A Presbyterian Pastor’s Vows
This morning, as I was reflecting on Scripture and praying, I went back through my ordination vows. I do that periodically as a way of remembering what I vowed before God and His people on 11 February 2001. I was struck again with the simplicity & the sagacity of these vows. 1. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as originally given, to be the inerrant Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice? Here is the simple notion that I have declared that Holy Scripture is God’s Word, God’s declarative self-revealing to me and all His people. But also that it is His defining, definitive rule to guide, lead, direct, shape and mold me and all His people. I affirmed that, and hold to it even now. What struck me is the placing of this vow. The preacher (me!) has nothing very worthwhile to say, whatsoever, if it is not flowing from God’s own Word. Brooding over this vow drives me to read the Scripture, repeatedly, daily, prayerfully. If I have said I ...