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the International Council of Christian Churches, meeting in its 21st World Congress, June 21-28, 2023, in Collingswood, NJ, USA, calls on Christians to reject the evil and unbiblical philosophy and agendas pressed upon us by many in today’s world, and to study the Bible anew to bring our lives and our churches into complete conformity to all that the Bible teaches on these matters.

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