IFCA Position on Eternal Sonship

John MacArthur's Position on the Eternal Sonship of Christ

The IFCA Doctrinal Statement on the Eternal Sonship of Christ

Our original concern was that the position of Dr. John MacArthur was out of harmony with the clear doctrinal position of the Independent Fundamental Churches of America (IFCA), of which John MacArthur was a member. Let us see, first of all, exactly what the IFCA doctrinal statement says:

THE IFCA DOCTRINAL STATEMENT AS
IT PERTAINS TO THE SONSHIP OF CHRIST

What Does It Say?

How Must It Be Understood?

The IFCA Doctrinal Statement is not silent concerning the Sonship of Christ. The IFCA statement is clear and concise and lucid. It is not vague and meaningless. The founding fathers of the IFCA were Bible believing men with keen doctrinal discernment. They have given to us a most comprehensive and Biblically accurate statement of faith. It is one of the most complete documents of its kind. It contains 26 carefully worded paragraphs, embracing 16 crucial areas of doctrine. Its precise statements are supported and founded by 121 passages of Holy Scripture.

What Does It Say Regarding Christ's Sonship?

Is Jesus Christ the eternal Son of God? Has He forever been the Son? Has He eternally existed as the Son of God?

The IFCA Doctrinal statement speaks to this vital issue in two places. Carefully consider these words:

We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit --Article IV; Section 1 (2)

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, without ceasing to be God --Article IV; Section 1 (3a)

This statement does not say that Christ became the Son of God at the time of the incarnation. It says that He eternally existed as the Son. It does not say that He became the Son of God at the incarnation. It says that the eternal Son of God became man at the incarnation.

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