WELS and EFCA

The Statement of Faith of the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) departs from biblical teaching in the areas of the sacraments and Jesus’ visible return on the last day. In referencing Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, the Statement of Faith identifies them as “ordinances,” “which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer.”

By turning sacraments into “ordinances,” the EFCA denies that Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are means of grace through which God offers and gives forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. When sacraments become “ordinances,” then the focus is on doing and not receiving.

The Bible teaches that God offers and gives forgiveness of sins, life and salvation through Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Matthew 26:28).

The Statement of Faith also expresses belief “in the personal, bodily and premillennial return of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Bible does not teach that Jesus will return to this world to rule over a literal 1,000-year period of peace on earth. Jesus explained to Pontius Pilate that his kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36).

In a document titled “Distinctives of the Evangelical Free Church of America,” the statement is made: “We join with other Christians and other denominations of like, precious faith in common goals and ministries to accomplish the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.” That position of ecumenism runs contrary to Romans 16:17, but fits in with the EFCA’s position of “In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, charity.”

I am happy to see that the EFCA’s Statement of Faith points people to Jesus Christ as the only Savior from sin, but doctrinal errors—any errors—are serious and potentially destructive of saving faith (Galatians 5:9).