A Plea for Grace and Mission

The pain of witnessing Reformed churches fracture over issues like Verbal Plenary Preservation (VPP) and KJV-onlyism is deeply felt, as such conflicts often obscure the gospel’s centrality and fracture the unity Christ prayed for (John 17:20-23). Here’s a reflection on the tensions and a call to realignment:

1. The Tragedy of Division Over Non-Essentials

Reformed theology has historically prioritized sola Scriptura and the sovereignty of God, yet divisions over secondary issues like VPP (the belief that every word of Scripture has been divinely preserved) or KJV-onlyism (elevating a specific translation as inerrant) risk idolizing doctrinal precision at the expense of love. These matters, while important to some, are not core to salvation or the Reformed confessions. Paul’s warning against “quarreling over opinions” (Romans 14:1) and his plea for unity in Ephesians 4:3-6 remind us that secondary issues should not fracture the body.

2. A Call for Humility and Reconciliation

Leaders are urged to embody Philippians 2:3-4, valuing others above themselves. The Reformed tradition has long distinguished between essential doctrines (e.g., justification by faith) and adiaphora (non-essentials). While textual criticism and translation preferences matter, they should not eclipse charity. Calvin himself cautioned against “contentiousness” that breeds division (Institutes, IV.1.12). Reconciliation requires humility to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3), even when disagreements persist.

3. Suffering for God—or Self-Inflicted Wounds?

Suffering for the gospel (1 Peter 4:14-16) is honorable, but infighting over non-essentials is a self-inflicted wound that weakens our witness. Jesus reserved sharpest criticism not for doctrinal errors but for loveless religiosity (Matthew 23:23-24). Strife over tertiary issues risks turning “militant fundamentalism” into a prideful pursuit of purity, alienating seekers and dishonoring Christ’s command to love (John 13:35).

4. Glorifying God Without Militancy

Zeal for truth must be tempered by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Reformed theology’s strength lies in its robust, grace-centered confession—not in combative dogmatism. To glorify God is to pursue truth and peace (Psalm 85:10), defending essentials while extending liberty on secondary matters. As Luther said, “Unity in necessary things; liberty in doubtful things; charity in all things.”

5. Reformed Theology’s Core vs. Peripheral Battles

The Reformed tradition’s richness—God’s sovereignty, covenant theology, the centrality of Christ—is overshadowed when battles over textual preservation or translations dominate. Returning to the solas (sola fide, sola gratia) and the mission of discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20) recenters the church on what truly transforms lives.

Conclusion: A Plea for Grace and Mission

This is not the time to abandon Reformed theology but to reclaim its heart: grace. Leaders must model grace-driven unity, prioritizing reconciliation and mission. Let disagreements on secondary issues prompt vigorous debate but not schism. As the Westminster Confession urges, “Truth is in order to goodness” (1.5)—truth must always lead to love. May the church rise above factionalism, proving itself “a city on a hill” (Matthew 5:14) by embodying the reconciling love of Christ.