Limits of Councils

All Church power, whether exercised by the body in general or in the way of representation by delegated authority, is only ministerial and declarative ; that is to say, that the Holy Scriptures are the only rule of faith and manners [practice]; that no Church judicatory ought to pretend to make laws to bind the conscience in virtue of their own authority ; and that all their decisions should be founded upon the revealed will of God.  Now though it will easily be admitted that all synods and councils may err, through the frailty inseparable from humanity, yet there is much greater danger from the usurped claims of making laws than from the right of judging upon laws already made, adn common to all who confess the gospel, although this right, as necessity requires int eh present state, be lodged with fallible men. (Book of Order PCUSA F-3.0107 Historic Principles of Church Order)

Scripture: 5Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.”

6The apostles and elders met to consider this question. (Acts 15)

Thoughts: Councils (like General Assembly or presbytery) decisions are always secondary to the plain meaning of scripture. The human tendency to rationalize and excuse behavior has been duplicated many times in history.  John Calvin (Institutes IV.9) speaks of councils as having contradicted each other and were marred by serious human failings.  He goes on to say, "The Holy Spirit so governed the otherwise godly councils as to allow something human to happen to them, lest we should put too much confidence in men. (IV.9.11).  I am indebted to Jim Goodloe of Foundations for Reformed Theology in pointing this out.  When councils or assemblies usurp authority as if they can go against the plain meaning of scripture, Confession or Book of Order, they err.  Groups- even the best groups- with the best human minds can make mistakes. 

Prayer: Lord, keep me from being dismayed at the bad decisions of a council.  But give me strength and grace to always be strong and faithful for you.