Theological Openness Stand on Controversial issues:
Note: This section is
subjected to addition and updates on basis of increasing issues and present a
boundary line case with proper scriptural and practical studies and analysis.
Last updated: 9/9/2024
Creation: The overwhelming scientific evidences
clearly shows an ancient universe and the earth. On the other hand, contextual
Biblical study confirms the world as marvelous creation of the God and
manifestation of his eternal intelligence.
Having well awareness about other groups in Christian circle
who hold to a Young universe and earth on the basis of 'Literal, plain text
reading' of the Bible, we officially believe in a miraculous and phenomenal
progressive creation and do not support evolution as a means God chose to
create this world. We recognize ourselves as Old Earth Creationist and always
welcome other opposing or alternative views to have friendly fellowship.
We believe in Genesis as history and Adam-Eve as historic
first created humans. We also do affirm the Big Bang as the phenomenal mechanism.
We usually prefer discussing Creation views instead of defending a particular
OEC position.
Science and Scripture: We usually do not hold that
Modern Science is catching the ancient Bible. The Bible reveals the truth about
the environment with respect to its contemporary time. However, being a Science
and Engineering student, I clearly recognized His Mighty Intelligence
manifested throughout the universe. Science subjects such as Physics,
Chemistry, Astronomy, etc. made me to marvel at this universe and every law
operating in this universe.
It might not be as intended context, but Job 38:33 has some
hint about it. Our God is aware about his creation and every function he had
assigned. He is God of appropriate order, system and discipline. This is what
we can clearly observe while studying science. Maybe that's why Bible teachers
use plenty of daily materials to exemplify God's triune existence. Romans 1:20
is pretty clear about God's manifestation throughout the nature. On this basis,
we believe that both scripture and science are supportive to each other. We
believe science gives testimony and witness of truthfulness, trustworthiness,
greatness and intelligence about God who has revealed himself in the scripture.
We do not officially entertain concordist interpretation of
the scripture but as scientific updates concern, we might embrace correlation.
We believe scripture need not necessarily be teaching scientific truths in
order to be divinely inspired but God chose familiar languages of every
contemporary time to convey theological messages.
Gifts of Holy Spirit: We recognize ourselves as
Continuationist but do not hold to extreme stand of everyone must have gift. We
recognize and admit the operation of gifts of Holy Spirit or Enablement of
Spirit such as divine healing, glossolalia, deliverance, prophecy, etc. Having
well awareness about Cessationist, Baptist, Reformed and Presbyterian groups,
we do not advocate strict stand on personal Christian experience but sincerely
believe God grants them according to our need and situation. However, we focus
on Biblical and disciplined use of the gifts to serve in God’s kingdom.
Glossolalia: (Based on Biblical and practical
research and studies) We do not reject glossolalia as done by certain
denominations and cessasonists today. We prefer Biblical and disciplinary
practice and use of this gift. We recognize two kinds of glossolalia operating
even today: one which is used for preaching and is understood by people while
the other uttered during private prayer, worship and prophetic moments that is
beyond comprehension and needs interpretation if uttered publicly at church. We
regard divine healing as controversial gift or enablement of Spirit rather than
glossolalia.
Major keys:
- Doctrinal chapter: 1 Cor. 12-14
- It is an unlearned language gifted by Holy Spirit
- It's a gift but can occur as a sign sometimes
- It can occur in 4/5 ways: private prayer language, thanksgiving worship language or singing in tongues, messages from God (prophetic), local languages for preaching and situation when we are unable to prayer effectively.
- It can be either earthly or unintelligible language
Woman Pastor: (Ongoing research in one team) We
impose no objection to woman pastoring and leadership despite knowing arguments
from oppositions. We believe N.T. is restoring period of female’s status that
was corrupted after the fall. We prefer gender equality and believe woman can
also serve in ministry of pastoring. The scripture doesn’t impose any harsh
barrier against woman pastoring.
However, it is also true that scripture usually doesn't
teach male and female are equal in roles. Both are valuable but distinguished
in their functions. Their design, emotions and anatomy suggest they have their
respective responsibility. And regarding head and leadership, it is generally handed
to male. This doesn't mean woman is demeaned. No, they are gifted with
nourishment role that even males cannot perform. If male is head then female is
heart. Hence, its true the scripture has shown a model of male participation in
pastor, elder and deacon.
However, this doesn't mean scripture is harsh on woman. If
woman can help males in many areas e.g. nowadays, they can also earn and work,
then man can also help woman. They are complementary to each other. Yes, they
have their major specific roles but this doesn't mean they cannot help one
another in their work. In this setting, yes woman is not made for head and
leadership works but this doesn't limit them. Male needs help today more than
before and yeah even in leadership woman can be helping hand for males.
Woman can help as supplementary pastor. Indeed, they don't
even need to desire role of pastor! They are great helper and heart for men! So,
depending upon our age, woman can also help their husband in leadership works
as supplement and no woman needs to worry mourning if scripture didn't permit
them to be pastor. Woman are emotionally stronger as a heart and can be great
helper for man. It’s not necessarily a matter to protest if a church has woman
pastor. They have been indeed a great helping hand for pastor in their
struggles.
God’s sovereignty and Human Free will: We admit
scriptural basis for God’s sovereignty, predeterminism, and human free will. We
do not strictly hold to any particular view such as Calvinism, Arminianism,
Molinism, and Provisionalism. We admit the case that our life is walk with God
and sincere willingly submission to His will. We believe in his sovereignty and
hence pray with hope and trust on him. We recognize free will is an integral
part given to us by God which has theological significance. Without free will,
we cannot love God back nor willingly submit ourselves to him. God never
desires a forced love. We also admit God is All-knowing in such a degree that
he is able to know future and counter-factual events that are freely done.
Losing of salvation: This subject has been dilemmatic
issue in Christian circle and scripture seems unclear regarding the issue. It
is clear that salvation was straightforward God’s sovereign plan and it was God
who initiated and finished the work of salvation in his grace. Therefore,
nothing has been worked out from human’s side for salvation to boast.
Next, it is also evident from scripture that human beings
have been created with free will i.e. conscious beings capable to make decision
and choices. Furthermore, it doesn’t mean that just Jesus died all humanity got
redeemed. It is clear in scripture that whosever believe on Jesus and accept
his sacrifice, they are saved. Here, humanity is capable to either accept or
reject i.e. respond to that sacrifice. We are saved not by grace alone but
through faith as well.
Scripture also emphasize on continuation on faith and to be
believer till end and complete the process of salvation i.e. scripture clearly
teaches salvation has begun and is ongoing process till our death and future
resurrection. Unless we are living in faithfulness with Christ, the redemption
process is going on and we are being sanctified by Holy Spirit. However, if we
failed to become faithful then we cannot be saved.
God doesn’t force anyone for salvation which is basis for
human’s choice under whether we truly love him and choose him. Rather worrying
about whether salvation gets lost or not and making this issue more dilemmatic,
we should struggle for continuation of our faith on triune God and be fruitful.
Rather boasting that we cannot lose salvation, let us remind warnings from the
scripture about how we might fall away unwillingly.