PC(USA) Updates Book of Common Worship with “Inclusive Language”

The PC(USA) says,

A revised marriage service features inclusive language and a flexible format, making the service useful for all sorts of couples and family configurations. Those who want to renew their vows will find a service that is adaptable for a variety of people and places. Also included is a brief service of prayer for those who seek a way to ritually mark the end of a marriage.*

Now, this change isn’t a surprise, coming from this very liberal denomination here in America (not to be confused with other Presbyterian denominations which are more biblical). But it is still very sad to see a church embrace man’s false ideas about marriage and sexuality while rejecting God’s Word, which is very clear that marriage is for a man and woman (Genesis 1:27, 2:24) and that homosexual behavior is sinful (1 Corinthians 6:9–11). As Christians, we aren’t called to follow along with cultural ideas that contradict God’s Word—we’re to “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

This is the message entrusted to us—not a message of finding freedom to sin, but freedom to repent and leave behind your sin.

As the church, our calling in part is to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others (Matthew 28:19). And this includes telling people that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We need to share the bad news first—we’re all sinners in rebellion against God and destined for an eternity apart from him in a place called hell.

But the good news is that Jesus died in our place, taking the penalty of death that we deserve. Then he rose from the grave, conquering sin and death, and offers the free gift of salvation to all who will put their faith and trust in him. This is the message entrusted to us—not a message of finding freedom to sin, but freedom to repent and leave behind your sin. It is the message we must be sharing with others.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

This item was written with the assistance of AiG’s research team.

* “New Book of Common Worship Coming in 2018,” Presbyterian Mission, January 2, 2018, https://www.presbyterianmission.org/story/1217-bcw/ (emphasis added).