Originally Posted by Newman
That answers the second question, and I thank you for that Pilgrim. What about the first question though? Suppose RM can't find, or can't attend an acceptable Church. Can he just opt out?
The key word here is "acceptable". Each individual must decide what is acceptable for themselves. VERY generally, for me there are two basic elements which MUST be present or I won't set foot in the doorway of any church: 1) Reformed in doctrine and I'm not speaking of what the "New Calvinists" embrace, only the infamous "Five Points." Rather I am referring to historic Reformed theology; a total world and life view based upon Scripture. 2) Worship which is according to the "Regulative Principle," which eliminates the majority of churches today which have opted for a man-made, God-dishonoring, emotionally based contemporary 'style.' Beyond those two essentials which I cannot and will not barter away, there is acceptable latitude in other things to be sure.

So, to answer your question directly, even though I am not the individual you have addressed your original question to... my apologies grin if there was no acceptable church in doctrine and life or if one was not within a reasonable traveling distance, I would 'opt out' as you would put it. Sitting under false teaching and/or participating in idolatrous worship isn't what my God finds acceptable and therefore neither do I (Jh 4:24).


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simul iustus et peccator

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