Statement on Public Worship
Statement on Public Worship
BY THE ELDERS OF CROSSVIEW BIBLE CHURCH
SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
We believe the church is commanded by Christ to meet publicly and regularly for worship (Heb. 10:24-25); We deny the government has authority to prevent or hinder the free gathering of God's people (Matt. 22:21).
We believe the church is an assembly, a body, a family, the pillar of truth, and a refuge of hope (Eph. 4:11-15) ; We deny that church is non-essential or can be cancelled, closed, or restricted indefinitely (Matt. 19:6).
We believe that Christians are called to pray for, honor, and submit to governing authorities (Rom. 13:1-7); We deny this gives the government authority over our beliefs, our worship, and our religious practices (Ac. 5:29).
We believe the church should make every reasonable effort to comply with public health and safety guidelines (1 Pet. 2:13-15); We deny we are required to obey every health mandate – some of which have proven arbitrary, inaccurate, oppressive, and discriminatory (Daniel 3:17-18).
We believe COVID19 is a legitimate health concern, that prayers are still needed, and that precautions should be taken (Deut. 22:8); We deny the virus has justified the hysteria, control, and loss of privacy pushed by government and media (Ecc. 4:1).
We believe this pandemic is a strategic moment in history for people to hear and embrace the gospel; We deny that closing or restricting public worship services is in the best interests of the church, society, or the world.
We believe the First Amendment protects our inalienable right to worship, and that no law may prohibit the free exercise thereof; We deny that any public official can revoke those rights, even in the name of public health.
We believe the First Amendment also protects our right to peaceably assemble; We deny that church gatherings pose a higher risk than crowded street protests, which were endorsed and celebrated by elected officials.
We believe this lockdown has taken a heavy toll on society including isolation, unemployment, debt, depression, violence, even suicide; We deny the government has trusted its citizens to think for themselves, to act responsibly, to return to work and worship, and to decide their own level of risk.
We believe that in the end, Christ, his gospel, and his church will prevail (Matt. 16:18); We deny that this pandemic can in any way thwart the good and wise purposes of Almighty God (Rom. 8:28-30).
Soli deo gloria. All glory be to God.