# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1950_S1177
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

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654 INTERSYNODICAL AND DOCTRINAL MATTERS

Evangelical Procedure in Dealing with Erring Churches
(Memorial 647)

Heresies sometimes arise within the Church through over.
stressing one side of given truths or through overemphasis or
underemphasis. It is the Church’s task rightly to divide the Word
of Truth, to maintain the proper balance between, e. g., Law ‘and
Gospel, sin and grace, justice and mercy, fellowship and separation,

Overstressing the Law leads to legalism, understressing to in-
differentism. The happy medium is safeguarded through evan-
gelical procedure. Man by nature tends toward legalism. This has
been evident in many dealings within congregations, amo:
brethren, and in dealing with the church at large. We, therefore
petition Synod to plead for a truly evangelical approach and atti-
tude, as the love of God constrains us.

Recognizing that unity on the human level is not an absolute
experience, that Christians individually and collectively always are
in the process of growth, saints being perfected, the body being
edified, till we all come, in the unity of the faith and of the knowl-
edge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, etc.; that such growth
is the accomplishment of the Holy Spirit through the Means of
Grace; we, therefore, petition Synod for a truly evangelical pro-
cedure in dealing with erring churches. . ,

A church which in the process of growth continues to estab-
lish higher walls of separation, dividing it from those which have
not advanced as far as. it has, is in danger of becoming schismatic.
Withdrawal and separation is the ministering of the Law; it is an
admission of the failure of the Gospel; an act of judgment; a pro-
fessing that the Holy Spirit can no longer operate through our use
of the Gospel; it is an extreme measure, particularly when it be-
comes absolute (partial separation is indicated in 2 Thess. 3:6-15);
we therefore petition Synod that it guard itself lest its zeal against
unionism lead it to separatism and pharisaism.

Cricaco Encuisa District PastoraL CONFERENCE
Harorp H. Nace, Secretary

ACTION

Concerning the matters contained in these memorials, Com-
mittee 3 brought in resolutions which are grouped under six
headings, I. Rom. 16:17-18; Il. Retraction of “A Statement”;
IM. Doctrinal Discipline in Synod; IV. Prayer Fellowship;
V. Faculty Opinions on Engagement; VI. Protest on Appointment
of Fourth Vice-President.

Under these headings the following resolutions were acted
upon:

INTERSYNODICAL AND DOCTRINAL MATTERS 655
I. ROM. 16:17-18
(Memorials 608; 612, B and C; 625—631)

Resolution 7
WueErEaS, The convention has been requested in a number of

‘memorials to state its position on Rom. 16:17-18; and

Wuereas, It is necessary to have a statement of principles on
the basis of which many questions which have arisen in our midst
can be decided; be it

Resolved, That Synod adopt the following statement:

1. We reaffirm as Scripturally correct the use of verse 17 in
the Constitution of Synod, the synodical Catechism, and the Brief
Statement;

2. Verse 17 clearly warns against all who cause divisions and
offenses by teaching anything contrary to the Word of God, con-
demns every kind of unionism and the tolerance of error;

3. Verse 17 is a general warning against all errorists, be they
Christians or non-Christians; .

4. Verse 17 requires the denial of church fellowship, that is,
joint religious work and worship, to all who persistenly adhere to
false doctrine.

5. Verse 18 emphasizes the warning given in verse 17 and
strengthens the Apostle’s command.

Rom. 16:17-18: Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which
cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye
have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not
our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words
and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Nore.— An amendment was made and seconded to substitute the
following resolution:

Amendment to Resolution Submitted by Committee 3
on Rom. 16:17-18
Submitted by Paul Friedrich, delegate for the 14th Circuit
of the Michigan District

Substitute Resolution for Resolution 7 of Committee 3 (appear-
ing on page 60 of “Today’s Business,” dated June 24, 1950).

Wuereas, The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod in Para-
graph 2 of its Brief Statement of Doctrinal Position states that
Holy Scriptures are to be understood according to the clear pas-
sages of Scriptures themselves; and

Wuenreas, Section C of Article VII of the Constitution of The
Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod clearly states that all matters