No, and yes. One of the strange results of efforts made to shoehorn homosexuality into the church is the claim of many at best celibate and at worst actively practicing, that they are “gay Christians.” The latter try to claim their sin is no sin. The former claim their inclination is no sin, but it is a good way to center their identity. We ought to say no to both. Paul is quite clear that those who practice unrepentantly sexual immorality, homosexual acts, as well as the greedy, idolaters, drunkards and more will not inherit the kingdom (I Corinthians 6: 9-10). That excludes the latter group. The former group is excluded by the very next verse as Paul reminds his readers, “Such once were you” (vs. 11). Not, such are you, but were you. You once practiced those sins, but they do not define you now. Your identity is in Christ. You may struggle with this temptation, battle that besetting sin, but if you are in Christ He is your identity. It is how God sees you, and He is the decider.
I understand the temptation. My own webpage has as a header to describe me, “Sinner saved by grace.” When, however, I refer to myself as a sinner I’m not naming my identity. But my propensity. That is, I am one who sins. My identity, however, is in Christ. I battle the besetting sin of temper. But in Christ I am meek. I don’t want to forget what I am in myself, but cannot forget who I am in Christ.
That said, because we do still sin we are often tempted to define ourselves as we are in Christ and others as they are alone. There is a relatively well-known Christian journalist on the internet whose area of expertise is to expose what she deems to be the sins of others. I’ve been covered by this woman, who, nearly every time she refers to me she includes this juicy adjective, “Disgraced.” As in, “Disgraced Former Pastor RC Sproul Jr. Plants a Church” or “Disgraced Former Pastor RC Sproul Jr. Opens Pastoral Training Center” or words to that effect. In some sense, she is quite correct. I have scandals in my past, and sins in my present and future. I have brought shame on my Redeemer and His church. That, however, is not who I am, because I am in Christ.
Some years ago this same journalist published a book in which she openly and honestly gave an account of the, in her words, unhealthy and dangerous, emotionally dysfunctional relationship she had with an adult (19 years old) member of the youth group the journalist served while in her thirties. This is to her credit. Better still, more recently she acknowledged that her account didn’t emphasize sufficiently the power dynamic in the relationship, that she could have done better. That’s honorable. What I’m puzzled by is why she continues to identify those she doesn’t care for by their past sins, but doesn’t do the same to herself. Why is her site not called “The Disgraced Mrs. So and So Report” when she publishes pieces on those she defines in terms of their disgraces?
I’m glad she doesn’t, to tell the truth. Because that’s not who she is in Christ. That she feels comfortable describing her brothers in Christ as “disgraced,” however, is disgraceful. Such too, however, is covered by the blood of Christ. No, we don’t define ourselves by the sins we’ve committed or still struggle against. We also don’t define our brothers and sisters by the sins they’ve committed or still struggle with. Sinners? Yes, in that we sin. Saints, most assuredly because of the beautiful gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thank you for well thought out words. I am one who has been through similar experiences as you and am great-full God has given me another chance or chances.
A new creature, forgiveness, grace and mercy.
I have been to many conferences with RC and you in the past and thank God for your teachings and emails.
I find this so called reporter mentioned absolutely disgusting. When I first read her a few years back it was obvious she had some vendetta and obviously wanted to destroy you for whatever personal reasons, possibly theological disagreements or whatever, a lion waiting to pounce.
Thanks again,
Mike
Thank you brother. Such accusers are another opportunity to give thanks for His grace.
Doubting Thomas comes to mind.
I’m an ardent fan of your father and also of you and your past work. I read this article with sadness because of what could have been and how devastating is the destruction of sin.
Unfortunately, exposed sin does come with some consequences as with your label of “disgraced “. While it’s true that your identity is in Christ, you must wear the earthly title of disgraced in order to make sure that those who would follow you in ministry are aware of your past. As pastor you held the “Keys” of the church but that has been (or should be) taken from you. This is not to say that you cannot be used as an invaluable asset in God’s Kingdom, just not as pastor, church planter or the like. After all, who would hire an accountant convicted of embezzlement? (A bad analogy, I know).
Your nemesis journalist has no reason to label those not in the ministry as “disgraced” because…well, they are not in ministry.
I know two other ministers who went through similar situations as you. Both of them are preaching and and declaring to be church planters while all the time intentionally hiding their past.
I’m glad you are being called out for the good of God’s people. I’m certain your sins are forgiven AND forgotten by our loving Savior. They must however, be remembered by us as an example of just how serious is sin.
God’s blessings, brother.
If I understand you, I can be called “disgraced” if I serve as a pastor. “Or the like.” Would “Or the like” include hosting conferences for Christians, speaking at conferences for Christians, publishing articles about the responsibilities of Christians, writing books for Christians? Creating podcasts for Christians? Would it make a difference in your mind if my “disgrace” happened when I was not serving or ordained as a pastor? No snark intended. I’m just wanting to be sure I understand.
Skip, I know RC doesn’t need defending, but please back up with scripture, where one must wear the earthly title of disgraced, also where someone years later after a public sin cannot serve as a pastor. Pretty sure God can use anyone He wants for any purpose He has. Who are you to place limits on God. Look At David, Noah, Jacob Peter, yourself and so on what were there earthly titles.