Principle: It Is Easy to Fall

Illustration: Recently a well-respected preacher/writer/professor in Christianity was removed from ministry at Trinity Bible Church in Dallas, TX due to confessing to inappropriate relationships with a woman other than his wife. Let me restate that: It was not his confession that was the sin; it was his sin with a woman not his wife. His confession of his sin to fellow elders at his church is one of the few good things about this revelation.

It is an old story, and one which the world system devours. “Aha!” the world system says. “See? You so-called Christians are no different. Hypocrites!” 

First, let us admit that we are all sinners. That should be blatantly obvious. Second, however, let us commend the church for removing Steve from ministry. Judgment is to begin with the household of God. “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17 ESV). Third, let believers pray for Steve and his family. Fourth, let us learn how easy it is for us to fall. Excellence–longstanding, enduring excellence–is hard. Very hard. This is not a time to rejoice. 

It grieves me on a personal level. I looked up to Steve. I have bought and read his books. I have purchased his books for others to read and pass on to others. I have supported his ministry. And so this is not just theological mind games; this is a man who has fallen and has disqualified himself from shepherding souls, but (and this is my conviction) he is still a sinner who needs what only the gospel provides. 

Encouragement: It is so easy to fall, so easy. Long obedience in the right direction is hard work. May we all be mindful of that. Steve, God delights to convict but also to redeem and restore. That is my prayer for you in all this. You have helped many through your ministry. I have benefited from your books on Edwards, Calvin, and others. May this not be the end of your story. Why? Because God delights in redeeming and restoring us sinners.