G3 conference paul washer11/30/2023 People may say that it is “legalistic” to try to be specific about what constitutes sin, and what does not. If God forbids something, He makes it plain, ESPECIALLY to His people (more on this below). One sin cast the whole universe into Chaos. ![]() We are defining what constitutes sin against the living God. We are not talking about what sort of carpet color we like, or what type of music we think best, nor even about eschatology or church governement. But the sabbath is clearly not plain! Even among sabbatarian reformed baptists, there is no end of disagreement about what constitutes sin, and what doesn’t on the Sabbath. The main things are the plain things, and the plain things are the main things. It is my view, however, that the very difficulty of the sabbath question itself goes a long way to show that God does not require a day of rest as our sabbatarian brothers suppose. My hypothesis is that, most likely, in their heart of hearts, they recognize that the question of the continuity/discontinuity of the Mosaic law is an extremely difficult question (Edward’s said as much!), and because they aren’t fully confident in the position themselves (nor am I- because it is a hard question!), they extend grace to their brothers in that area. ![]() Why then are Voddie and James White fellowshipping and partnering with men who are in perpetual, unrepentant transgression of the fourth command, which they take to be one of the ten of God’s unchangeable moral law? Why are beloved sabbatarians traveling for hours to attend a conference where MacArthur, Washer, and Friel are speaking, all men who transgress the Sabbath and teach others to do so? Why are MacArthur, Washer, and Friel not treated as false brethren by sabbatarians? I believe this is a very telling inconsistency in the practice of sabbatarian brothe and sisters. They would (rightly) obey Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5, by “not associating” with them (1 Cor 5:11). James White and Voddie Bauchum love the Lord too much to partner with men who are unrepentantly rebelling against God in that way. Unrepentantly Coveting, and teaching others it’s alright to do so?.Unrepentantly Lying, and teaching others it’s alright to do so?.Unrepentantly Stealing, and teaching others it’s alright to do so?.Unrepentantly Committing adultery, and teaching others it’s alright to do so?.Unrepentantly Killing people, and teaching others it’s alright to do so?.Unrepentantly allowing their children to disrespect them, and teaching others its alright to do so?.Unrepentantly using Yahweh’s name in vain, and teaching others it’s alright to do so?.Unrepentantly creating images, and teaching others it’s alright to do so?.Unrepentantly having gods before Yahweh, and teaching others it’s alright to do so?.Now, answer this question honestly: Would James White and Voddie be fellowshiping at a conference with MacArthur if MacArthur were: They also teach that it is not sin to work on Sunday, and presumably they at times work, participate in worldly recreation (cf the Confession), go out to eat, get their car washed, etc (causing others to work), on Sundays. MacArthur, Washer, and Friel believe that it is not sin to work on Sunday. James White and Voddie refrain from work on Sundays, and believe those who do otherwise are in sin. John MacArthur, Paul Washer, and Todd Friel are not sabbatarians. James White and Voddie Bauchum are both sabbatarians of the 1689 LBCF variety. ![]() These are some of my favorite men on earth, and they surely are to one another as well. ![]() The second thing that comes to mind, however is that this conference demonstrate a point that I have made as of late concerning the consistency of the application of the doctrine of my beloved sabbatarian brothers.įeatured speakers include John MacArthur, Paul Washer, Todd Friel, James White, Voddie Bauchum, and more. I will be very saddened to miss out on the incredible speakers and the wonderful time of fellowship with my brothers and sisters, but I am very thankful to God to spend time with my beautiful wife and our adorable newborn daughter. The first thing that comes to mind thinking about the upcoming conference is my great fomo. Many of my friends are going but my wife and I, by God’s grace just had our first child Eden Grace Nickerson on December 11th so we will not be able to attend. In just over a week the G3 conference will be taking place in Georgia where some of the godliest and most influential men in the church, and in my own life will be fellowshipping, opening up God’s word and singing praises to our King. The Structure of the Decalogue as a Key to the Nature of the Sabbath
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