Some Things Don’t Change                by Carl McMurray 

In 1977, the Assemblies of God denomination adopted a “Doctrine of Creation” report that stated, “The Bible record of creation thus rules out the evolutionary philosophy which states that all forms of life have come into being by gradual, progressive evolution carried on by resident forces. ...The account of creation is intended to be taken as factual and historical.” 

In August of 2010, a new “Doctrine of Creation” was adopted by that same denominational body. Among other things, it reads, “The advance of scientific research...has raised many questions about the interpretation of the Genesis accounts of creation. In attempting to reconcile the Bible and the theories and conclusions of contemporary scientists, it should be remembered that the creation accounts do not give precise details as to how God went about His creative activity....As a result, equally devout Christians believers have formed very different opinions about the age of the earth, the age of humankind, and the ways in which God went about the creative process....It does not seem wise to be overly dogmatic about any particular creation theory.”  AnswersUpdate, vol. 17, issue 10.

How sad is the above report? In 33 years, just one generation of leadership, the leaders of this denomination have gone from taking a stand of faith on the rock of Biblical doctrine, creation, which underpins ALL of God’s word, to taking a stand on the shifting sands of “theories and conclusions of contemporary scientists.” This is shored up, of course, by the fact that “believers have formed very different opinions about the age of the earth...”, etc.

Those questions that always arise in Old Testament Bible classes about Israel going wrong in just a generation suddenly come into clear focus. All it takes are men of “supposed” learning or influence. All it takes is a majority of folk who have a distaste for the “old views” of parents and past generations. With just few mistaken facts in evidence people can be led down new paths that discard the convictions and faith that actually brought them to where they are presently.

 In 33 short years the Assemblies of God reversed their stand on creation doctrine. In 1910, the Methodist church reversed its stand on infant baptism and inherited depravity. In 1978, the Mormons reversed themselves on allowing blacks a part in their “priesthood.” The Lutherans, Methodists, and Baptists have reversed themselves on using Instrumental music in worship. And on it goes. Praise God, the Bible DOES NOT CHANGE its stands — not for learned men, majority views, or anyone else.