RIVER PLATE ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY — School of Theology — Libertador San Martín, Entre Ríos, Argentina
The 12th International South American Biblical Theological Symposium was held at River Plate Adventist University (Universidad Adventista del Plata), Argentina, April 27 through May 1, 2017. Focusing of the book of Romans, the general theme of the symposium commemorated the five hundredth year of the Protestant Reformation initiated by Martin Luther. Besides plenary presentations by members of the BRI and other theologians from North and South America, the participants had the opportunity to gain new insights in forty-nine parallel presentations in systematic, historical, practical, biblical, and interdisciplinary areas of study. The well-organized symposium was a theological and spiritual highlight and the major presentations will be published in a forthcoming book by Universidad Adventista del Plata. At the end of the symposium the following consensus statement was voted and approved by the participants from South America:
STATEMENT OF CONSENSUS
“The Just Shall Live by Faith”
Approved at the 12th South American Biblical-Theological Symposium River Plate Adventist University, Libertador San Martín Entre Ríos, Argentina
In celebration of the five hundredth anniversary of the Reformation led by Martin Luther, the School of Theology of River Plate Adventist University held the 12th South American Biblical-Theological Symposium, from April 27 to May 1, 2017, with the motto “The righteous shall live by faith,” in the context of the Epistle to the Romans.
Based on the “gospel of God” set forth in the mentioned epistle, the participants of the symposium approved the following Statement of Consensus:
As participants of the 12th South American Biblical-Theological Symposium, in the framework of the cosmic conflict between Christ and Satan, and of the mission entrusted to God’s remnant Church,
We reaffirm that Paul, in the Epistle to the Romans, sets forth the great principles of the gospel of God. There the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ is exposed (Rom 1:16–17; 3:21–31).
We reaffirm our firm conviction that God is the Creator of the universe and Sovereign over all things. However, in their liberty, human beings did not glorify Him as God. They changed the truth of God to a lie, honoring and worshipping the creature rather than the Creator, and falling under all kinds of perversions (Rom 1:7, 9–10, 18–19, 21–24; 16:25–27).
We reaffirm the Pauline teaching that all, without exception, have sinned and are destitute of the glory of God. Although they can do what is morally and ethically correct, human beings cannot solve the problem of sin and its consequence, which is death (Rom 3:9–18, 23; 7:14–24).
We reaffirm that what was impossible for the fallen human nature is made possible by God in sending His Son, so that the righteousness of the law may be fulfilled in us, who walk not in the flesh but in the Spirit (Rom 7:14–24; 8:3–4).
We reaffirm our strong conviction that God sent Jesus Christ as an atonement through His blood, so that He may be the just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus (Rom 3:21–26).
We reaffirm the certainty that we are justified freely by the grace of God, without the works of the law, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ, who is at the right hand of God interceding on our behalf (Rom 3:21–24; 8:34).
We reaffirm that by the law, which is holy, just, good, and everlasting, comes the knowledge of sin and the need of Christ for righteousness to everyone who believes (Rom 3:20; 7:7–8, 12; 10:4).
We reaffirm that in baptism we have been buried and resurrected with Christ to a new life of victory, so that we no longer serve sin (Rom 6:1–12).
We reaffirm that justification does not result in a license for believers to practice a sinful lifestyle. The transforming work of the Spirit in the believers is “for faith,” enabling them to think, act, and live according to the law of God, for sanctification (Rom 1:5; 6:1–18; 8:5–11).
We reaffirm that God reveals His love to sinners by adopting them as children and freeing them from the powers that are set against them in the present dimension of the great controversy. Moreover, He leads them to a state of coming glory in Jesus’ return, to the glorious freedom of the children of God (Rom 8:18–21).
We reaffirm that we accept and choose to live the ethics of love that God proposes to His children. This can be made evident in fraternal relations and service through spiritual gifts on behalf of all the members of the body of Christ, one body, which is the church, the Israel of God (Rom 11–15).
We reaffirm that salvation in Jesus Christ is offered to all human beings without discrimination, and those who accept it through faith are called to become a part of the people of God (Rom 1:16; 2:11; 14–16; 3:22–25; 4:11–12; 12:4–5; 10:12–13; 11:17–24).
We reaffirm our confidence and assurance that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28–39).
We reaffirm our certainty that the consummation of our eternal salvation at the second coming of Jesus is closer than when we believed (Rom 8:18–20; 11:25–27; 13:11–12; 16:20).
We reaffirm our total commitment to the proclamation of the everlasting gospel, which is the power of God for salvation to all who believe. In its proclamation the grace and righteousness of God are being revealed, in conformity with the declaration of Scripture: “The just shall live by faith” (Rom 1:16–17).