R.C. Sproul: A Tribute to the Greatest Theologian of Our Time

This is the only personal item I have from R.C. Sproul: an autographed cap from the Legacy Club where he and Hank Hanegraaff played golf. I'm not a golfer myself, but I will treasure it forever!

I realize there’s no need to add my meager voice to the overwhelming tributes to Dr. Sproul by so many friends, pastors, and theologians, but as I pondered his passing last Thursday, an overflow of gratitude welled up that I had to put into words.

One of my most profound memories of Dr. Sproul was when he came to the studios of the Christian Research Institute in September of 2007. He was scheduled to do two broadcasts and I was very excited. I remember him coming through the front door with Vesta as I sat at my desk in the windowed control room. I watched as Hank came down and greeted them and led them down the hall to his office. About an hour later they came into the studio and I watched him through the glass as we tested his microphone before we went on air. In God’s providence, however, I never got the chance to shake his hand and officially meet him because I had to leave work early that night.

Back then I had no idea the incredible impact R.C. would have on my life. Of course I had heard of him and Ligonier Ministries, but in the ensuing years I got to “know” him through his books and teaching, just as countless others had done before me. Although I didn’t experience the blessing of knowing him personally, I grew to love this man like a second father: his gravelly voice, his beaming smile, his captivating teaching, his clear writing style, and his passion for the things of God. He was infectious. Even my kids enjoy listening to him. I longed to just sit at his feet and learn.

I remember especially in the summer of 2010, when I was wrestling with the doctrines of grace and trying to understand the relationship between human responsibility and the sovereignty of God. Where did I go? I turned to R.C. for the answers. I devoured his books and lectures, and I also read the works of theologians he recommended like Luther, Calvin, and Edwards. It took several years to unlearn what I had been taught most of my life. It was a radical transformation from Pentecostal to Presbyterian, but R.C. helped me understand that I had to believe what Scripture actually taught, not what I wanted it to teach. Through Dr. Sproul’s ministry I learned that God was absolutely sovereign over ever particle of dust in the universe; there were no maverick molecules. I learned that God had chosen me for salvation before the foundation of the world. And I learned that God was unimaginably holy, so His mercy in saving a wretch like me was nothing short of a divine miracle.

Without a doubt, R.C. Sproul is my favorite teacher, and in my humble opinion, he was the greatest theologian of our time. He was an absolutely brilliant man with an encyclopedic knowledge of the Scriptures and church history, but what made R.C. so effective was his unique ability to take complex theological doctrines and philosophical concepts, and make them understandable to guys like me. He was one of those rare men that the Lord gifted with the capacity to mine the deep treasures of Scripture and bring them to the surface in a way that everyone in the body of Christ could access. I can’t even begin to count the ways R.C. has shaped my understanding of theology. When I was a child all I ever wanted was to be a professional musician when I grew up. Now that I’ve grown up, I want to be a theologian, like R.C. My life has been forever changed by his ministry.

Like a modern-day Luther, the legacy he has left us will endure for generations. R.C. spent his life teaching, preaching, and defending the gospel of Jesus Christ. In a word, he lived for the glory of God. He finished his course, he kept the faith. Let his life be a testimony to us all, that time is precious; therefore, we must live every moment with eternity in view. While we mourn our loss, we know that R.C. will never mourn again, for he now beholds, face to face, the glorious refulgence of the thrice holy God.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Rev. 21:3-4

We Need Another Reformation

Much ado has been made over the 500^th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, me included. I welcome the attention because refocusing on the history and theology of the Reformation will bear lasting fruit. Why? Well, there is so much we could say about the Reformation, but at its core, it was a recovery of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ as taught in Scripture. So a re-emphasis on the authority of Scripture and the power of the gospel can only be a good thing. We desperately need this in the church today. We need another Reformation.

We don’t need signs and wonders, and new revelations as the Charismatics insist. We don’t need health and wealth as the prosperity gospel promises. We don’t need to believe in ourselves and follow our dreams as the gospel of Disney would have us believe. No, what we need is to return to the basics: Word and sacrament, true Christian fellowship, and a laser like focus on the person and work of Christ.

With all the worldliness that has crept into the church, the prevalence of these false gospels, the general lack of discernment, and the woeful ignorance of Biblical hermeneutics, the church is in dire need of reform. It needs massive, gospel-centered, Christ-exalting, human-humbling, God-honoring reform.

Reforming Our Churches

But how can we achieve this? Ultimately, we cannot reform the church on our own, only God, in His providence can do that. Yet we can follow His revealed will. We can read, study, and preach the Scriptures faithfully. Much of the fruit of the Protestant Reformation was caused by a desire to go (ad fontes) back to the sources. When the Reformers began reading the Bible in its original languages, they found truths that had been hidden, not only by the Latin Vulgate, but by the entire Roman Catholic system. The result was an explosion of gospel-centered preaching that exalted Christ and His Word. The Reformers taught that Christian belief and practice does not come from church tradition or the Pope, but from Scripture alone. When the truth of God’s Word was elevated over the traditions of men, reformation came to the church.

Reformed Resurgence

I thank God for the resurgence of Reformed theology over the last decade or so because it has emphasized, among other things, a renewed awareness of God’s absolute sovereignty over all things. When God is magnified and honored as the supreme potentate, man is rightly humbled and the church thrives. Too much of today’s so-called Christianity is focused on man; man’s achievements, man’s autonomous free will, man’s happiness, etc. God has been relegated to an observer trying to make good out of the choices we make, instead of ordaining and governing the course of human history to fulfill His purposes. Or worse, God has been perverted into a cosmic genie who is there to make all our dreams come true. “As long as you have enough faith, or pray with the right intensity or frequency, God will bless you. He’s just waiting on you. He wants to save and restore and accomplish His will, but He just can’t do it without your help.”

This is not what the Bible teaches. This is not the sovereign God of Scripture who works all things after the council of His will (Eph. 1:11); who frustrates the plans of the people (Ps. 33:10); who rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he wills (Dan. 4:32); who makes peace and creates calamity (Isa. 45:7); who does whatever He pleases on earth and in heaven (Ps. 115:3, 135:6); who can do all things and cannot be thwarted (Job 42:2); who said, “apart from me you can do nothing,” (John 15:5); for from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen! (Rom. 11:36)

This is our God! None can stay His hand or say to Him, “What have you done?” (Dan. 4:35). He is all-powerful, unimaginably wise, and He is sovereign over everything; over kings and presidents, good and evil, world history, football games, sparrows, the hairs of our heads, salvation, the human will, everything! This truth of God’s absolute sovereignty over all things must be proclaimed if we want to see reformation.

Reforming Our Message

In Mark 1:15, the initial message Jesus preached was: repent and believe the gospel. We need to get back to this simple message. Too much of the so-called preaching today is about making people feel good. “God wants you to be successful. He wants bless you. He wants to make all your dreams come true. You need to dream bigger; aim higher; follow your heart. You can have your best life now!” This is not the gospel. It’s man-centered, not Christ-centered. Where is the message about denying yourself and taking up your cross, and following Jesus (Luke 9:23)? Of course God wants to bless His people, but He wants to bless us in Christ. There are no true blessings outside of Him. This is not our best life now! No, we are exiles in this world awaiting our heavenly home where we will see Jesus face to face. The Christian life is filled with trials and tribulations (John 16:33; James 1:2-4), and God brings them into our lives to uncover our sin and conform us to His image.

Preaching about sin is also lacking from our message. People don’t want to hear that they are sinful, that makes them feel bad. They only want to hear about the love of God, but not His wrath. Yet God is a God of both mercy and justice. One of the fundamental aspects of the gospel is that Jesus died to bear the wrath of the Father against sin. If we don’t begin to grasp God’s infinite holiness and our utter wretchedness by comparison, we won’t understand this. Without God’s just punishment against sin, we have an empty gospel.

Finally, we need to proclaim that God is sovereign over salvation. If you are a Christian and believe God is sovereign over everything, then that must include salvation. Since God is sovereign over all things then He is sovereign over who will be saved. You can’t claim God is sovereign over everything except salvation, otherwise He isn’t really sovereign. You can’t have it both ways. This is vitally important because it highlight’s God’s freedom to glorify Himself as He sees fit by saving an elect people to display His great mercy (Eph. 1:5-6). If God merely helps us with salvation, or if He does 99% and we do 1% by cooperating with Him, then He will not be fully glorified. No, unless we realize that we are completely helpless apart from God’s free grace, we will continue to believe that we contribute something to our salvation.

The Bible is absolutely clear that salvation is of the Lord. It is not of the will of the flesh or of the will man, but of God (John 1:12-13). It doesn’t depend on human will or exertion, but on God who has mercy (Rom. 9:16). Therefore, He has mercy on whomever He wills, and hardens whomever He wills (Rom. 9:18). Throughout Scripture, God is the one who chooses His people (Deut. 7:6; Eph. 1:3-5; Rom. 8:29-30). We must reclaim this truth of God’s kingly freedom over salvation so that Creator and creature are seen in their proper perspective and God alone receives all the glory!

Modern Reformation

500 years later, the sound of Luther’s hammer pounding on the castle church door in Wittenberg still echoes throughout the ages. The spark that lit the Reformation must be rekindled in each generation. We must carry the torch of the Reformers and continue to boldly proclaim the authority of Scripture and sovereign grace of God in Christ Jesus. We must earnestly pray that the Lord will revive His church and bring about a new reformation.

Why We Should Celebrate the Reformation

October 31^st 2017 marks the 500^th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, and I’m going to argue that every non-Catholic should at least take some time to reflect, if not celebrate, this momentous era in church history. Unfortunately, for many evangelicals today the Reformation is some vague event in the past that holds little or no significance. Many have no idea what took place or why, and probably don’t care. “Reformation Day?” they ask. “What are you talking about? Isn’t October 31^st Halloween?”

I understand this question. When I was growing up we didn’t celebrate Reformation Day, in fact, I never heard of it. Yet Reformation Day commemorates not only the day Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the castle church door in Wittenberg, but the recovery of Biblical truth that had been obscured for centuries by the Roman Catholic Church. Not the least of these truths was the very gospel of Jesus Christ. Yes, at the heart of the Reformation was a recovery of the gospel.

What are we Protesting?

Unfortunately, the term Protestant is losing its meaning today. While there are many in the visible church who would fit nominally into the category of Protestantism, most have no idea what they are protesting. The main reason for this is because they are ignorant of church history as well as the theology driving the Reformation. The Mainline denominations have become theologically liberal and many Protestants have no earthly idea what Rome actually teaches or what they themselves believe, and therefore, they don’t understand the need for division. Yes, that’s right, the need for division. But aren’t we supposed to be one big, happy, ecumenical family? Aren’t we supposed to promote unity? Aren’t we all supposed to get along?

Let me ask a simple question: should Bible-believing Christians be united with Mormons or Jehovah’s Witnesses? No, of course not! Why? Because Mormons don’t believe that God was eternally God, but rather, they believe that “Heavenly Father” ascended to godhood. He was once a man who used to live on a planet orbiting a star named Kolob. Jehovah’s Witnesses overtly deny the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, and have their own version of Scripture which edits texts concerning Christ’s divinity. This is not orthodox Christianity. They may use our terminology but they are not Christian, in fact, they are cults.

Well, what about the Roman Catholic Church? Reformed Christians, or what I like to call, true Protestants, argue that Rome is not a cult, but it adds many traditions to the Christian faith and distorts the purity of the gospel. Try as you may, but you won’t find the Scriptures teaching seven sacraments, or Purgatory, or indulgences, or the Treasury of Merit, or the propitiatory sacrifice of the mass, or petitioning Mary, or the necessity of the Pope. All of which, by the way, the Roman Church still affirms. Imagine a church that had become so corrupt that it actually burned, strangled, and drowned Christians for speaking out against the authority of the Pope, or for committing the crime of translating the Bible into a language that laypeople could understand. This was the case in the 16^th century. The church was corrupt, both morally and doctrinally; it had lost its way, and the Reformers were bold enough to call for renewal.

Old Time Religion

Despite the accusations of the Roman Catholic Church, the Reformers weren’t teaching new doctrine, they were merely recovering the old Biblical doctrines which had been obscured by the traditions and sacramental system of Rome. Let me give a graphic example by way of contrast. At the Council of Trent, the Roman Catholic Church anathematized anyone who believed in justification by faith alone. They also repudiated the doctrine of imputation; the Biblical teaching that our sins were imputed to Christ on the cross and His righteousness is imputed to us by faith. Again, just to be clear, Rome stated that anyone who believes salvation is by faith alone should be cursed. And they have never recanted this ruling.

On the contrary, we would say that the doctrine of justification by faith alone is absolutely essential to the gospel; without it you don’t have a gospel. The only way sinners can be justified before a holy God is not by any merits of their own, but by the perfect righteousness of Christ alone. So the Roman Catholic Church has anathematized the gospel of Jesus! Their false gospel attempts to add to the perfect work of Christ. And as Paul told the Galatians, if righteousness comes through works, then Christ died for no purpose, (Gal. 2:21). We cannot have unity with a church that teaches a different gospel, (Gal. 1:6-8).

The Significance of the Solas

This is why the Reformers developed the five solas of the Reformation: Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone), Sola Gratia (Grace Alone), Sola Fide (Faith Alone), Solus Christus (Christ Alone), and Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone). The Reformers taught that Scripture alone is the only infallible rule of faith and practice; that we are saved by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, so that all glory goes to God alone! The Pope is not the final authority, the Bible is. Grace is not a substance infused at baptism that must be cooperated with; it is the merciful disposition of a loving God who effectually recuses sinners. Faith is not something we can make shipwreck of if we commit a mortal sin; faith is the gift of God whereby we are counted as righteous, forever. The righteousness of Christ cannot be added to by the merits of the saints, it is absolutely perfect. That is why He cried, “It is finished!” Jesus kept the whole law for us; He intercedes for us, therefore, He is able to save to the uttermost, (Heb. 7:25). How can God be fully glorified if we add anything, no matter how small, to His saving work? That little word alone makes all the difference. These truths insure that God receives all the glory.

The Latin phrase, Post Tenebras Lux was the hallmark of the Reformation. It meant: after darkness, light. So, like the sun rising in all its splendor, dispersing the darkness of Rome’s ecclesiastical gloom, the brilliance of God’s free grace in Christ illuminated the 16^th century with dazzling light. 500 years later, its glistening gospel beams still shine forth as a testament of God’s glorious saving power, and that, is something worth celebrating!

Thoughts on Hank Hanegraaff from an Insider

First, I would like to say that I learned a lot from Hank when I began working for the Christian Research institute (CRI) back in 2006.  His strong stand against the Word of Faith movement helped me to analyze its teachings in light of Scripture and spot the errors.  I also learned how to share my faith and counter the heresies of many cults and world religions.  Further, I learned the vital art of hermeneutics, which before, I had little knowledge of.  At CRI I had access to various theological beliefs from many different denominations, and I found it helpful to understand different Christian traditions and why they believed what they believed.  I am grateful to Hank for all of this.  In fact, it was through the Bible Answer Man (BAM) broadcast that I first encountered Reformed theology.

As we received calls on the program about the sovereignty of God, free will, predestination, and the extent of the atonement, etc., I began to rigorously study the Scriptures and read books on these subjects.  Ironically, although Hank rejects Reformed theology, it was because of working for him that I first learned about it and embraced it.

The Move Towards Eastern Orthodoxy

The Christian life involves growth in our relationship with Christ and in our knowledge of His Word, and conformity to His image as the Holy Spirit works in our hearts.  We call this sanctification.  We don’t expect a new believer to have the same grasp of Christian teaching as a seasoned veteran.  My point is merely to say that Hank’s theology, just like the rest of us, has developed over time.  When we hear the Word preached and read our Bibles, we grow in our understanding.  In Hank’s case, however, I noticed an underlying problem—the lack of consistency.  In my opinion, Hank’s theology is a mashup of many different beliefs.  He doesn’t like to be put into a box.  He seems to borrow from multiple Christian traditions to form his own sort of hybrid.

For example, his view of soteriology is Semipelagian at best, if not Pelagian, yet he denies Pelagianism.  His eschatological view is a twist on partial preterism, yet he denies this also.  His apologetic approach could be classified as Classical with aspects of Evidentialism, but he denies that he adheres to one particular school.  He often quotes from Martin Luther and Charles Spurgeon and champions the Reformer’s view of biblical interpretation, but fails to consistently apply it and rejects many of their interpretations.  Hank could never write a systematic theology book because his theology is all over the map.  He’s far too inconsistent.  Again, this is just my opinion, but for the last 11 years, I have probably listened to Hank speak more than anyone else on the planet.  It was my job, day in and day out.

As far as Eastern Orthodoxy is concerned, I began to notice this change gradually over the last couple of years.  So it was no surprise to me whatsoever when Hank converted.  I saw this coming a mile away.  Anyone who carefully listened to the Bible Answer Man broadcast should have seen this coming as well.

I noticed that when talking about the Lord’s Supper, phrases like, “the real presence of Christ” began to be used.  He began to speak of the doctrine of theosis and use the word “veneration” when talking about Mary.  Since I didn’t know much about Eastern Orthodoxy, I had to do some research.  The more I studied Orthodoxy, however, the more troubled I became.  And as I listened to Hank each night, I began to hear answers to questions that were not rooted in Protestant teaching and biblical exegesis, but rather from an Orthodox perspective.  I was already struggling with much of Hank’s theology, but this made it increasingly difficult to work for him.

On the 4/11/17 BAM broadcast, Hank repeatedly made the statement that his theology hasn’t changed over the last thirty years.  This is simply false.  I’m sorry to be so blunt, but even if he hadn’t converted to Eastern Orthodoxy, this would still be untrue.  The fact that he has converted makes it all the more so.  All you need to do is listen to Hank 5-10 years ago, or even 3 years ago, and listen to him now, and you will notice significant differences.  How in the world can he truthfully claim that his theology hasn’t changed?  This is absurd!  Of course it’s changed and everyone knows it.

Why I Wouldn’t Recommend Listening to BAM

I’m no expert on Eastern Orthodoxy, but there are at least two things that are very disturbing about it.  Orthodoxy denies the doctrine of Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), and the doctrine of justification by faith alone.  Since these doctrines are foundational to the Christian faith, their rejection cannot be taken lightly.  Now, will Hank borrow only the things he likes from Eastern Orthodoxy and reject other things?  I wouldn’t be surprised.

Here’s the heart of the matter.  Hank doesn’t seem to think the doctrine of justification by faith alone to be what he calls an “essential of the Christian faith.”  Historic Protestantism would beg to differ.  Many years ago Hank himself used to strongly emphasize this doctrine, which is another proof that his theology has drastically changed.  The whole reason for the Reformation was a debate over the authority of Scripture and justification by faith alone; two doctrines Orthodoxy denies.  So Hank has thrown the entire Protestant Reformation under the bus.  As a Reformed Christian myself, I believe Scripture is the sole infallible authority for faith and practice and that justification by faith alone is essential to the gospel.  Without it, you don’t have a gospel.

In fact, for many years now, Hank’s answers on BAM have been sorely lacking in biblical exegesis and Christ-centered teaching.  He often appeals to philosophy when answering questions, and he often “shoots from the hip” without bothering to go to Scripture.  He also tends to not answer people’s questions directly, but rather, wanders off on tangents that do not address the point.  I’m sorry to say this, but Hank’s overall message is just not gospel centered.  He spends far more time in his opening monologues on current events, politics, and the creation evolution debate than he does on biblical exposition and application.  It’s sad to see how little Bible there is on the “Bible” Answer Man broadcast.

CRI’s Future

I don’t know what the future holds for CRI, but I will say this.  Even before Hank’s official conversion, CRI was struggling financially and down to a very small staff.  With the loss of radio stations and supporters due to Hank’s departure from Protestantism, I can’t imagine this will be good for business.  I pray that God will provide for my former coworkers if things do end up going south.

There are also some serious questions that need to be answered in light of Hank’s conversion.  Do those still employed by CRI support this radical change?  Is Eastern Orthodoxy now the official position of CRI, which is supposed to be a non-denominational, para-church ministry?  Do CRI supporters, who are largely Protestant, welcome this change?  As Dr. James White has rightly pointed out on the Dividing Line, if you’re answering questions from an Eastern Orthodox perspective rather than from a purely biblical perspective, how can you still truly be the host of a program called the Bible Answer Man?

Final Thoughts

Despite being laid off without any real explanation, and despite our vast theological differences, I’m still praying for Hank.  I pray that his chemotherapy treatments will go well and that he will make a full recovery.  I pray that he and his family will have peace during this very difficult time, but more importantly, I pray that God will open his eyes to the truth!

To Boycott or Not to Boycott

I realize that I am treading on dangerous ground. There are many opinions on the recent Target bathroom debacle and even Christians are divided over whether or not to boycott the store. As I’ve struggled through this issue, I’ve tried to look at it from different angles, apply biblical principles, and weigh the opinions of others with an open mind. This has not been an easy decision. Target is like a home away from home for my family; we shop there all the time. Nevertheless, we decided to boycott Target—here’s why.

Are We Really Having This Conversation?

In principle this issue is a no-brainer. The fact that we even need to have these conversations shows the depth of depravity into which our country has fallen. This nation has completely lost its way and can no longer distinguish between right and wrong. It isn’t a matter of discrimination; it’s simply a matter of safety and plain old common sense. If you have boy parts, you use the men’s room; if you have girl parts, use the ladies room. It’s really not that hard. Those who are confused about this need compassionate help and godly council, not free access to bathrooms. Implementing policies like this is a recipe for disaster. Gender is determined by your biology, not by how you feel. I may truly feel like a duck-billed platypus, and insist on it, but that doesn’t make me a platypus. My feelings on the matter do not change the reality of my biology. More importantly, our gender is ultimately determined by our Creator.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well,” Psalm 139:13-14.

For someone to say they feel like the opposite gender is actually rebellion against their Creator. It is sinful at the most fundamental level, because they are placing their finite feelings and desires above the infinite God who made them in His image. They are essentially telling God He made a mistake.

Objections

Some say you cannot legislate morality. I would say it depends on what you mean by legislating morality. If by that, you mean changing hearts and behaviors, then no, you cannot legislate morality. Only the gospel can change hearts, however, we can limit evil and perversion by enacting laws that prohibit and punish crimes. A harsh punishment may make someone think twice before committing a crime. Do people break the law anyway? Yes, all the time, but if we didn’t have moral laws, we would have anarchy. So in that sense we can legislate morality. Should we eliminate speed limit laws just because people break them every day? Should we remove laws regarding theft or murder just because there are thieves and murderers who disregard them? Of course not! So the logic that says sexual predators are going to do what they do whether or not bathrooms laws exist, simply doesn’t work. Just because someone may break the law is no reason to open up the floodgates.

God gave us His moral code; the Ten Commandments, to define what sin is and restrict its pervasive nature; to put boundaries around our wickedness and show His holy character. Knowing full well that people would break His law is no reason to do away with it. The problem with our country is that people don’t believe in objective moral standards anymore, and that is why we are seeing this insanity over bathrooms. If there’s no objective standard then everything becomes a matter of personal preference. Everyone can do what is right in their own eyes.

Some may argue that if we boycott every business we disagree with we won’t have anywhere left to shop. Believe me; I feel the weight of this argument. However, I think this is a different issue. In light of the controversy in North Carolina and Mississippi, Target has overtly made a policy to counter these rulings; a policy that directly affects the safety of our families. Why should the gender confusion of less than 1% of the population be imposed on the rest of the public. Do we really want to support a company that thinks it’s a good idea for adult men to share the same bathroom as little girls? There’s also something called guilt by association. 1 Tim. 5:22 and 2 John 11 warn against partaking in the sins of others. This is something we need to prayerfully consider.

Some may argue that the Bible says nothing about boycotting stores. Right, but the Bible doesn’t tell us not to boycott either. Since the Bible doesn’t contain speed limit laws, does that mean we should remove them?

Some may say that boycotts don’t really work, yet the recent outrage over this same type of policy in North Carolina did make a difference. Because of the outcry over the Charlotte City Council's ordinance, and because of Governor Pat McCrory’s courage, a ridiculous ruling was overturned. Perhaps Target will see a large portion of their customers taking their resources elsewhere and change their policy. If people, especially Christians, voice their concerns with kindness and respect, God may use it to reach people with the truth. Maybe the boycott won’t change Target’s policy. Maybe nothing will happen, but at least the truth will be heard.

Conclusion

Make no mistake, we are in a war of ideas, and those in favor of these bathroom policies want to silence all opposition. They may preach tolerance, but they use a double standard. If you don’t embrace their position wholeheartedly, you are immediately labeled a bigot and accused of hatred. No, we don’t actually hate people, we just disagree with them. There’s a difference.

As Christians, we must be salt and light, and therefore, we must stand up for decency, morality, and biblical principles. God created us male and female and that distinction is a good thing. He has clearly defined the roles and purposes for each gender in Scripture, so blurring this distinction is an affront to our Maker. We must stand up and shine the light of the gospel into a very dark and confused world. If we remain silent, who will sound the clarion call of truth?  That is why we are speaking out on this issue.