John MacArthur Addresses Steven Lawson Scandal: "God is Purifying His Church"
Unfortunately, everyone is probably aware by now that it was recently revealed that renowned Reformed pastor and theologian, Dr. Steven Lawson, had been involved in an “inappropriate relationship,” resulting in his removal from ministry.
Lawson, a prominent figure within Grace Community Church and The Master’s Seminary, was removed from all ministry positions, and his content was scrubbed from various platforms connected to these institutions.
During a Q&A session on October 20, John MacArthur, senior pastor of Grace Community Church, was asked how to process such a devastating revelation. Addressing the scandal directly, MacArthur expressed both his anguish over the situation and his belief that it was part of God's work in purifying the church.
He began by acknowledging the pain of discovering a trusted leader’s sin: “I say that with the deepest agony in my soul. But the first thing you have to understand is God is blessing this church in many, many ways, and that is one of the ways He is blessing us, to expose someone who is in a position they have no right to be in, to purify the church.”
MacArthur referenced the messages to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3, reminding the audience of the severe consequences that come when churches fail to address sin.
He explained, "The church has two options. One, get right, two, you're done. I mean, the church of Laodicea was done, Smyrna was done. You either deal with the sin... I'll remove the candlestick. It is fatal to a church to have that kind of behavior in leadership."
Though clearly distressed by the situation, MacArthur stated that none of Lawson’s colleagues expected such a downfall, despite the “soundness of his theology.”
"While none of us knew it or expected it because of the soundness of the theology, the Lord knew. And the Lord said, for Grace, church, that's enough. For the Master Seminary, that's enough."
Throughout his response, MacArthur balanced his sorrow over Lawson's sin with gratitude for the way God uses such situations to refine His people. He concluded with a heartfelt reflection on his personal relationship with Lawson, stating, “My heart and soul aches for Steve. Obviously, a friend... But the Lord has favored us. He wants a pure church.”
MacArthur's remarks echo a broader concern for maintaining doctrinal and moral purity in leadership, a theme that has been prominent in his ministry. He closed by encouraging the congregation to trust in God’s sovereignty and continue striving for unity and holiness in the church.
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