I think you are on to something. Especially here in the West, there is the “rugged individualism” that cuts against the idea of community and corporate responsibility. We want *our* religion, *our* faith, *our* spirituality and don’t want to be bothered with whether it comports with what the church believes. I think this is where Barna has sought to explain in his last two books (which are horrible BTW); he says that since the 21st century Christian is so individualistic, then we need to give up on the necessity of the local church altogether! Go with the flow of culture . . .

Furthermore, there is the protest of authority. We are raising generations of children who rarely see authority as protective and good; families are fractured, society is fractured, and leadership with power and authority are seen as corrupt and self-serving. Bruised, beaten, and broken down, I think that the young generation would rather not have to deal with another authority figure but would be well content to be left to themselves.

I think the way to overcome the individuality and unwillingness to partake in community responsibility and accountability is the gospel and the love of Christ. I think also, as you have stated, having the proper structures and government in the church is important as well. Personally speaking, I have witnessed and experienced abuse of power and authority in the church–enough that at one point I said I would never go back to serving in the local church again. God’s grace kept me though, and I am grateful for the lessons I learned, though I would never want others to experience them.

But ultimately, having been made in the image of God (of which we all are), there is innate within us a desire for community, for relationality that seeks to belong, to associate, and to commune. The marring of sin and the devastating consequences of the Fall are continually manifested, and as you stated, the work of patient, persevering ministry is to daily bring the change that only the gospel of Jesus Christ can bring.

I know there are situations of abuse, but that, too, is a lack of submissiveness on the part of the abuser. It also speaks to the necessity of a plurality of elders, none of whom are autocratic, and have been proven trustworthy.

It’s a long process that’s not going to get fixed by a resolution, and won’t change in less that a decade. But it IS time to start. I believe Ernie R., Tom A., Tom N., and others are good examples of patient Biblical practicality in bringing needed change. _By His Grace and For His Glory_ is over 25 years old.

I think a resolution on perseverance in 09 is a great idea. I think we need more exposition and clarity on the issue of eternal security that accounts for salvation in all of its tense (have been saved, am being saved, and will be saved). Unfortunately, we have develop low expectations of Christians today and furthermore some have given up on the idea that a community of believers can discern if a person is regenerate. When Jesus tells us that we will know them by their fruit, do we really take that seriously?

Of course, some will think that a robust teaching on perseverance will lead one to believe that you are teaching a salvation by works (Piper can attest to this). But that couldn’t be further from the truth! The God who works salvation and gives the gift of justification and righteousness also works in us to do what is pleasing to him–a working that is said to be with fear and trembling.

I appreciate the comment, Kevin, and I hope that perhaps I would hear from you again in the future.

Sorry for the rambling . . . I hope I made sense!
kevin
P.S. Timmy, though I have only commented once prior to this post, I read your blog regularly. I appreciate what you report. Keep up the faithful work!

I could not agree with you more regarding the distinction between eternal security understood today and the doctrine of perseverance of the saints as understood in years past. You made an important point–one I appreciate your bringing to the fore. The discussion of eternal security vs. perseverance of the saints is definitely one that needs to be had. Thanks again.