I write this from my jail cell in the Calgary Remand Centre. The past week I’ve missed my wedding anniversary and Fathers’ Day. My children will remember this Fathers’ Day as a time when they wept over the phone as I did my best to stay composed before other inmates while expressing my love for my children.
Your government has wrongfully put me on the horns of a dilemma. Either I forsake my convictions before God, or I’m imprisoned for some unknown time, taken from my family and the church community I’m entrusted to serve. If I choose the former then I deny God, thus I’m left facing the consequences of the latter. My conscience is captive to the Word of God and shall not be moved.
I realize that you think it’s best to adapt or change religious practices to work within the confines of your overbearing rules, but to adapt or change what I believe God calls me to do is to deny what God has called me to do.
For example, I’m commanded by Jesus, who died to make me his own, to practice hospitality. In fact, as a pastor, this must be a defining mark of my life. Hospitality is the practice of welcoming guests into your home. A practice forbidden by your government for 6 months. When forced to choose between obeying God and obeying men, the choice is clear.
I’ve shared publicly, and on many occasions how our theological convictions, mined from never-changing Scripture, come into conflict with your ever-changing “laws.” AHS continues to make public statements that they tried “working” with us, which is shorthand for them seeking unbending compliance through greater threats of punishment. Not once has anyone in your government shown any interest in actually working with us.
You have said that we have access to our independent judiciary for such discussions. However, our courts continue to refrain from weighing in on the constitutionality of your health orders. AHS lawyers continue to argue that more time is needed to produce the evidence that your office says it is using to make these restrictions. The courts have not proved to be a timely option for us. Your government can get a court order within the week. We are waiting on a hearing set for the end of September that began with lawyers in December of last year. The dates have been pushed back numerous times.
Mr. Premier and elected MLAs, I’m pleading with you to uphold our highest laws to which you are held to account. Temporary public health orders do not supersede our Alberta Bill of Rights, nor our Candian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I know that I am in the minority, but these laws are designed to protect the minority.
Mr. Premier, I know these restrictions will be lifted soon. I ask that you refrain from using imprisonment ever again to seek compliance to health orders. My imprisonment may be applauded by the left, but it has made Alberta the world-wide embarrassment of conservative governments.
As restrictions are lifted, return responsibility to the people of Alberta and return it for good. May this not be a pattern for your government in the future.
To my brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters at Fairview Baptist Church,
I love you with all my heart and long to be with you again in face-to-face fellowship.
I pray for you all each day, asking God to strengthen your faith, grow your love for each other, and to make you steadfast and immovable in your calling to put Christ above all. I thank God for you as it’s been reported to me that you’ve shown such love to my family during my imprisonment. I thank God that your love and your courage is going forth as a testimony, to the glory of Christ, and the beauty of his church.
I also thank God for your prayers for me. I am weak, but the Lord has strengthened me, and his grace is sustaining me through each and every day. I know that through your prayers and God’s lavish grace, that this time of suffering will build up his body, bring glory to himself, and sustain us in a place of joy.
When Paul was in prison, he wanted his books and parchments. I do gladly report that I do have a bible and notepad that I can keep in my cell. God’s word has been a refreshing spring to my soul as I’m reminded of God’s goodness and faithfulness. The notepad allows me to record my thoughts and treasures from God’s word that make themselves known through times of suffering.
Over the past 16 months I have sought to shepherd the flock that God has entrusted to me. We’ve had to consider the Lordship of Christ and its implications. We’ve had to consider the role of the church and state. We had to work through issues of conscience and examine texts like Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2. And we had to do this in the face of opposition.
I have now been imprisoned for those very truths that I’ve learned from God’s word. I can no longer shepherd the flock as I once did, at least for a season. However, these truths are not mine, and neither are you. The Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus – he has taught us these truths and he has equipped us all for such a time as this. Christ IS building his church. He watches over you. He keeps you and strengthens you. Christ is your shepherd, and you are his body. Christ will also be a husband to my wife and a father to my children. My family is his family, and he will bountifully provide. In my absence, he will be glorified and will care for his own.
So, as you turn to him now in worship, praise him for his steadfast love and care. Praise him for his great salvation. Praise him that he is always with us and that nothing can separate us from his love. Praise him as creator. Praise him as king. Praise him for he is worthy.
Thank you for working for the good of Alberta. Mr. Premier, I and many others in my circles supported you, helped you create the United Conservative Party, and then become our Premier.
I watched your victory speech on election night. You ended your victory speech in this way:
“Alberta is an idea. An idea of a society that believes deeply in the dignity of the human person, and in a great tradition of ordered liberty.
The idea that strong families, communities and resilient individuals are more effective at achieving human flourishing than a big, impersonal bureaucratic state….
A community that values freedom: free expression, free inquiry, freedom of conscience, and freedom from intrusions by the state into our lives. We know that liberty is essential to human flourishing, and is what gives meaning to our choices. We also know that freedom requires us to govern ourselves, and to care for our neighbours.”
As of this writing, our church is ordered closed and I’m the third pastor in Alberta to be jailed under your government. What was my crime? Exercising my God-given and fundamental freedoms of religion, assembly, and conscience by gathering together with other Christians as a church. We must do this in obedience to the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Government Overreach
I know your decisions have been difficult to make. But please know that your decisions have been difficult for us to bear. The people of Alberta are the ones who have borne the consequence of your decisions. Sir, never have the people of this province been subjected to such rule by the state. Never have we gone for months with government intrusions in our homes, workplaces, weddings, funerals, churches, businesses, and schools. Those who bear the consequences should be those who are making the decisions. Responsibility and freedom go hand in hand. You have taken both from us.
Mr. Premier and members of the legislature, I know you love our province very much. But nobody loves my family more than I do. No one is better equipped to make choices for my family than I am. You are not in a position to micromanage my household and tell us who can come in or who we can visit.
You also can’t possibly love the people in my church more than I do. Sir, these are the people that I visit when a baby is born. These are the people that I bury when they die and comfort their grieving loved ones. These are the people that I’ve given myself to care, teach, lead, and equip. I know them all by name and I know their lives, their families, and we live together as a family of faith. Are we not best suited to care for each other in this time of crisis rather than an impersonal bureaucratic state?
Does COVID change the structure of our society? Does it change the relationship between the home and the state or the relationship between the church and the state? Does the state serve the people or do the people serve the state? Does the health care system serve the people or do the people serve the health care system? Do we get locked into our homes for months on end to save the health care system because it may be overwhelmed? Is not $21 billion dollars a year enough of a burden for taxpayers to pay in an effort to support the healthcare system?
Haven of Refuge
Our church has been labeled a public nuisance for having so-called “super-spreader” events. Sir, in a year of gathering during this pandemic, we’ve seen zero transmission in our church! No COVID cases have been linked to our gatherings. We have done no harm. Not one hospitalization or ICU case can be attributed to our gatherings. What we’ve seen is a much greater harm being committed by your government! We minister to those hurting and vulnerable, those most negatively affected by your policies. Our church is a centre of worship that leads to the prevention of depression, despair, drug abuse, and even suicide. Most importantly, it is a community of joy in Christ, and salt and light to the world during this time of trial.
Misguided Injunction
I hope the May 6th court injunction will be the last straw to wake up your government to its increasing tyranny. Apparently the injunction applies to anyone in Alberta who would resist your dictates by putting them in jail. I was publicly torn away from my wife and children and placed in a maximum security remand center. This, sir, is a great injustice, an ugly abuse of power, and an egregious violation of my charter rights.
The Self-Sacrificing Higher Authority
Let me remind you that I, and other Christians, are doing this out of conviction and obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing that we may suffer compares to what he suffered for us.
The church is not a building, it is a gathering or assembly of believers with Jesus Christ as its head. Human government can attempt to force compliance in defiance to the commands of Christ, but the kingdom of Christ will outlast and overcome all human jurisdictions. Christians serve a higher law and a higher authority.
Jesus commands all people to repent and believe him, taking him at this word. He is the only way to peace with God. He died for sinners like you and me so that we might be reconciled to God and have eternal life. I pray that he would lead you, and that you would take up his word which is able to lead you to salvation, wisdom, and courage.
I appeal to you in your capacity as the leader of this province to change course and honor God and the freedom he has granted to his church and all men. May God grant you grace and mercy to understand truth in this age of confusion.
John writes in Revelation 1:4–5, “Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.”
The question before us is this, who or what are the seven spirits before his throne? The best way to understand the seven spirits here in Revelation is a reference to the Holy Spirit of God. This interpretation is supported by the following arguments.
1. Triune Greeting
John greets the churches to which he writes from the Father, Son, and Spirit. The phrase “from him who is and who was and who is to come” is a reference to God the Father as seen in verse 8 which says, “’I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’” The same title is later applied to Christ, but here is a clear reference to God the Father. In support of this being a reference to the Father is the later phrase in verse 5, “and from Jesus Christ…” So this greeting is from Father, Son, and the seven spirits before the throne.
It would seem unlikely that John would refer to angels or other creatures alongside Father and Son. It’s best to understand this as a reference to the Holy Spirit.
2. Significance of Seven
In the book of Revelation numbers are significant. The number seven takes on special significance as a number of completion or fullness. Months and years get their length and duration from the heavenly bodies like the sun and moon. However, a week—a 7 day period—finds no such parallel in nature. The seven day week comes from God’s creative week, his complete work of creation. And in Scripture, especially in the book of Revelation, seven takes on this significance of completeness or wholeness.
3. Parallel Passages
In Revelation 2:1 it says, “The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.” And in 3:1 it says, “The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.” Then in 4:5 it says, “before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God.” From these passages, it draws a parallel between seven lampstands (torches), and the seven spirits of God.
This is significant because with repetition of the same ideas using different descriptions, it allows us to understand what a particular reference is speaking about. Before each address to the seven churches in chapters two and three, it begins by saying, “The words of him who…” From these phrases, the words are clearly the words of Jesus Christ. Yet, in all the addresses to the churches it ends with these words, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22).
Again, we see the triune nature of God as Jesus speaks, him who has the seven spirits, and it is the Spirit speaking to the churches. Jesus, as the Lamb, having the Spirit of God is also pictured in Revelation 5:6 which says, “I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.” It’s best to understand that he who has the seven spirits is he who has the Spirit who speaks to the churches—the Lord Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
No other explanation, whether angels or other creatures, would seem to fit in these passages that refer to the seven spirits of God. It is best to understand the seven spirits of God to speak of the Spirit of God in his fullness. Understood this way, Jesus speaks with the fullness of God’s Spirit to his churches.
Our provincial leaders announced new COVID19 restrictions Monday evening. These restrictions have been introduced in an effort to reduce transmission of COVID19 to avoid the risk where hospitals across our province may be overwhelmed. Under these new measures, churches are limited to a maximum occupancy of 15 people for (at least) the next three weeks.
From the beginning of the COVID19 crisis, I’ve written a number of articles addressing some of the most pressing issues we face as a church. Our course was established one year ago when I wrote an essay on why the church must continue to gather. It addressed texts that have now been etched into our memory like Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2. Even though that essay is a year old, it still has application today. At the least, it confirms that our actions are not borne out of “COVID fatigue” or simply having enough of the restrictions. Rather, our actions are borne out of theological commitments to the Lordship of Christ and his instruction to the church as revealed in Scripture. This, above all, is the reason why we have been gathering and will continue to gather.
Another milestone of note was an article I wrote on December 11th in response to health restrictions announced the day prior. Those restrictions limited church attendance to 15% and was to last for three weeks. (This restriction was never eased and has been in place for 22 weeks!) That article laid out the theological, scientific, political, and legal issues around government imposed legislation restricting the gathering of the church. The following is a summary of that theological argument.
Summary of Biblical Argument
Jesus is King over all the earth, including all kings, powers, and nations (Matt 28:18; Ps 2; Rev 1:5; Col 1:16; 1 Tim 6:15; Rev 17:14; 19:16). With Christ as head over all, his law rules over all. Everyone will be held accountable to God’s law (Rom 3:19).
Our civil government including our mayor, premier, and prime minister all answer to God as his servants of justice (Rom 13:1–4).
Christ is Lord over all and rules directly over the church (Eph 1:20–21). There are no civil magistrates between the church and Jesus.
We are called to honor and obey our governing authorities in the state (Rom 13:1–7; 1 Pet 2:13–17), the church (Heb 13:17), and the home (Eph 5:22–33).
We are submit to those in authority over us unless they (1) forbid what God commands; (2) command what God forbids; or (3) command what is not theirs to command (Daniel 3, 6, Acts 5:29).
We are commanded by the Lord to gather especially as the Day draws nearer (Heb 10:25). We are commanded to practice hospitality (1 Pet 4:9; Rom 12:13), sing to one another (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16), love one another (Rom 12:10), comfort one another (2 Cor 13:11), serve one another (Gal 5:13), greet one another with a holy kiss (Rom 16:16; 1 Cor 16:20; 2 Cor 13:2; 1 Pet 5:14), celebrate the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor 11:17–34), and care for the elderly, widows, and orphans (Jas 1:27).
The church, being free from earthly rule under the lordship of Jesus, elects its own leaders who lead, teach, guide, and care for the church (Acts 6:5, 20:28; Tit 1:5).
With these truths, it is clear that the church is not beholden to earthly rulers to regulate its worship, gatherings, ministries, or mission.
These theological commitments make the decision about what to do with these latest restrictions clear—we gather as our Lord commanded.
Objections
Objection: This decision is a result of emotion, politics, selfishness, or some other ungodly passion.
As the articles over the last year will show, this is not a knee-jerk reaction. Rather it is commitment to truth, a clear and historic interpretation of Scripture, that is driving us to love God and neighbor. Following the truth of Scripture is always the most loving thing to do.
Our position as a church is consistent with historic Christianity and our shared confession of faith. Our statement of faith was adopted at the founding of our church in 1960. It originates from the 1930s and is based off the New Hampshire Confession (1833). Two portions of our confession are of note.
“We believe in the entire separation of the church and state.” This statement recognizes the unique role of church government and civil government that are sovereign governments under the rule of Christ. The state does not rule in matters given to the church nor does the church govern in matters given to the state.
And what is the role of the state? Our confession continues and says,
“We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interest and good order of society; that the magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed except only in the things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the only Lord of the conscience and Prince of the Kings of the earth.”
Two areas are explicitly identified as outside the state’s jurisdiction or authority. Anything opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ and anything which violates the conscience. Restricting the church to 15 people—which essentially restricts the church from gathering—is against the will of Christ and against the conscience of many who desire to worship the Lord of glory according to his word.
Objection: By not following the rules, you are making this crisis last longer.
There is no data given to back up this oft-repeated assertion. Rather, it serves to divert growing frustration toward the government to fellow citizens who are seeking to live in keeping with their God-given freedoms, roles, and responsibilities.
By God’s grace, our church has not had a single transmission of COVID19 in a year of gathering together weekly. We have encouraged those who are sick to stay home and for everyone to be proactive with their health to combat sicknesses we will inevitably encounter.
Objection: What about the seriousness of this disease with the variants of concern?
Certainly COVID19 is a serious disease whether in an old or new strain. The law of God gives us clear direction on handling serious contagious diseases. The law of God gives us direction to quarantine the sick, not the healthy, and certainly not the entire society which comes at a serious cost to health and wellbeing.
We are fundamentally against treating healthy people as if they are sick. This is just as bad as treating innocent people as if they are guilty.
The cure should not be worse than the disease. Many published articles (like this one) list the many damages of lockdown measures which are “related to a weakened immune system, stemming from a loss of purpose in life, social isolation and related mental health issues, leading to outcomes such as excess mortality, increased suicide rates, and an increase in non-Covid related diseases.”
Doctors around the world have been canceled for disagreeing with the prevailing narrative. As Christians we must weigh the arguments and data as we stand for truth. We must always remember that politicians and doctors may be well-intentioned but they are operating according to a Christless worldview that does not recognize the supremacy of God and his law.
Conclusion
In all these things, let’s remember that we serve the risen Christ. God has called us out of the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son. Jesus Christ is King. He calls us to obey him, and it is our delight to do so. He calls us to love him and make his truth known. He calls us to gather together, as his body on earth, to accomplish his will.
During these times the world needs more of the church, not less of it. In a time of fear, we need hope, not isolation. In a time of disease, we need to promote Christ, the great physician. There are gospel opportunities before us and the church must rise up and be bold for the Lord Jesus.
Remember, the church will always prevail. The truth will always prevail. The consequences may be severe. But we stand before Christ rather than bend before consequences.
Be encouraged. Christ will receive the reward for his suffering. He is worthy. His church will gather.
To the honorable Premier and Members of Alberta’s Legislative Assembly,
I am the pastor of Fairview Baptist Church in Calgary. We have stood with GraceLife church and other Christians who desire to see our fundamental freedoms protected by our government.
The government wants to protect the health care system whereas our highest law calls upon the government to protect our fundamental freedoms of religion, assembly, conscience, and so forth.
Through openalbertachurches.com and in partnership with the national, multi-pronged initiative libertycoalitioncanada.com there are 20 churches across Alberta (representing thousands of Albertans) and more than 65 churches nationally that will be freely and fully open this weekend. We cannot allow government imposed restrictions to dictate how we worship and interact as families in contradiction to the commandments of the King of all kings, the Lord Jesus Christ. We honor you and pray for you, but we must obey God when you ask us to forsake what He has commanded. Besides the 20 churches full and publicly open, at least that many are quietly meeting without following the latest health orders. I hear of growing unrest in other churches as consciences are calling people to worship the Lord in freedom, according to His word.
Whether publicly open or not, our desire is to please our Lord first and foremost and not dictate the conscience of people for a virus with a high recovery rate that only affects a small portion of our population. I expect more will join us each week.
It is time to open Alberta and give people both freedom and responsibility over their own health.
2) Do it for the sake of the poor and disadvantaged. As a pastor, I minister to the poor and disadvantaged. They have not been ravaged by COVID-19, but by lockdowns and restrictions. The wealthy with multiple safety nets don’t feel the pain caused by these lockdowns. How many more overdoses? How many more depressed? How many more disillusioned youth? Please, as one who deals with the fallout of major decisions made by a few people, help these weak and vulnerable!
3) Do it for the sake of humanity. We are not a social experiment. We are not made for the health care system, it is made for us. We have been imprisoned for a year for the sake of a health system in which we could have expanded. Faces, our very identity, are covered. How humiliating and dehumanizing. We are not the masses, we are not just organisms, we are human beings made in the image of God with dignity, value, and worth. We were made to be responsible and free creatures.
4) Do it for your own sake. If this continues, you will lose your base. You will split the right. You will pave the way for further vote splitting.
5) Do it for the sake of righteousness and judgment. God’s law grants people responsibility and fundamental freedoms. You will stand before God to give an account of how you have ruled our province.
Thank you for considering these matters. I pray for all of you and hope that you stand for truth, freedom, and responsibility.
Over the last few weeks we’ve been considering whether Romans 13 and 14 can help us navigate the issues we are facing with COVID-19 and government restrictions. You can read those articles here and here. Today we look specifically at Romans 14 and seek to apply its truths to our situation.
Romans 14:1–12 says, “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.’ So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”
Let’s consider the situation that Paul is addressing. As Gentiles are grafted into the people of God, the dietary laws and Sabbath laws are abrogated with the dawning of the new covenant (Mark 7:19; Acts 10:15; Col 2:16–17). Jewish believers would clearly have difficulty eating what they have always believed was unclean and not keeping the Sabbath. So how can Jew and Gentile believer coexist?
They wouldn’t be able to have a service together (which at that time typically involved a meal afterward). Those who kept the dietary laws would regard the others as weak and worldly. Those who ate everything would regard the other side as caught up in lies and legalism. We may think it best to resolve the issue by having a service for meat eaters and another service for ones who kept the dietary laws.
But what if another controversy arose among the meat eaters. They were divided over traditional versus contemporary styles of music. So now, to keep unity, we need a service for meat-eating traditional worshipers, another for meat-eating contemporary worshipers, and another for non-meat-eating worshipers—and the pastor better remember which hat he is wearing as he preaches to each gathering.
Division is not the answer to address unity. Rather, Romans 14 explains how we ought to coexist—even in disagreement—and maintain the one body spirit of unity. We need to leave room for Christian liberty.
Commands, Prohibitions, and Christian Liberty So how do we know if an issue is a Romans 14 issue where we can hold differing convictions yet are not to judge one another for them?
There are certain activities in Scripture that are commanded. We must agree to do those. There are certain activities in Scripture that are forbidden. We must agree to abstain from those. Then there are certain activities that are neither commanded nor forbidden. It is in these areas that wisdom, discernment, and Christian liberty must be exercised.
In this regard, Paul puts food (eating meat or not) and days (observing a special day in the calendar) as some of those issues that God has neither commanded nor forbidden. As such, convictions in these areas must not be used to judge your brother or sister in Christ. It is the Lord who evaluates and judges such convictions and practices.
The Bible does teach that dietary laws are abrogated, and that the Sabbath is no more—so these practices are not commanded. At the same time, the Bible does not command that a person must eat pork, nor does it forbid a day of Sabbath rest. These are the matters that Paul regards as matters of Christian liberty and areas where we can coexist together and not bring one another into judgment.
Christian Liberty and COVID-19 How does COVID-19 and government restrictions fit here?
One might seek to argue that all matters relating to health restrictions all fall under Romans 14. That is, it is a matter of conscience and conviction before the Lord. So whether one chooses to gather or stay home, to submit to restrictions in all areas or defy in others, it is all a matter of personal conviction not to be judged by any other. This is not my argument.
When considering Romans 14, we must remember that we are all bound to do what the Lord commands. These are not areas of personal conviction or Christian liberty. We are commanded to gather—especially as the Day draws nearer (Heb 10:25). We are commanded to practice hospitality (1 Pet 4:9; Rom 12:13), sing to one another (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16), and celebrate the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor 11:17–34). These are things we must be doing together as a church. We should not neglect these things or regard these commands as matters of Christian liberty that are optional or based on personal conviction.
At the same time, how one gathers, practices hospitality, and so forth is not commanded in detail. For example, there is nothing set in stone about gathering at 11am, singing 3 hymns, followed by a pastoral prayer and sermon. Certainly the elements of worship are expressly set down in Scripture, but their manner is not explicit. In this regard, one may choose to attend worship wearing a face covering. Others may choose not to. Some may wish to avoid physical touch, others may choose to hug. It should be in these areas where we should practice understanding and not quarrel over opinions.
This doesn’t mean that one should never seek to persuade others, or seek unity of both mind and practice. But it does mean that we will not judge someone who enters our fellowship with a face covering, nor should those who wear a face covering judge those who do not. Neither should dividing over face coverings be a way to maintain unity. Division in the church should only take place in matters in which the Lord has clearly commanded (1 Cor 11:19).
A Quest for Unity Our society is divided right now. The church is similarly divided. This is why Romans 14 was written, so that we can have unity in the midst of diversity. If we regard face coverings as a Romans 14 issue (and not a Romans 13 issue) then we can have unity. We should not be judging or dividing over such an issue. From the very beginning, our church has sought to allow room for differing convictions regarding masks and distancing. Your medical choices are yours to make. If we can give one another room on this issue, then we can have unity together (and gather together), even though we have different convictions before the Lord.
Romans 14:13–19 says, “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”
Some might argue that those who wear masks or those who do not, must give up their preferences for the sake of the others. There are times when this may be. But Romans 14 is not a call for all the early Christians to abstain from meat for the sake of the non-meat-eaters. Neither should this be a time when there is a call for all churches to mask up or go maskless. Romans 14 is a call for meat-eaters and non-meat-eaters to coexist together. That is, Romans 14 is a call for the masked and maskless to coexist together!
Ideally we would have a gathering of our church with people of varying convictions not judging each other. Rather than a church for anti-maskers or a church for the masked, we have a church of Christ where people can worship in freedom to worship the Lord according to their convictions—doing what the Lord commands, and not judging where the Lord has neither commanded nor forbid.
What a testimony to the world this would be! Here, in the church, is the only place where both sides—so polarized in the culture—come together in the church side by side for the sake of the gospel. This is the spirit and beauty of Romans 14.
Last week we began our consideration on whether Romans 13 or 14 are passages that help us navigate through COVID-19 and the questions we are facing now. I asked you to read Romans 12 through 14 to get familiar with the contents of those chapters. Today, I’m considering Romans 13 in context and asking: Does this passage address the issues of our day?
To begin we must remember that the chapter numbers “13” or “14” were not put there by the apostle nor inspired by the Spirit of God. We must be mindful as we look at chapter 13 not to miss the reason why he addresses civil authorities. We do better to start in chapter 12 where an new section of the letter begins. Romans 1–11 makes much of doctrine (indicatives), before chapter 12 and onward makes much of instruction (imperatives). That is, as common in Pauline letters, we see a foundation of truth laid and then the instructions compelling proper actions built on that foundation. The same holds true here.
So chapter 12 begins, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:1–2). This urging—including what the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God looks like—fills much of the remaining chapters.
Further in Romans 12, we see a litany of commands. This is the will of God that we are called to be conformed to.
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:9–21).
In this barrage of commands, you’ll notice that the last number of them have to do with not taking revenge. Vengeance belongs to the Lord. We are called to be at peace, not repay evil for evil, but rather to do good to those who persecute us or who are our enemies. Rather than avenging ourselves, we are to “leave it to the wrath of God.”
But, we may ask, when is the evildoer repaid? When is God’s wrath meted out? Do we have to wait for God’s final judgment for his wrath to bring justice to those who are evil? The answer, in short, is: No! Romans 13 continues the same thought of the wrath of God and how God deals with evildoers who are enemies of the righteous.
Romans 13:1–5 says, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.”
Do you see the connection to Romans 12? We see the discussion concerning God’s wrath continue. This portion of Scripture doesn’t just float down from heaven to call on obedience to the government as if these early church goers were so unlawful, rebellious, and deviant. This portion of Scripture addresses how God’s wrath will vindicate the righteous and punish the wicked. That is, God’s vengeance will be carried out—at least in part—through the justice of civil government who carries the sword to punish the evil doer. The civil magistrate “is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” Remember how many times Paul was rescued and vindicated by the civil authorities?
So, if we bring Romans 12 and 13 together we get a clearer picture. Don’t take revenge against evildoers, for God has appointed the state to be an instrument of his wrath against them. You do what is right and you’ll have nothing to fear. This includes paying taxes, being a good citizen, and working for the betterment of the city (Jeremiah 29:7).
When Paul commands Christians here to do what is right, the very idea of “right” implies a law or standard. That standard is not established by the government, but by the law of God.
Romans 13 continues and says, “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law” (Romans 13:8–10).
That is, the standard of righteousness the government ought to use in rendering judgment and meting out justice is the law of God which expresses true righteousness and true justice.
Is the point of Romans 12 and 13 clearer now? Christians are called to not take revenge. God’s wrath will be meted out through the civil government he has established for that purpose (cf. Gen 9:6). Christians should not be seeking revenge, rather they must concern themselves with acting righteously, fulfilling the law of God and avoiding his wrath.
Understanding Romans 13 in context helps us see that there is not a clear parallel between the original intent and our current situation. But can we apply this to today? Are government restrictions on the church and Christians due to COVID-19 a Romans 13 issue? I would answer no for two main reasons.
1) Romans 13 does not give the authority to the state that the state is exercising now.
By no means does Romans 13 give power to the state that requires obedience in all circumstances. There is nothing in Romans 13 that teaches that the government is responsible for the common good. There is nothing in Romans 13 that teaches that the government is responsible for keeping people safe from a virus such that they even command what takes place in the church and in the home. There is nothing in Romans 13 that says the church must obey the government in matters of public safety or health. Rather, Romans 13 teaches that the government is God’s servant for carrying out his wrath in accordance with his law.
For those who appeal to Romans 13 must consider how it applies. Is the government, as an instrument of God’s wrath, punishing the evil doers today? Is James Coates an evil doer? Did he violate the law of God by allowing people to freely assemble in worship, understanding the risks of doing so? Is he under the wrath of God for his actions? A child molester who is likely to reoffend has been released while a pastor sits in jail. Is this Romans 13?
Romans 13 defines the authority of the state to uphold justice and mete out God’s wrath according to God’s standards. It does not give power to the state to define justice or what is good and evil. It does not give authority to the state to outlaw gathering freely in worship, and then bring the punishment of the sword upon those who do.
2) Romans 13 does not command that Christians must always be obedient to the state.
The constant appeal today to Romans 13 is that Christians must be obedient to government and thus avoid their wrath (unless they forbid the preaching of the gospel). But there is a long history of conflict, imprisonment, torture, and execution by the state against Christians for their unwillingness to heed the wishes of the state (and it’s rarely for preaching the gospel).
Jesus was crucified as an enemy of the state. Paul was beheaded for his defiance to the state—and he’s the one who penned these words! In fact, almost all the disciples were seen as defiant to the state and were executed for it. The early Christians in Rome (who knew these verses) were crucified and killed by beasts in the arena. Why? Because they defied civil authorities and would not say “Caesar is lord” or offer incense to the gods as a good citizen would. They were a public nuisance, disturbers of the peace, and were dealt with as obstinate and defiant fanatics. They were free to preach the gospel, they just had to do it as good citizens of the state—it was a matter of the common good.
To be clear, Christians have often been punished by the state where fulfilling the law of God contradicts the laws of the state. At that point, Christians must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). (Of course, like today, early Christians disagreed over whether or when to submit to the state or not.)
In sum, there is nothing in Romans 13 to suggest that the war between the governments of godless men (the beast of Revelation) and the people of God does not exist. We must always remember that that war is about authority and loyalty—it’s not only about preaching the gospel.
Conclusion While Romans 13 is often appealed to, we must understand it in its context before we rush to apply it to our present situation. Unless one is willing to say that God’s wrath is against those who gather for worship in violation to current public health orders (that differ from province to province and state to state), we cannot hold this as a Romans 13 issue.
Next week we’ll consider Romans 14 and see if it’s principles help us for today’s issues.
Please remember, while we navigate these issues where disagreements abound, I’m seeking to get us to a point where we are forced to examine the passages in question so that unity of mind can be achieved.
I was asked these questions by a reporter recently and thought it helpful to share my responses publicly and in their entirety.
Will you be holding in-person service(s) this Sunday? For how much longer?
Yes. We have resumed our regular services and will continue them indefinitely.
How many people attend or will attend the service? Do you intend to adhere to the 15% capacity rule? Masking?
We had a full church on Sunday and expect attendance to increase each week. We cannot abide by the 15% capacity rule and stay faithful to our commitment to God and to one another as a church. We leave masking up to attendees and their own conscience before the Lord.
You held an in-person service last weekend. Were enforcement personnel present?
Yes. Bylaw, AHS, and CPS were present at the beginning of our 11am service and left as we began.
Have you adapted in any way to these public health restrictions?
Yes. We have a risk mitigation strategy that we’ve sent to our congregation and AHS. We ask attendees to self-screen before attending, we have signs posted, provide masks, hand sanitizer, do not pass offering plates, have no children or nursery services, and livestream our services for those who choose to remain at home. We also have a space in the building setup for people who wish greater physical distancing. We seek to follow the public health restrictions until they interfere with how we understand the Bible’s commands to worship God.
Have you received any summons in the past couple of weeks for alleged violations of health restrictions? How many have you received thus far? What total fine amounts are you facing?
I have not yet received any enforcement action the last few weeks. In January, I received one fine for $1200, and a week later a court summons where I could face a penalty of up to $100,000.
Do you consider this enforcement persecution, or religious persecution?
I do not believe either the government or law enforcement are targeting churches or people of faith. The reason we are meeting is out of obedience to Christ and how he calls us to worship. It is that obedience to Christ that has brought this enforcement.
Have any members of your congregation tested positive for COVID-19?
No. None. The assertion that churches are superspreaders is merely an assertion and is not based on evidence. Our church, GraceLife Church near Edmonton, and the multiple thousands of people that have gathered at John MacArthur’s Grace Community Church in California for month after month bear witness against the oft-repeated narrative.
I understand you’ve held in-person services in other places before returning to your church last month. What kind of venue was used and how many people attended? Was that done to avoid surveillance?
We did meet at an alternate location. We are commanded by God to gather and so we did.
How much of your congregation doesn’t attend in-person services? How many are opposed to these being held?
We have a small group of our members who stay home and watch online. We love and support our members who choose to stay home for various reasons.
What level of enforcement would convince you to halt these services?
We are aware of the potential costs–imprisonment and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines–yet a price cannot be set on loyalty to God. God has given his own Son to purchase a people for himself and he is worthy of worship, even at a high cost.
Most houses of worship have opted to use virtual services and many believe this is the Christian thing to do in light of the pandemic. What’s your response to that?
As Christians, we have a book that contains the very words of God. God alone has the authority to instruct how he wants to be worshiped. In the Old Testament, Nadab and Abihu were struck down with fire from heaven for not worshiping God as he prescribed. Neither I, nor any Christian, has the authority to change how God calls us to come together as a church. We’re commanded to practice hospitality, to love one another in ways that masks and distancing make impossible, and to gather together as a family of faith. The problem today is that we have professionalized the church where people come to listen to the band and hear an inspirational talk. In Scripture, the people are the band, and the sermon is a spiritual event that necessitates a congregation. In short, the gathering of the whole church is essential to what it means to be a church.
It appears 9 other Alberta churches have signed up to the Liberty Coalition Canada (libertycoalitioncanada.com). Are all of those now holding in-person services (and possibly beyond the 15% limit)? Will more be joining?
I was aware of ten churches in Alberta that were publicly and fully open last Sunday. I expect 14 to be publicly open this Sunday with others joining each week. In Manitoba, a similar movement (backtochurchmb.com) also has 14 churches that will be fully open in that province this Sunday.
How do you view the detention of Pastor Coates? Is his refusal to meet his bail conditions in any way an act of martyrdom?
His refusal to agree to his bail conditions is not surprising. He’s a man of conviction and integrity. He was not looking to be detained, he is only seeking to be faithful to Christ. The Bible is very clear that ministers of the gospel will give an account to God for how they have led the church. Both James and I take that reality with the utmost seriousness. The heavenly court is of far greater concern than any earthly court.
What effect has his detention had on your congregation or other faithful?
His detention has made our church count the cost for following God in obedience to our religious convictions. It has served to encourage Christians of similar convictions to be faithful no matter the cost. Philippians 1:14 is relevant here, “And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”
Have you been in touch with Pastor Coates in recent days? If so, what has he said to you?
No.
What do you say to your church’s neighbours who’ve been lodging complaints about in-person services?
Complaints stem from a narrative which claims that we are a danger to the community. After 11 months, those claims are unfounded. In addition, for all the negative reactions we’ve received from the community, we’ve received a similar number of positive reactions. In fact, multiple people from the community have started attending our services after seeing us in the news. They’ve found us to be caring and have been helped by the church. The Bible says the church is the pillar and support of the truth, so we must proclaim that truth even when it is unpopular. That is the most loving thing we can do for our neighbors.
We are more than physical bodies and there are more dangers than COVID-19. As a church we care for both the soul and the body. How people can be right with God through his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, is our greatest concern and expression of love. In Christ, fear of death is put into proper perspective. At the same time, we are not careless about dangers to our bodies. However, I’m convinced that the COVID restrictions have done great harm to many people in our society. We must allow people to be responsible for their own lives, medical choices, and livelihoods. In a Christian society based upon the supremacy of God and the rule of law, we recognize that people have fundamental freedoms as men and women made in God’s image. If we restrict or violate those freedoms, it will be the downfall of our society. Jason Kenney said so himself in a speech delivered in 2014 (https://www.convivium.ca/articles/conscience-versus-the-spirit-of-the-age).
This is the first part of a multipart article on Romans 13-14 and church unity during COVID.
Christ is Lord over the church. Period. All Christians will agree on this point. If you are hesitant to affirm this or pondering about qualifying that statement, I’m fearful that current events have unseated the primacy of Christ, not only in the church, but also in your heart. The confession “Jesus Christ is Lord” is foundational to Christianity. Men and women were thrown to the beasts for this simple confession.
If we agree that Christ is Lord over the church, then we agree that Christ rules and governs the church. The disciples, following Jesus’ instructions to “teach them all that I have commanded you” have set forth in Scripture, inspired and preserved by the Spirit of God, what is necessary for us to worship God and make other disciples through the proclamation of the gospel. We can all see from Scripture the pattern set down for congregational worship, singing, fellowship, preaching, public prayers, practicing hospitality, a host of “one-anothers,” celebration of the Lord’s Supper and baptism, and living as a family of faith—brothers and sisters under the lordship of Christ.
Enter COVID-19. The pattern of Scripture was interrupted. Churches around the world stopped some or all of these activities (or did them in new ways) out of concern for a viral threat. However, as time wore on, some found the risk of COVID-19 manageable and resumed the pattern of Scripture as it was practiced before. Some were exercising more caution, others were accepting more risk.
Enter government mandates. At some point, state authorities deemed that education or information was not sufficiently changing behavior. It must be assumed that the average person was willing to accept more risk than the governing officials deemed best. So restrictions with increasing enforcement and penalties have become the new normal.
Enter debate. At this point, we are left with two main options—conformity or conscience.
That is, to address the risk of COVID-19, we follow government mandates and have a conformity of behavior across our cities and province. Experts are tasked with making the rules that will meet the objective of limiting viral transmission. Of course there are downsides. A young family who contracted COVID last month and has recovered, must still conform to the same restrictions as an 84 year old couple who lives alone. Health orders apply to them both, regardless of their risk factor or their willingness or unwillingness to assume risk. When we have a top-down, state-led approach to controlling the spread of a virus, conformity is the only practical option.
The alternative is conscience. People are informed of dangers, risks, and data. This evidence and warrant informs their conscience which leads to beliefs that govern their behavior. Those who are convinced they are at high risk or have little risk tolerance, take great strides to ensure their safety. They may choose not to see loved ones over the holidays since the risk is too great. Others, perhaps having lower risk levels or a higher tolerance of risk, live their lives in a mostly normal manner. Of course there are downsides here, people may be ill-informed or not have the greater good in mind.
In the former case of conformity, we rely on expert opinion but we lose both responsibility and liberty. In the latter case of conscience, we gain liberty and rely on responsibility but may lose a cohesive response. In the former, responsibility is centralized in the expert, in the latter, responsibility is with the individual or family.
Enter church disunity. Now we have a dilemma. Some within the church lean toward conformity, others lean toward conscience. The former will make much of Romans 13 (conform to government orders), the latter will appeal to Romans 14 (leave it to the conscience).
I want to challenge you to read Romans 12 through 14 on your own before you read the second part of my article next week. Pay attention to the context and how the parts fit together as a whole. We should be asking what God has said and (so important but often neglected) why he is saying it here. Next week, I’ll be examining Romans 13 and 14 as we seek to be united in mind around the Scripture in the issues that press us today.
