Peace: It's What's for Dinner (in both kingdoms)

IN THIS POST, on the good and thoughtful Faith and Theology blog, contributor Kim Fabricus writes of the ten most influential moments in his life that pushed him on toward pacifism. There's no reason to summarize it; go on, read it. First, let's give the dictionary definition of pacifism: "Opposition to war or violence as a means of solving disputes." Now, the government's policing efforts will not be brought into question in this post. Such is not the focus here, if for no other reason than what Saint Paul writes about it in Romans 13:4:    "The government is God's servant working for your good. But if you do    what is wrong, you should be afraid. The government has the right to     carry out the death sentence. It is God's...

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Extra ecclesiam nulla salus

{This originally appeared as "Church Covenants" in Tabletalk 27.5 (May 2003): 48} On a Lord's Day not too long ago, my wife and I stood in front of our fellow congregants to be received as members of the church we had been attending for more than two years. The pastor, smiling, yet with all seriousness, asked us the following five questions (and I paraphrase):Do you acknowledge yourselves to be sinners, justly deserving God's displeasure, without hope save in his sovereign mercy? Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and do you rest upon him alone for salvation? Do you now promise, relying upon the Spirit's grace, to endeavor to live as becomes the followers of Christ? Do you promise to support the church in its worship and work to the best of your ability? Do...

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