Report on April 17 Meeting

We had a good meeting in Byron Center, MI, on April 17. Dr. Robert Swierenga set the tone for the evening by giving an historical sketch of the use of the Form of Subscription, primarily in the Dutch Reformed Churches, to which the CRC has historical ties. Over the years, different denominations have watered down their FOS resulting in similar results across the board: a move away from Scriptural truth. In fact, there is not one example of a denomination disconnecting from its confessional foundation that is flourishing today. Just the opposite is true. His conclusion was that a FOS does not guarantee orthodoxy, however without a FOS orthodoxy is impossible. Why should we be so arrogant to think that we can repeat the same behavior as many others have done and expect different results -isn't there a word for that...?

The whole discussion of the FOS was framed by the issue of truth; what place does truth have in our congregations - especially in light of the post-modern society in which we live. The panel included Dr. Swierenga and Revs. CJ denDulk (Trinity CRC, Sparta, MI) and Tom Groelsema (1st CRC, Byron Center, MI). They fielded a variety of questions from the audience of about 70 or so on the topic at hand. Although many things were discussed, it came down to the vital need we have for the truth of God's Word. The confessions offer to us a unity around Scripture that allows us to go about the work of Christ in His kingdom. There was a common concern that this unity would disipate if the proposed Doctrinal Covenant was adopted by Synod this summer.


It was also encouraging to have Rev. Duane Kelderman from Calvin Seminary present, as well as a number of seminarians. Rev. Kelderman was not an official representative of CTS, but he did offer words of encouragement and solidarity. He noted that the seminary is very concerned about watering down our confessional foundation (which can be seen in the most recent edition of the CTS Forum).