Maintaining Purity Among Believers

On December 3, 2008, I posted about another example of apostasy being Richard Cizik's support of a pro-abortion presidential candidate and gay rights. He was the spokesman for the National Association of Evangelicals. Many called for his removal or repentance. It was reported yesterday by The Institute for Religion and Democracy:

Washington, DC—The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) announced today that its longtime lobbyist and spokesman has resigned. Richard Cizik, Vice President of Government Affairs for the NAE, met with NAE President Leith Anderson and the two mutually concluded that his resignation was “a difficult but appropriate decision.”

The resignation follows Cizik’s recent controversial comments on National Public Radio, in which he said that he is “shifting” on the issue of marriage and now favors same-sex civil unions, if not same-sex marriage outright. For several years, Cizik has generated criticism for his activism on Global Warming.

Although it would have better if Mr. Cizik repented for his sin; however, at least this action removes the sin from the NAE. Pray for Mr. Cizik as he has become deceived by the wisdom of the world. He needs to repent and forgo the luster of the world's approval.

It is important in the corrupt days that we live in for the church and para church ministries to maintain not just doctrinal purity but also personal holiness. We must fight the tendency to be "tolerant" of sin. Cizik was embracing the sin of the homosexual and abortion rights advocates by his statements. Repentance or removal must be the order of the church today. It is far better to have a small band of holy believers fighting the good fight of faith than to have a mega church full of compromisers with sin, the world and the devil. It is our duty to preach truth and trust that God is Sovereign over the individuals and the circumstances. We must be faithful to the end and that we shall do with God's grip tightly on His people.