SERMON TEXT ON DIVINE ORDER IN CREATION September 2005 1 CORINTHIANS 11.3

" NOW I WANT YOU TO REALISE THAT THE HEAD OF EVERY MAN IS CHRIST, AND THE HEAD OF EVERY WOMAN IS MAN, AND THE HEAD OF CHRIST IS GOD." [v 3]

Our God, the Triune God, is a god of order. And for the well being of his creation, particularly the crowning glory of his creation - the first man, Adam, and the first woman, Eve, he intentionally ordered and structured all things from the beginning. This order and structure was natural for God since it reflects the order, the relationships and the unity that exist within the Triune God-head [John 5.19-23; 8.28-29; 10.17-18; 14.10-11; 14.16/25; 1 Corinthians 11.3].

And this order and structure is plain to see throughout the scriptures! It is hard to understand how anyone could doubt or dispute it! First, take creation. Genesis 1-3 reveals intentional order e.g. in the division of the light from the darkness [Genesis 1.4] and in the positioning of the stars to mark the passing of the seasons and years [Genesis 1.14]. Creation was made to God's exact specifications [Job 38]!

Second, take mankind. And I use this term quite deliberately because strictly speaking we are not human beings but part of mankind since all flesh derives from the first man, Adam [Genesis 2.21-23; 4.1]. So mankind is defined and in turn our relationships are ordered by such things as our given sex [Genesis 1.27], to whom we are married [Genesis 2.24] and to whom we are born. And fundamental to marriage and the family, I shall contend, is the divine priority and imperative of male headship [Genesis 3.9-11; 1 Corinthians 11.3; Ephesians 5.23-24].

Third, take secular government and all levels of human authority. Here again we see divine order embedded into life to provide stability, security and peace. We see it in God's appointment of Israel's kings [1 Samuel 8.7-9/19-22]. It was confirmed by Jesus before Pilate [John 19.11]. Paul wrote definitively, " THERE IS NO AUTHORITY EXCEPT THAT WHICH GOD HAS ESTABLISHED. THE AUTHORITIES THAT EXIST HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED BY GOD." [Romans 13.1] This order, together with family life and the Church, is regulated and protected by the Fourth Commandment.

So what bearing does divine order and structure in creation have on Christ's earthly Body, the Church, and the issue of the ordination of women to the Public Ministry [1 Corinthians 12.12-28; 1 Peter 2.9-10]? Does it have any bearing at all? Have the people of God in fact been emancipated [freed] by the power of the Gospel to the point that God's ordering of creation has no role - no present purpose in the Church? [John 8.31-32/36] With the coming of Jesus is the Church now an anomaly in creation? Are we free, albeit in Jesus name, to arrange the public ministry as we see fit? If so has God - has Jesus Christ or any of his Apostles, made this clear beyond a reasonable doubt?

Firstly, though precedents will not determine the outcome of the WO debate in the LCA, they remain [at least to me] important! In the OT we note that the worship life of the Patriarchs and the nation of Israel has order. Prior to Moses the male head seemingly had the responsibility to lead his family in worship [Genesis 8.20; 12.8]. After God's instructions given on Mt. Sinai an exclusively male priesthood administered the Temple and the sacrificial system through the line of Aaron and the Levites [Exodus 28.1; Numbers 3.5/12].

With the setting aside of the OT regulations through his sacrificial life and death, Jesus could have changed things more radically than he did! It is true that he did not reaffirm the OT Priesthood, the Temple worship [John 4.21-23] or the sacrificial system, but he did select an all male band of close disciples. Women were part of his wider following, but only men served him as the public teachers and leaders of the Church [Matthew 10.1; 28.16-20; Acts1.13/15-17/21-26]. Later, these same men, including Barnabas and Paul, passed on their responsibilities to other men - the bishops of the local churches established as the Church spread into Europe [Acts 14.23]. More on the Office of the Public Ministry next time, but in the mid First Century - in the mind of the Apostle Paul, the pastor was to be male. He wrote to Timothy, " NOW THE BISHOP MUST BE…THE HUSBAND OF BUT ONE WIFE." [1 Timothy 3.2]

Precedents aside I contend that if everything else in creation is intentionally ordered one should expect to find order and structure in the Church - order and structure God established with a purpose! And if so, we surely need to know what this structure is and understand why it exists. Furthermore, I assume that God requires us to respect and uphold his order - not to unilaterally cave in to equalitarian pressures or to the prevailing culture. Doing our own thing will just bring disorder into the Church as once we injected chaos into creation when we fell into sin!

Make no mistake if the ordination of women proceeds in the LCA it will further disturb God's order - it will throw our small church out of balance as other churches have already been thrown out of balance. To grasp what is at stake we must go back to Adam and Eve - before their fall into sin. First, we must consider the importance and the meaning of the headship of Adam. This is a very contentious issue within the LCA! Second, we must examine authority and submission as principles in hierarchical relationships, particularly as we see them affirmed in the life of Jesus Christ.

In the Garden of Eden, before the fall into sin, God invested his authority in Adam. This does not deny or in any way contradict the fact that both Adam and Eve were made in the perfect image of God [Genesis 1.27]. Nor does the Bible say that Adam was more in God’s image than was Eve. Indeed, Adam and Eve had a common value and dignity [just as all Christians, by grace through faith, have common value and dignity in Christ - Galatians 3.26-28]. But what needs to be recognized is that even before the fall into sin God meant there to be permanent distinctions between men and women. Adam and Eve, though interdependent [1 Corinthians 11.11-12], were assigned different roles and responsibilities. Adam was to exercise a loving, self-sacrificial headship over Eve [Ephesians 5.24-25]. Eve was to be Adam's submissive helper [Genesis 2.18; 1 Corinthians 11.7-10]. Adam, by virtue of his manhood, was required to lead for God. Eve, by virtue of her womanhood, was required to help for God.

At the very heart of this matter is the fact that the commonality and the differences between Adam and Eve [between men and women] reflect the commonality and differences in the Trinity. The principles of headship and submission are not - they are not a modern invention designed to enslave women. They did not begin with the writings of Paul in the First Century. Nor did they begin with the Patriarchs of the Old Testament. Nor were they first asserted after the fall into sin. In fact, headship and submission did not even begin with the creation of Adam and Eve. The principles existed before creation. They existed in the relationship between God the Father and God the Son. The Father has eternally had a leadership role - an authority to instigate and direct, that the Son does not have [e.g. salvation John 3.16; creation Proverbs 8.22-31; response to prayer Matthew 18.19]. The principles of headship and submission have always existed in the eternal nature of God. So, when we begin to dislike the principles of headship and submission we begin to dislike God himself. Given this it's easy to see why the devil is so consumed by the need to attack and destroy God's created order and related structures.

The recent CTICR papers show that both sides in the WO debate recognise the importance of the issue of Adam's headship. Those against WO confess the spiritual commonality of Adam and Eve, uphold their distinctions, and believe the principle of male headship to be permanently embedded into creation until Judgment Day. One book I've read offers 10 reasons supporting Adam's headship before the fall into sin. Among these reasons is, first, the order of their creation - Adam was created first, then Eve [1 Tim. 2:12-13]. Second, the responsibility of Adam over Eve as regards mankind. Genesis reports that Eve sinned first, so we might expect the NT to tell us that we inherit a sinful nature because of Eve’s sin. In fact, it is just the opposite. We learn, “ FOR AS IN ADAM ALL DIE, SO ALSO IN CHRIST SHALL ALL BE MADE ALIVE.” [1 Corinthians. 15:22/45-49] Third, Adam was ultimately accountable to God for Eve's act of disobedience [Genesis 3.9-11]. God summoned Adam to account for what had happened - indicating that he was responsible for allowing Eve to lead his family into sin, and invert the order that God had established at creation.

Those in favour of WO stress the common [that is, the equal] rule of Adam and Eve before the fall into sin [Genesis 1.26]. They deny their differences, both Adam's headship and Eve's role as his helper. Indeed, some claim that Eve was superior to Adam - a later and more refined model of mankind [without Adam's imperfections]! Others, aware of the argument about headship and submission within the Trinity, say [without evidence from scripture] that there is in fact 'mutual submission' within the Trinity. They contend that the Father also submits to the Son. So deep is their commitment to an egalitarian world that they will modify the doctrine of the Trinity and remake the Trinity into an egalitarian marriage. And if they note Adam's headship after the fall [and not all proponents of WO do] they correctly point to what God tells Eve, " YOUR DESIRE WILL BE FOR YOUR HUSBAND, AND HE WILL RULE OVER YOU." [Genesis 3.16] But they then overlook the fact that sin caused a modification - a distortion - arguably an intensification of the original order. Sin did not introduce new roles.

And, in truth, the understanding of Adam's rule in Genesis 3.16 contributes to the position each side of the WO debate arrives at. Those against WO believe that Jesus work of salvation reaffirms the original created order [Matthew 5.17-18]. So Jesus saving work reverses Eve's desire to oppose Adam and Adam's modified rule over Eve in the course of the sanctified life. Through Jesus God unites men and women in grace, but nevertheless reaffirms and upholds the distinctions - the headship of Adam and the submission of Eve. And this, significantly, is the pattern that St. Paul stresses and commands husbands and wives to follow [Ephesians 5.22-25; Colossians 3.18-19].

Those arguing for WO often appeal to and misapply one text - Galatians 3.28, to support their view. Here, where Paul says, " THERE IS NEITHER JEW NOR GREEK, SLAVE NOR FREE, MALE NOR FEMALE, FOR YOU ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST JESUS," they hold that 'the rule of Adam' has been be abolished, and men and women are equal in Christ. Equal, let it be clear, not only in terms of the transformation caused by their redemption in Christ, but equal in authority. However, this is a denial of God's original created order and a misunderstanding of the effect of Jesus work. Using Galatians 3.28 in this way egalitarians are simply trying to make the verse say something it does not say and never has said and never will say. In the CTICR report the essence of the Pro WO position is stated this way:

" THE FUNDAMENTAL RELATIONSHIP OF ANY CHRISTIAN IS THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, AND THEIR STATUS AS CHILDREN OF GOD THROUGH THE SONSHIP AND HEIRSHIP OF JESUS NOW GIVES SHAPE AND MEANING TO ALL OTHER RELATIONSHIPS. THIS CHALLENGES NOT ONLY THE TRADITIONAL HIERARCHIES OF RACE AND SOCIAL STANDING WHICH OPERATE IN OUR WORLD [Galatians 3:28] BUT EVEN THE PRIMAL RELATIONSHIP OF MALE AND FEMALE [Gen 1:27; Gal 3:28], WHICH IS NOW SECONDARY TO THEIR UNION WITH CHRIST IN BAPTISM AND IS TRANSFORMED BY IT. THIS OPENS THE POSSIBILITY OF A CHANGED ROLE FOR WOMEN…PAUL’S NEW ORDER IN CHRIST REFLECTS A RESTORATION OF GOD’S ORIGINAL INTENTION IN CREATION, OVERTHROWN BY THE FALL INTO SIN. IF THE HUSBAND’S RULE IS A CONSEQUENCE OF SIN [Gen 3:16], THEN SIN’S DEFEAT REINSTATES THE PARTNERSHIP IN WHICH MALE AND FEMALE BOTH 'RULE' [Gen 1:26]. IN FAITH THE CHURCH REFLECTS AND MODELS TO THE WORLD THE WORK OF RESTORATION PROMISED FOR ALL CREATION [Is 65:17]. [CTICR Report Pg. 90]

Turning now to the Church only one person has real, unquestioned authority - for the Church has one head, Jesus Christ [Ephesians 5.23]. And all Christians acknowledge, by faith, the need to submit to Jesus in everything [Ephesians 5.24; Philippians 2.9-10]. This said, Jesus authority was actually delegated to him by God the Father. Jesus told his disciples, " ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME." [Matthew 28.18; John 10.17-18] This explains, in part, Paul's comment to the Corinthians " NOW I WANT YOU TO REALISE THAT…THE HEAD OF CHRIST IS GOD." [v 3] To be sure we confess that God the Father and Jesus are equals [John 10.30]. The Athanasian Creed says, " WHAT THE FATHER IS, SO IS THE SON, AND SO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT." Yet within the Godhead a hierarchy of authority and submission exists [John 14.28; 1 Corinthians 15.27-28]. Jesus, though equal to the Father as to his deity, nevertheless submitted to his will as to his humanity [Psalm 40.7-8; Philippians 2.5-11; Hebrews 10.5-10]. It was the Father's will that his Son came to serve not to be served - that Jesus came to die as the sacrifice for sinners [Matthew 26.39; Mark 10.45; John 6.38]. Jesus therefore becomes the perfect role model for the proper understanding and outworking of all other hierarchical relationships.

We see this in that Jesus disciples took his example and applied it without reservation to all areas of life. Paul exhorted Christians to " SUBMIT TO ONE ANOTHER OUT OF REVERENCE FOR CHRIST." [Ephesians 5.21/24] This is not mutual or reciprocal submission. This upholds the requirement that all Christians submit to one another in whatever hierarchal relationships they are involved in, out of respect for Christ. In his Letter to the Ephesians Paul specifies three. First, he told wives, " SUBMIT TO YOUR HUSBANDS AS TO THE LORD. FOR THE HUSBAND IS THE HEAD OF THE WIFE AS CHRIST IS HEAD OF THE CHURCH." [Ephesians 5.23] Second, he instructed children, " OBEY YOUR PARENTS IN THE LORD." [Ephesians 6.1] Third, he cautioned slaves, " OBEY YOUR EARTHLY MASTERS…JUST AS YOU WOULD OBEY CHRIST." [Ephesians 6.5] In another place Peter added, " SUBMIT YOURSELVES FOR THE LORD'S SAKE TO EVERY AUTHORITY INSTITUTED AMONG MEN." [1 Peter 2.13] [Note also 1 Corinthians 16.15-16 where Paul urges the Corinthians to subject themselves to Stephanas and other church servants.]

Submission [NT hypotasso meaning to put in order, arrange, to submit oneself] does not mean inferiority. A submissive role indicates a difference in one's position - it shows recognition of and respect for authority. Submission is for everyone [both men and women] and those who oppose the ordination of women see WO as being in direct conflict with the order of creation. It is in conflict with the order Paul asserts, saying, " NOW I WANT YOU TO REALISE THAT THE HEAD OF EVERY MAN IS CHRIST, AND THE HEAD OF EVERY WOMAN IS MAN, AND THE HEAD OF CHRIST IS GOD." [v 3] It is in conflict, in the context of the worship life of the Church, with Paul's words to Timothy, " A WOMAN SHOULD LEARN IN QUIETNESS AND FULL SUBMISSION. I DO NOT PERMIT A WOMAN TO TEACH OR TO HAVE AUTHORITY OVER A MAN; SHE MUST BE SILENT. FOR ADAM WAS FORMED FIRST, THEN EVE. [1 Timothy 2.11-13] It is in conflict, again in the context of the worship life of the Church, with what Paul told the Corinthians, " AS IN ALL THE CONGREGATIONS OF THE SAINTS, WOMEN SHOULD REMAIN SILENT IN THE CHURCHES. THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SPEAK, BUT MUST BE IN SUBMISSION, AS THE LAW SAYS." [1 Corinthians 14.33b-34] This 'Law' is not one of the Ten Commandments - this Law is the will of God revealed and embedded in the original order of creation [Genesis 2.7/15-17/22/24; 3.16b].

Having only scraped the surface of how God's order and structure in creation has a bearing on the Church and the possible ordination of women to the public ministry, I now offer a few words of summary.

The headship of men and the submission of women remain in effect not only in the context of marriage, but also in the Church until Jesus returns on Judgment Day. Only in heaven - only in eternity, will believers be free of the order and the structures that God has put into creation [Matthew 5.17-18]. This is God's will - in Paul's terms it is " A LAW " [1 Corinthians 14.34] as well as " THE LORD'S COMMAND " [1 Corinthians 14.37b]. But the sinful world in which we live generally does not recognise God's order and structures. Adam and Eve, after all, rebelled against them long ago! So in our equalitarian, post modern, politically correct culture many people, probably the vast majority, fail to comprehend why God says women are not to be ordained. And for some the world's opinion matters! Why else would there be 11 direct appeals, in 'The Lutheran' summary of the CTICR papers, that the LCA do what is 'culturally appropriate' or 'culturally sensitive'. But who cares if the Church is labelled as outdated and patriarchal - it is God we must answer too and not the culture - the opinion of this world!

The pastoral office has a unique authority of the highest kind - it bears the headship authority of Jesus Christ. Where the pastor exercises this authority [in the public proclamation of the Gospel, in the correct administration of the Sacraments, and in the upholding of true doctrine and the condemnation of false doctrine] he stands in the place of Christ, serving as his official messenger. As Jesus told the disciples: " HE WHO LISTENS TO YOU LISTENS TO ME." [Luke 10.16]. Given the headship structure [1 Corinthians 11.3/7] I have outlined and the principle of submission, a woman cannot stand in the place of Christ as a pastor. The combination of being a woman and being a pastor is in conflict with a woman's role - it is contradictory, and it fundamentally destroys the headship structure God wills. And anything, including the ordination of women, which contradicts God's will and order cannot be good or pleasing. It must be rejected! This may not be to our liking, however our reason must always serve and not overrule God's inspired Word. God clearly says through Paul, " NOW I WANT YOU TO REALISE THAT THE HEAD OF EVERY MAN IS CHRIST, AND THE HEAD OF EVERY WOMAN IS MAN, AND THE HEAD OF CHRIST IS GOD." [v 3]

The second CTICR paper, in its conclusion [LTJ Pg. 36], says this: " GOD HIMSELF HAS COMMANDED THAT WOMEN SHOULD NOT BE ADMITTED TO THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC MINSTRY. WE MAY NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND HIS REASONS FOR THIS PROHIBITION, BUT WE CAN BE SURE IT IS FOR THE GOOD OF THE CHURCH, THE BENEFIT OF ITS MISSION, AND THE GLORY OF CHRIST. JESUS SAID: 'IF YOU LOVE ME, YOU WILL KEEP WHAT I COMMAND' [John 14.15; 1 John 5.2-3]…WE KNOW THAT HIS COMMANDS ARE NOT BURDENSOME BUT TRULY LIBERATING [1 John 5.3; John 8.31-32]. SINCE, AS PAUL DECLARES, THE LORD HAS EXPRESSLY COMMANDED WOMEN NOT TO EXERCISE THE PREACHING OFFICE, WE CAN HAVE A CLEAR CONSCIENCE IF WE OBEY HIS COMMAND. WE CAN BE SURE THAT WHAT WE DO IS PLEASING TO GOD [1 John 3.22]." AMEN.

Pastor Neil Guthrig 4.9.2005

Grampians Lutheran Parish