This summer the Southern Baptist Convention upheld their doctrinal statement, the Baptist Faith and Message, by refusing to allow cooperating churches to ordain women pastors. In the last year, a rather significant move was made to change that stance, but it failed to pass last month at the annual convention in New Orleans.

Many years ago while attending a Bible conference, I heard a well-known evangelist declare, “I’ve never had to change my message because it was right when I got it.” There may be times when certain methods and even rules need to change, but when it comes to doctrine, biblical authority must be defended. Confidence in the Word of God brings with it a certain peace in knowing what we believe is always non-negotiable.

Three-and-a-half years ago, I wrote the following in my journal.

Galatians 3:28 has become a guiding principle for evangelical feminists. They reason that unity in Christ erases gender distinction as it pertains to ministry, and therefore justifies the ordination of women pastors. For them, roles specified for the sexes are removed since in Christ “there is neither male nor female, for we are all one in Christ.”

They also say the apostle Paul’s instructions in Ephesians and Corinthians was only dealing with extenuating circumstances concerning the abuses of women’s freedom, and these isolated cases should not set precedent for us today. Evangelical feminists seem determined to find a way to legitimize giving women the same offices within the church that men have held for two-thousand years. They’ve become adept with the hermeneutical gymnastics and have convinced many to embrace egalitarianism.

Sadly, this is a grievous error that flies in the face of sound biblical teaching and violates God’s created order for the sexes. Paul’s inspired instructions should not so easily be set aside. Biblical headship is consistently evident and clearly taught throughout the Bible so as to erase any question. Indeed, there was no question until second wave feminism erupted in the 60’s and 70’s.

“The head of the women is man, and the head of man is Christ, and the head of Christ is God.” (1 Cor 11:3) Could it be any clearer? Shall we also make the headship of Christ situational? Should men seek equality with Christ? Preposterous!

What we find in Scripture is women being honored by God (e.g., Deborah), but it's done in a way that doesn't violate male headship. The New Testament carries this over from the Old Testament with the same role distinctions. Evangelical feminism violates God’s creative design and is driven by culture, not Scripture.

Coming across this journal entry reminded me of the importance of remaining true to biblical authority in all matters of faith and practice. It’s also comforting to know I’ll never have to change my message since it was right when I got it.