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GLORIETA, N.M.?A resolution on the Affirmation of the Person of God, drafted by the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, was approved April 24 by the SBTC Executive Board.
The resolution prompted a lengthy discussion at the meeting of the need to distinguish the God of the Bible as different in person from the Allah of historical Islam and the Koran.
In March, Golden Triangle Baptist Association asked several Baptist bodies to state their views on the nature of God following an Austin event, sponsored by the ethics arms of another state convention, where the biblical God was equated with the Allah of Islam.
Specifically, GTBA asked both state conventions in Texas and the Southern Baptist Convention to confirm that all their institutions and employees, and related faith statements, affirm the article on the doctrine of God that is similarly stated in the 1963 and 2000 editions of the Baptist Faith & Message.
The SBTC resolution addresses the revelation of God in Scripture, describing the doctrine of God as the first and central axiom of Christian theology. Noting the SBTC regards the BF&M 2000 as its statement of faith and requires its affirmation by affiliating churches, employees and institutions with which it partners, the resolution answers the concerns raised by the association by affirming the biblical teaching of the person of God as expressed in the Baptist Faith & Message.
The statement further resolved “that we affirm that the God of the Bible is different in Person from the Allah of historical Islam and the Koran.”
Additionally, “We stand united in the faith precious to the church throughout the ages, and bear witness to the limitless majesty and glory of the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God,” and expresses continued prayer “that all peoples may come to know the God of the Bible through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord,” citing John 14:6-11.
Board member Nathan Lino of Humble expressed appreciation for the response sent by the Executive Committee, urging passage of an additional statement regarding evangelism strategies among Muslims that appear to equate the God of the Bible with the god of the Koran.
John Brunson of Houston asked fellow board members to affirm the resolution as a response to the association’s inquiry before considering a separate statement addressing the reference to God as Allah in mission strategies. After evaluating various ways to address their shared concern, board members asked Lino to write a resolution for consideration at their August meeting, giving time for all members to study the issue further.
Glorieta Conference Center provided the setting for the annual retreat as board member Steve Cochran opened the meeting expressing gratitude to God “for placing this lighthouse location here where many lives have been changed.”
The board declined to approve a motion to allow churches beyond Texas to affiliate with the SBTC, while welcoming those in nearby areas along state borders to participate in training and fellowship opportunities. The recommendation from the Executive Committee will be presented in the fall to the SBTC messenger body.
The issue arose after a motion was made at last year’s annual meeting by Michael R. Lovely of First Baptist Church, Queen City, requesting an amendment to the SBTC Constitution to allow out-of-state affiliations.
Board member Steve Swofford of Rockwall explained: “The committee felt allowing a church outside the state of Texas to affiliate?no matter how emotional the tie, how close they are to the border?would open us up to criticism that we are no longer a state convention,” h
