Investigative Committee Report
April 25, 2002
Majority Report

TO; Bethany O.P. Session
RE; Responding to the charge of Arlyn A. Wilkening and Wanda J. Wilkening against Elder John O. Kinnaird with teaching a doctrine of justification by faith and works.

We find the form and relevancy of the specifications to not fit the charge. BOD III 7 b (2).
Specification 1: Statements by Elder Kinnaird. 1. The teaching of justification by faith and works is not found in this paragraph.
(A) Judgement [sic] acording [sic] to works does not contravene salvation by grace. Salvation is by grace through faith. But the faith that is saving bears fruit in good works, and faith without works is dead. Good works are therefore the index to a state of salvation. John Murray-collected writings.

Specification 2. Again, no teaching that we are justified by works but in the final judgement [sic] According [sic] to works, imperfect as they be. Revelation 22:12 Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.

Specification 3. As in the previous two specifications there is no teaching of justification by works But [sic] in accord with good works. Ephesians 2:10 – For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

In conclusion, we do not feel that the specifications if true, would support the charge. BOD III 7 b (5).

We move that the charge be dismissed. [Note: the words "be dismissed" were altered, presumably by the Bethany Session, to read "not be admitted."]

Mark Whiteman [Note: Mr. Whiteman opposed the adoption of the Report.]
Richard Boyer
William Shepherd

 

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