Note: The following resolutions were passed at the recent Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International National Conference, held June 12-14.
Resolution 07-01: Concerning Fundamentalism and “Social” Ministries
The FBFI warns its members that history teaches us that many social programs have led to theological compromise or have ended up as all social and no Gospel. The singular purpose of the church is to glorify God through world wide evangelism and discipleship, and there is no social mandate for the organized church parallel to the gospel. Realizing that there is disagreement over the propriety of churches involving themselves in evangelistic outreach through social programs, and realizing that many Fundamentalist churches are reaching people for Christ through such programs, the FBFI encourages Christians and local churches to practice individual soul liberty and refrain from condemning each other unnecessarily over the application of these principles. We express our full confidence in the power of the gospel to transform individual lives and as society as a result.
Resolution 07-02: Concerning Ministry to Illegal Immigrants
Recognizing the New Testament church’s obligation to win and disciple the world, the FBFI acknowledges the responsibility of fundamental Baptist churches to reach the growing number of immigrants in our communities regardless of their legal status. We urge churches to avoid making legal status, in any way, a condition of evangelism. But we also urge churches to practice and teach submission to human governmental authority as an essential aspect of Christian growth. Churches should act consistently in the matter, not treating the legal status of an immigrant differently from other issues of equivalent moral and spiritual import in the lives of church members. We recognize the autonomy of each local church to implement these principles in harmony with its own understanding and application of church polity.
Resolution 07-03: Concerning the Intelligent Design Movement
While commending sincere men of science for recognizing the beautiful, intelligent, and clear evidence or our creator in nature, the FBFI reiterates our commitment to the Bible as our ultimate authority in all matters-including creation and the origin of the universe. We readily acknowledge our commitment to evaluate matters of science through the lens of the Word of God. We also see the approach of the ID movement as, at best, an insufficient tool for evangelism because of its appeal to science and human intellect apart from scripture. The salvation of a soul is a supernatural event that cannot occur apart from the truth of the Word of God and the enlightening work of the Holy Spirit. The Intelligent Design movement acknowledges general revelation, but is not necessarily Christian.
Resolution 07-04: Concerning the Doctrine of a Literal Hell
The FBFI declares without apology its commitment to the biblical, historical, and orthodox doctrine of a literal hell. Many who claim the name evangelical today deny the existence of a literal hell, and others who believe it are ignoring it in Bible preaching and teaching. We urge everyone who claims to be a Bible believer to continue to preach and teach this important doctrine so central to the teachings of Jesus Christ Himself. Let us boldly urge the lost to avoid the fires of hell through personal faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Resolution 07-05: Concerning Theonomy
The FBFI expresses its rejection of the doctrine called “Theonomy” for the following reasons: It fails to see the clear biblical distinction between the Church and Israel. It is the out-growth of a post-millennial view of the return of Christ, which we reject. It sees the role of the Church as significantly social, expanding the scope of the Great Commission far beyond its biblical evangelistic and church planting focus. It violates the historic Baptist distinctive of separation of State from Church. In its quest for a religious state, it has the potential of pitting believers against human governments that Romans 13 clearly indicates they must obey. Its view of the Old Testament Law fails to recognize the New Testament treatment of the law as being, not a means of grace or government, but as a standard of measure intended to demonstrate to man his own sinfulness and the insufficiency of his own righteousness.
2007 Resolutions Committee
Dr. Kevin Schaal, Chairman
Rev. Mark Bouslog
Dr. David Burggraff
Dr. Mike Harding
Dr. John Mincy
Dr. David Pennington
Dr. David Shumate
Dr. Wayne Van Gelderen
