"ORIGINAL PROTESTERS"

“ORIGINAL PROTESTERS”

Beloved Unchained Family, highly estimated friends:

This week I had the opportunity to watch a short interview with Pr. John MacArthur, in which he used the expression: “We, the church, are the original protesters”. I found that expression very refreshing, fitting and pertinent, because living in such a time where violence and vandalism are called protests, riots are mistaken with pacific manifestations and looting and murder are considered a legitimate democratic expression, we really need to come back to the real meaning of the word “protester”, root for the word “Protestant” in evangelical environments.

When men of God raised their voices and offered their own lives in sacrifice during the 14th century, and the Movement called “The Reformation” took place, they had a completely different approach and beliefs as far as “protesting”, from what we see today.

Yes, the Church that preaches salvation through faith in Jesus, and Him alone, the Church that is the “foundation and pillar of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15), that announces the total depravity of men and the complete and utter impossibility to reach salvation unless redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, is still today considered “protestant”, and it is proud of that.

But the protest of the Church goes way beyond political and human affairs, the Church of Jesus Christ protests against sin, and stands in opposition to lives completely separated from God and His immutable Word, and also protests against every injustice that allows people to be treated without the dignity that human beings made at the image and likeness of God deserve, no matter their color, social status, background or place of birth. We, Protestants, will always witness and be contrary to everything that somehow can threaten the wonderful and abundant life that Jesus offers to all of those who call upon His Name, and receive Him as their personal Lord and Savior.

Let’s continue praying that violence gives place to peace, and lawfully “protest” against the values of this world that separate men from their only hope and salvation: Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Wishing peace, health and many blessings to your body and soul,

Pr. Joshua