All Articles For Editorial

The editor of The Christian Labor Herald reflects upon our article on the Union question in The Standard Bearer of Oct. 1, and expresses the opinion that “the editor (of the SB) is hardly justified in concluding that the Synod by that expression also declared that the existing so-called neutral labor organizations (CIO and AFL) do not necessarily give constitutional warrant to sin, nor show in their regular activities that they champion sin.” The editor states that he is under the impression that I quote from a “press report on the decisions of Synod,” and later in the editorial that...

(Continued from Issue 2, p. 26) 2. It appears rather clear from the “principles” adopted by the Synod of the Christian Reformed Synod in “neutral organizations” that Synod, although it ostensibly adopted the principle of corporate responsibility, does not consider mere corporate responsibility without personal participation in the sinful practices of a union sufficient as a basis for ecclesiastical censure. This seems to be the implication of conclusion 3, although it must be admitted that here too the language of the resolutions is ambiguous, and in need of commentary by Synod itself. However, it seems rather plain that this third...

The USA is rushing to ruin, a ‘victim’ of her own out-of-control passions for sex, violence, lies, godless pleasures, and every form of wickedness. Some might say she is going to hell in a handbasket, but that sounds to be making light of a very serious matter. Our society is plunging herself into ruin, asking for a tsunami to overcome her from both the Atlantic and Pacific. Recently, some in our society have been pushing back against a few of the evils that most disturb them. The media and others who have a voice in our society have been complaining...

(Continued from p. 73 in the previous issue). The question is: does corporate responsibility imply that a church member is liable to ecclesiastical discipline, if the union or association to which he belongs is or was engaged in sinful practices? The Christian Reformed Synod replied: not necessarily; it all depends on the degree of guilt. The correct answer to this question, however, is and must be: most assuredly! Let us first of all dispose of the question of “degree of guilt.” Whether or not a sin is censurable cannot be made dependent upon the degree of guilt, or the degree...

At the close of his article entitled “A Narrow Bridge” the editor of The Banner makes the following remarks: “Let us not forget that though the truth of God is not irrational, it often-transcends our reason. There are many doctrines in Scripture which appear to be self-contradictory. On that very ground the Unitarians deny the Trinity. No believer in the Trinity has ever been able to show that it is in accord with human logic to believe that there are three distinct divine persons while there is only one divine being. How many have plunged from the narrow bridge of...

Recently The Banner editorially put up a defense of the Reformed truth that salvation is by grace only, over against what the editor evidently considers manifestations of Arminian tendencies in the Christian Reformed Churches. The first editorial on this question was written in connection with and as a criticism of the hymn: “Let Jesus come into your heart.” The editor finds that this hymn expresses a “thoroughly Arminian sentiment.” For “where does the Bible teach that we can let Jesus into our hearts? The phrase implies that Jesus wants to come in but is unable to do so as long...

I also received the following communication: “Esteemed Editor: “The Men’s Society of Holland, MI, in their study of the second epistle of Peter have had some difficulty in coming to a clear explanation of II Peter 2:4, especially when Peter speaks of the angels being ‘cast down into hell.’ “Trusting that you will favor us with an explanation in The Standard Bearer, we remain, Your brethren in Christ, Protestant Ref. Men’s Society of Holland, MI. Henry Windemulder, Secretary.” The text reads as follows: “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered...

One of our readers sent me a mimeographed pamphlet in which the question is discussed whether our Lord actually was crucified on Friday, and was raised about sunrise Sunday morning. The pamphlet was accompanied by the request on the part of the reader to express our opinion on its contents, and on the question itself. The author of the pamphlet was not mentioned, although throughout there is familiar note in it that makes one rather sure as to its origin. However, seeing that the document as I received it was not signed, my discussion can be quite impersonal. The author...

You might attribute my sentiments to the cynicism of an aging man, but the country I find myself in today is not the country in which I grew up in the 1950s and 60s. It has not changed for the better. There is such evil in our land that, without faith in God and knowledge of what Scripture prophesies, I would despair for my grandchildren’s future. I know I must not be anxious, but I am still very concerned for them and what they will face in their lifetime. Like never before in the United States of America, and likely...

Previous article in this series: December 15, 2017, p. 125. With the New Year upon us, it is customary to think of improving ourselves personally. Christians may want to read more, eat less, adopt an exercise regimen, develop different entertainment practices, or change spending habits. True, one person may be inclined to self-examination more than another, but we all do well to consider ourselves regarding correcting personal flaws and promoting spiritual growth. The apostle Peter warns that, if there is not growth in a man, he may well be led away with the error of the wicked and fall from...