Contending or Pretending?
by Elder Brian Moore
In 1832 a group of sound brethren met in Black Rock, Maryland. They met for the purpose of identifying and addressing certain departures from sound doctrine. During this meeting they clarified their stance against such departures and declared to contend for the faith as it was once delivered unto the saints.
I often find myself wondering what trials and tribulations my forefathers had to contend with, how much dissention and false doctrine that they had to confront. The answer of course is incalculable but one thing is for sure they contended with the problems when they arose, they didn’t wait for someone else to clean up the mess nor did they leave the issues for latter generations. They strived to eliminate error when it occurred, they contended for the faith.
Today, we, the Primitive Baptist, are once again met with many gross departures. In lieu of these departures I present this question to all of our able bodied ministers, are we contending or pretending? I have before me a copy of the Black Rock address, it is very specific in identifying the departures and very clear in stating the position of the brethren regarding those departures. It would do all Primitive Baptist well to sit down and read this document. I am not advocating or arguing for a second Black Rock Address, after all we have the Pitts Resolution and the Cranberry Declaration, two other much needed and timely documents. I am however, suggesting that we stand firm in opposition to these departures. I have recently read articles, which have criticized brethren who are standing in opposition to these departures, these articles were written by men who claim to be standing with us in this fight against liberalism. It is my opinion that they are trying to straddle the fence for fear of confrontation or for the sake of “peace.” This fear of confrontation appears to be guided by one of two things, cowardice or the desire to maintain peace. I hope that it is of the latter. Nonetheless, I fear that it is more a spirit of compromise for the sake of “peace.” It is very upsetting that some are willing to compromise and accept a little error in exchange for so-called peace.
Brethren, we are obligated to the next generation in faith to stand firm in the old paths, even if it means confronting the masters of change. In the book of Titus 1:13 we read “rebuke them sharply that they may be sound in the faith.” By refusing to confront the gross errors of the day we cheapen one of our most precious gifts, the comfort and publication of the gospel, as well as the price by which it came, and need I remind you the cost of this gift, ….the precious blood of the lamb.
Finally, I would like to point out that these gross departures are not confined to a particular region or location, it cannot be fenced in and contained. Some brethren are under the impression that this problem does not concern them because it has yet to enter their territory. Brethren, if you call yourself a Primitive Baptist, then this problem has entered your territory, are we not living in the same kingdom? A good understanding of the events, which came before, should provide us with ready knowledge of how to contend with current and future problems. Let us not be found pretending but rather standing together and earnestly contending for the faith and be as Paul who said “I am set for the defence of the gospel.” (Phillippians 1:17)
Bmoore 4/7/06
