Ancient Landmarks and Modern Faith

My first decorative woodworking project is done. I’ll hang it above my office door.

I recovered a few 2” x 6” boards from the awning of our storefront Sunday School property, which dates back to the 1880s. The city wanted to put in new downtown sidewalks, and that included removing the cement supports of the storefront awning, and thus the awning had to go too. (In retrospect, I should have grabbed more than two 7-foot boards).

I wanted to be able to look at Proverbs 22:28 every day from my desk. Why Proverbs 22:28? Because this verse has settled into my heart as an emblem for how I want my remaining life and vocation to be to spent: “Do not move the ancient landmark which your fathers have set.”

1⃣ Preserve tradition. It’s freeing to know I don’t have anything new to say. My job is to be faithful, not creative. What Paul spoke in the presence of many witness was to be entrusted to faithful men who would do the same for the next generation (2 Tim 2:2). There is a treasure of doctrine and a body of divinity that does not change and must be guarded. “Hold to the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you” (2 Tim 1:13-14).

The Greek and Latin Fathers continued to deepen those boundary lines for a reason. We are indebted to the early creeds of the church, and we should not rashly set aside what wiser generations laid down. “But what is tradition, if not Scripture enduring?” (Dr. Oren Martin).

2⃣ Guard against heresy. Name one heretic who argued in favor of confessional subscription. Name one heretic who wanted to sit at the feet of the historic Christian creeds and confessions and become a learner. Name one heretic who said the ancient landmarks should not be moved.

“The church reformed and always reforming” has been the moderate’s screed, and it has no historic basis in the Reformation. That slogan has often been an excuse to dispense with doctrines they don’t like. “The church has changed and now must change again” is their real request. The Reformers wanted continuity with the past, and they did so by scraping off the Papal barnacles sticking to the hull of the one, true, catholic and apostolic Church.

3⃣ Appreciate catholicity. I can be thankful for the good work of the Greek and Latin Fathers without agreeing with their ecclesiology, as a Baptist. Once I realize that, then it puts everything else into perspective. If I can be thankful for them, despite disagreements, then who else can I be thankful for? Understanding and appreciating the historical continuity of the church can foster unity and cohesion among believers. It helps church members see themselves as part of a larger, enduring community of faith, bound together by shared traditions and beliefs.

We must have fences. But let our fences be low, and let us shake hands often (Mark Dever).