MARANATHA MESSENGER
Weekly Newsletter of
Private Circulation Only
MARANATHA BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH
1 November 2015
“Present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:28)
Address: 63 Cranwell Road, Singapore 509851 Tel: (65) 6545 8627 Fax: (65) 6546 7422
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.maranatha-bpc.com
Sunday School: 9.45 am
Sunday English / Chinese Worship Service: 10.45 am Sunday Chinese Worship Service: 7 pm
Wednesday Prayer Meeting: 8.00 pm
Pastor: Rev. Dr. Jack Sin (HP: 9116 0948)
POSITIONAL STATEMENT ON
HOMOSEXUALITY
Preamble
We note with grave concern the recent developments, both locally and abroad, concerning
the promotion of homosexuality and same-sex marriages. In response to queries by our
church members and friends we, the undersigned pastors/preachers and elders, affirm the
following:
1. Marriage was instituted by God. It is defined biblically as the uniting of one man and
one woman in a covenant and exclusive lifelong commitment, and its purpose includes
procreation. The Bible’s teachings on marriage are authoritative, and shall not be
redefined by fallen mankind. (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:20-24; Malachi 2:15)
2. Human sexuality is a gift of God. It is sanctified by Him and is designed for
monogamous, heterosexual marriage relationships that are binding as long as we live.
(Matthew 19:3-9; Hebrews 13:4)
3. This gift of God has been abused since the Fall of man. We inherited original sin from
Adam. This has resulted in total human depravity and the proliferation of sexual sins.
(Genesis 6:5; Leviticus 18:6-24)
4. God will ultimately judge all forms of sin, including fornication, adultery and
homosexual acts. All these bring God’s holy wrath and righteous judgment against the
children of disobedience. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Jude 7)
5. Mankind needs the deliverance from sin, which Jesus Christ offers. All of mankind
need Christ to redeem and deliver them from the bondage of sin. Those who turn to
Christ by faith in repentance will receive salvation and the forgiveness of sin. In addition,
they will experience the liberating power of God, and will be empowered to overcome
their sinful desires. (John 8:32-36; Acts 3:19, 26:20; Romans 3:23-26, 6:14-23, 8:2)
6. Homosexual orientation is not conclusively proven to be inborn. The Bible describes
it as unnatural and against the original intent of God. It is the result of man’s total
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depravity, thus ensnaring him in the temptations of a fallen world, and guiding him to live
for himself and not for God’s purpose and glory. (Romans 1:21-27; Psalm 51:5)
7. God’s power to change is freely available to all through Jesus Christ. By this power,
all who repent of their homosexual lifestyles can be renewed in their mind to alter their
thinking and behaviour in conformity to God’s holy will. There are many authenticated
examples of those who were previously under the delusion and enslavement of
homosexual tendencies, but have experienced deliverance victoriously by the gracious
enablement of God. (Philippians 4:13, Romans 12:1-2; 8:37)
8. God’s grace is sufficient to overcome sinful tendencies. By relying on the Spirit’s
enabling through God’s sovereign grace, any person can overcome same-sex attraction,
and be transformed against a homosexual mindset and demeanour. (2 Corinthians 12:9;
Galatians 5:16-17)
9. We do not discriminate, nor are we prejudiced, against anyone. We will exhibit a
benevolent love generally for all, including homosexuals. We will pray for them and reach
out to them, to assist them by God’s enablement to overcome their sinful sexual
orientation, by committing themselves to God’s sovereign pardoning grace through faith
and the admission of their sins, if they are willing to do so. (Matthew 9:10-13; 1 John 1:9)
10. We seek to demonstrate a greater faithfulness to Christ in our convictions and
relationships. We will reach out with God’s love to counsel and assist persons with
homosexual orientation. We will do so with the truths of inspired Scripture and the
everlasting hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as the Lord leads. (John 14:21,
Ephesians 2:8-9)
Rev Isaac Ong, Calvary B-P Church
Rev Peter Tan, Calvary B-P Church
Rev Daniel Tan, Calvary B-P Church
Rev Frank Low, Calvary B-P Church
Preacher Bendick Ong, Calvary B-P Church
Rev Dr George Skariah, Covenant B-P Church, India
Rev Mathews Abraham, Ebenezer B-P Church, Australia
Rev Tang Wai Kay, Evangel B-P Church
Preacher William Yap, Evangel B-P Church
Elder Dr Lim Yew Cheng, Evangel B-P Church, Malaysia
Rev Philip Heng, Galilee B-P Church
Rev Ong Hock Khee, Galilee B-P Church
Rev Simon Nagarajan, Galilee B-P Church
Rev Freddy Yong, Galilee B-P Church
Preacher David Cher, Galilee B-P Church
Elder Liew Kim Choy, Kelapa Sawit B-P Church, Malaysia
Rev David Wong, Kulai B-P Fellowship, Malaysia
Rev Charles Seet, Life B-P Church
Rev Colin Wong, Life B-P Church
Rev Calvin Loh, Life B-P Church
Rev Quek Keng Khwang, Life B-P Church
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Rev Lee Hock Chin, Life B-P Church
Rev Daniel Khoo, Life B-P Church
Rev Dr Patrick Tan, Life B-P Church
Rev Dr Jack Sin, Maranatha B-P Church
Rev Gabriel Gan, New Life B-P Church
Rev Lim Chee Boon, New Life B-P Church
Rev S. V. Nathan, New Life B-P Church
Rev Peter Chua, Sharon B-P Church
Rev Ho Chee Lai, Sharon B-P Church
Preacher Yap Kim Chuan, Tangkak B-P Church, Malaysia
+++++++++
16th Century Reformation and its Doctrinal Implications
Introduction
The 16th Century Reformation was the greatest religious movement for Christ since the
period of the early church. This momentous event is next to the introduction of Christianity,
the greatest event in history. Reformation marks the end of the Middle-Ages and the
beginning of modern times. Starting from religion, it gave, directly or indirectly, a mighty
impulse to every forward movement, and made Protestantism the chief propelling force in
the history of modern civilization 1 (Philip Schaff).
Cause of Reformation
Prior to the 16th Century Reformation, there had been numerous attempts to reform the
Roman Church. Unfortunately, the efforts were unsuccessful with many repressed by the
inquisition of the Church. There were the Monastic Order of Cluny and the Gregorian
Reforms in the 10th and 11th centuries to deal with corruption, moral independence and
abuse of the clergy. Groups such as The Brethren of the Common Life, the Lollards and the
Waldenses opposed the Roman Church and were prosecuted even with martyrdom. Men
such as John Wycliffe (1324-1384), John Huss (1370-1415), and Gerolamo Savonarola
(1452-1498), spoke out against the papacy, auricular confession, purgatory, pilgrimages,
worship of saints, relics, etc. Huss and Savonarola were burned at the stake as heretics.
The Middle-Ages were times of spiritual declension for the church. Poorly educated clergy
provided most of the pastoral care while prelates of the church grew wealthy on the profits
of pluralism, simony and nepotism. The sale of indulgences (a way to reduce the amount of
punishment one has to undergo for sins as a penance required after a sin has been
forgiven, or the time to be spent in Purgatory 2 after death), mass, ceremonies, rosaries,
works, veneration of saints, and the worship of relics reigned supreme in the hearts of
people in church for 1,000 years. The clergy of the Middle-Ages were blind spiritual guides,
and their unmarried monks were often found guilty of moral excesses, corruption, gluttony
and other vices. The people were starved spiritually and frustrated 3.
In the fullness of God’s time, the 16th century was the appointed time of reformation, and
God had prepared the Church in many ways for this reformation. Religious, economic and
political factors that had been brewing for centuries set the stage for the Reformation. The
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papacy was corrupt and the church was spiritually bankrupt; at the same time there was a
revival of the Greek and Roman classics; The Renaissance was also a factor in that it
challenged men to use their minds, men with a spirit of inquiry and independence were
discovering the new world; the printing press had been invented, and the Greek New
Testament republished. While the Renaissance brought humanism, the Reformation
brought true Christianity. These things were all part of God's plan to bring about the
greatest religious revival since the first three centuries of the Church 4.
Doctrinal Implications of the Reformation
Martin Luther was the key initiator in the 16th Century Reformation 5. Ulrich Zwingli, John
Calvin, John Knox and the other reformers who stood for the movement eventually
propagated reformation which resulted in far reaching political, economic and social effects
that became the basis for the founding of Protestantism.
The three main doctrines that Martin Luther stood for are 6:
(1) Justification by Faith - Justification by faith alone is the truth that Jesus Christ
accomplished, through His suffering and death on the cross all that is necessary for
salvation. He is the propitiation for our sins and He satisfied the righteous requirements of
God. Man has no part in God’s redemption plan. Hence we are justified before God (and
saved) by faith alone, not by merits or anything we do and neither by anything the church
does for us. The reformer was calling the church to return to the teaching of the Scripture;
“by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of
works” Ephesians 2:8.
(2) Authority and Sufficiency of Scripture – The sole and absolute authority and
sufficiency of the canonical Scriptures. It is the Bible alone and not the church that has
authority over believers. The reformation upholds the sufficient, inerrant and inspired Word
of God as the only rule and practice for a believer’s life. 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is
given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto
all good works.” The teachings and traditions of the church are to be completely subordinate
to the Scripture and nothing else is to be added or subtracted from it (Revelation 22:18-20).
(3) Universal Priesthood of Believers - The third important doctrine stipulates that Christ
is our mediator and He has reconciled us to God and there is no need for another mediator
to intercede for us or to present God on our behalf. Romans 5:2 “By whom also we have
access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
The Bible says that all believers are priests before God through our great high priest Jesus
Christ. 1 Peter 2:5 “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy
priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” The Roman
Catholic’s concept of priesthood is not sanctioned in the scripture as the Old Testament
priesthood was clearly abolished with the fulfillment of Christ in the New Testament.
The doctrines of the 16th Century Protestant Reformers stood on five Solas 7:
a) Sola Scriptura (Bible Only): Bible is the only rule of faith and practice. The reformation
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upholds the infallible, inerrant and inspired Word of God and is authoritative over the
believer and the Church. Men, under the illumination of the Holy Spirit, are to study the
Bible to learn about God, Christ, salvation, and church government and practices.
Christians are to read and study their Bibles to form a biblical theology based on the
authority of the Scriptures alone. The Bible, previously written in Latin and read only by the
clergy, was to be translated into the vernacular tongues of the people and to be made
available for the life of the individual and the Church.
b) Solas Christos (Christ Only): Salvation is found not in the Church but in the person
Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ has secured and pro-cured the salvation of all who are saved by
grace through faith in Christ.
c) Sola Gratia (Grace Only): Salvation is by grace alone in the salvific work of Jesus
Christ. He is the propitiation for our sins as satisfied by the righteous requirements of God.
Man has no contribution in God’s redemptive plan. If man is saved it is because of God’s
unconditional grace.
d) Sola Fide (Faith Only): Justification is by grace alone (Sola Gratia) and through faith
alone (Sola Fide). Faith is the gift of God (Philippians 1:29) according to the purposes of
God. It is not based on works or merits but by God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8). Saving faith
expresses itself in good works. Saving faith always works by love (Galatians 5:6).
e) Soli Deo Gloria (God’s Glory Only): The underlying, foundational doctrine of the
Reformers was that God’s glory was the ultimate purpose of all things. The reformers were
God centred and held on to the doctrines of God’s sovereignty in election, predestination
and the efficacious call of God in salvation. They saw how these ultimately contributed to
God’s glory rather than men or the church.
Effects of the Reformation
The Protestant Reformation resulted in the following transformation 8:
a. A Reformation of Doctrine / Theology. The Reformation made a return to Biblical
doctrines of grace which includes justification by faith, universal priesthood of believers and
sole authority of the Bible. They recognized and acknowledged the depravity of man, the
sovereignty of God and election of sinners to salvation. The reformers also rejected the
authority of the Pope and the merit of good works. Justification by faith alone led to a deemphasis of external rituals and focused on the inner spiritual life. Authority of the Scripture
replaces the authority of the pope and medieval traditions.
b. A Reformation of Liturgy / Worship in the Church. The Reformation brought about
participative (active) worship which includes congregational hymn singing, reading and
preaching of the Word in the vernacular language of the people. Hymns or metrical psalms
became the main medium for congregational worship and a communication of biblical
doctrine within the Protestant Churches. Subsequently, reformers (such as Martin Luther)
and the Church produced hymns that were at the same time devotional and doctrinal. The
reformers also rejected the practise of indulgences, the mediation of Mary and the Saints.
Sacraments were reevaluated with only two of the seven sacraments instituted by Christ
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(Baptism and the Lord's Supper) remaining in the liturgy of the Church. The doctrine of
transubstantiation, the mass as a sacrifice, purgatory, prayers for the dead, confessions to a
priest, the use of Latin in the services, and all the paraphernalia that expressed these ideas
were expelled from the Church. Preaching (even by lay preachers) became important and
central in worship service. The liturgy was re-designed to accord with the Scriptures.
c. A Reformation of Domestic Life in the Home. The Protestant covenant home was
established. Priestly celibacy was rejected. Reformers such as Martin Luther, John Calvin,
Ulrich Zwingli and John Knox were married and had families. It was revolutionary in the
medieval period. The reformers followed the scriptural principal and started Christian family
and reformed home life and relationships. They also started family worships, catechism of
the children, family corporate prayers and domestic life. The family was seen as a
household of faith.
d. A Reformation of Church Polity / Government. The episcopal system of the Medieval
Church was reformed. The Church loyalty and submission was directed to Christ who is the
head of the Church. Although the reformation resulted in different system of church polity,
the reformed church was unanimous against the supreme authority of one man over the
Church of Christ. The Presbyterian system of Church government was developed by Calvin
and John Knox in accordance to Pauline instruction with ruler-ship by elders with the
deacons assisting in the ministry of administration.
e. A Reformation of Secular Work and Society. The Protestant Reformation also affected
secular life and work. There is no distinction between secular work of the world and that of
the Church. The English Puritans were advocates in the propagation of their doctrines and
impetus to hard work giving rise to the ‘Protestant Work Ethic’. It was the spirit of discipline,
diligence and excellence that subsequently gave rise to productivity contributing to the
prelude of the Industrial Revolution. John Calvin also advocated for compulsory education
for children which gave rise to the importance of education as a whole and in particular
education begins from the young.
In addition, the result of the 16th Century Reformation brought about the following changes
(Dr Jack Arnold 9):
I. Modern history and the Reformation movement are inseparable. The history of England,
America and Europe must be understood from the study of Reformation. For example, the
Pilgrim Fathers would not have existed in America if there had not first been a Protestant
Reformation.
II. The Reformation has profoundly affected the modern view of politics and law. Before the
Reformation, the Church governed politics by governing the law of the law of the land
including controlling emperors and Kings.
III. In the realm of science, modern historians concurred that there would never have been
modern science were it not for the Reformation. All scientific endeavours of the medieval
period were controlled by the Church.
IV. The Reformation brought about the right and obligation of individual conscience, and the
right to follow the dictates of the individual conscience. Modern man owe their liberty to this
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event.
Conclusion
It is a regrettable and lamentable fact that many in Christendom have forgotten or are
ignorant about the 16th Century Reformation and its doctrinal implications. The Reformation
was a momentous event that ushered in spiritual reforms with far reaching political,
economic and social affects that many can enjoy today yet have forgotten or have taken for
granted.
In closing, the Reformation movement of the 16th Century can be summarized with two
quotations as follows:
"For the Reformation was neither a revolution nor a restoration, though including elements
of both. It was negative and destructive towards error, positive and constructive towards
truth; it was conservative as well as progressive; it built up new institutions in the place of
those which it pulled down; and for this reason and to this extent it has succeeded" 10
(Schaff).
"There are two leading aspects in which the Reformation, viewed as a whole, may be
regarded; the one more external and negative, and the other more intrinsic and positive. In
the first aspect it was a great revolt against the see of Rome, and against the authority of
the church and of churchmen in religious matters, combined with an assertion of the
exclusive authority of the Bible, and of the right of all men to examine and interpret it for
themselves. In the second and more important and positive aspect, the Reformation was
the proclamation and inculcation, upon the alleged authority of Scripture, of certain views in
regard to the substance of Christianity or the way of salvation, and in regard to the
organization and ordinances of the Christian church" 11 (William Cunningham).
Chen Chin Hong
(NB. This is an assignment submitted for the ERBL course on Reformation, Post
Reformation and the Modern Era)
1
Schaff, P. (1882). History of the Christian Church, Volume VII. Modern Christianity. The German Reformation.
CCEL.
2
Peters, E. (2008). A modern guide to indulgences: Rediscovering this often misinterpreted teaching. Chicago:
Hillenbrand Books.
3
Rev Jack, Sin. (2001, April/May). Forming and Reforming. Impact, (p.16-17 )
4
Dr Jack, L. Arnold (1999, March 8). THE CAUSE AND RESULTS OF THE REFORMATION Reformation Men and
Theology, Lesson 2 of 11.
5
Hindson, E. (2013). The Reformation. In The popular encyclopedia of church history. (Harvest House Publisher),
(p.283)
6
Tim Dowley ed., Eerdmans' Handbook to the History of the Christian Church, (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishers
1976), (p. 364ff)
7
Johnson, T. (2004). The Case for Traditional Protestantism. (Banner of Truth Trust)
8
Rev Jack, Sin. (2015, September). The Five-fold Effects of the Protestant Reformation. Church History II:
Reformation, Post Reformation & Modern Era, (p.87-88)
9
Dr Jack, L. Arnold (1999, March 8). THE CAUSE AND RESULTS OF THE REFORMATION Reformation Men and
Theology, Lesson 2 of 11.
10
Schaff, P. (1882). History of the Christian Church, Volume VII. Modern Christianity. The German
Reformation. CCEL.
11
Edinburgh: T. and T. Clark (1862). The Reformers; and the Theology of the Reformation . (p.1-3)
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Greetings from Edmonton, Alberta
Congratulations on the 25th anniversary of your gospel labours at Maranatha BP Church. I
will also be celebrating 25 years of ministry at Edmonton Bible Presbyterian Church on
December 1 of this year. How merciful is our God to preserve His work and His servants
and to grant blessing and prosperity to the followers of our Lord Jesus Christ.
May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you faithful and to use you mightily in the
harvest of souls for the Kingdom of Christ.
Rev John Dyck
Edmonton BP Church
Canada
++++++++++
Greetings from Kenya
Blessed MBPC’s 25th Anniversary greetings in the Name of our Faithful Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ.
This auspicious occasion brings sweet memories to us of God’s great goodness and
faithfulness upon His ministry of MBPC. By His empowering Spirit and enabling and sufficient
grace, all His servants in MBPC, both young and old, male and female, have been enabled, to
faithfully and fruitfully contribute, in both small and big ways, to the noble task of fulfilling the
Great Commission Mandate as our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ gave to His Church in
Matthew 28:18-20.
The noble task of grounding God’s people on sound biblical doctrines, equipping of the saints
for ministry and spirited efforts in spreading the saving Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ, and indeed the whole counsel of God’s Word to God’s people not only in Singapore, but
even to the regions beyond, through the airwaves, printed materials, and face to face that has
been zealously and perseveringly undertaken by God’s servants in MBPC, through His enabling
grace, all these 25 years, is indeed exemplary to all God’s people who love our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ in truth and sincerity, and who seek to only glorify HIM in all that they do.
These efforts are indeed in line with the MBPC motto as is well-expressed in Colossians 1:28,
“Whom [i.e., Jesus Christ, the hope of glory, v27] we preach, warning every man, and teaching
every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”
As we celebrate God’s goodness together with you dear brethren on this blessed occasion of
MBPC’s 25th Anniversary, by God’s enabling grace and Spirit and for His own glory, we are
trusting the Lord for greater things ahead through His ministry of MBPC. As my beloved teacher,
Pastor Jack Sin, used to exhort us in class thus, through the motto of the great missionary
William Carey, “ATTEMPT GREAT THINGS (FOR GOD), EXPECT GREAT THINGS (FROM
GOD)”, so may we all be encouraged to persevere on in the Lord’s work, for God Himself,
through His servant, Apostle Paul, exhorts every one of us thus, “Therefore, my beloved
brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much
as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58). To God be all the
glory (Psalm 115:1).
Rev Francis Onyango Nyamiwa (& Violet)
Pastor / Lecturer
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Greetings from United Kingdom
Happy 25th church anniversary. Praise our Heavenly Father for you, Angie and members
dedication and hard work. Thank our Lord for bringing me (sinner) to MBPC, your church
fellowship meetings, care and charity, upholding me whilst in Singapore. Your sermons focusing
on Lord's Word had kept me going. Although MBPC is comparatively small, but the big efforts
by this small team of members reach out to big catchment of unsaved sinners, especially
thankful that you took up the enormous challenge of preaching in Chinese. Your focus on
saving souls and your love for our Lord clearly effervescent from your calm caring genuine
sermons. Some speakers talk about their experience in finer things in life; but yours remain
down to earth, on the pains difficulties, always Scripture-based, always humble and unadulterated. As I listen in remotely, I am grateful and thankful to our Heavenly Father for His
providence: allowing us access to online sermons. It is very difficult to find a church with a well
read Scripture-based pastor. So far I have found none here. All the more thankful for
technologies for access to your church sermons Thank you Lord for everything, His unfailing
love for us, sinners.
Ko Ying Ngai
Basingstoke, United Kingdom
+++++++++++
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Theme for the Quarter :
Secrets of the Abundant Christian Life
Combined English and Chinese Worship Service :
Rev Dr Jack Sin
speaks on
Secret of Persevering Prayer (Ephesians 6:18; James 5:16-18)
[End of MM]
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