In July 2020, MacArthur wrote,
“…in response to the recent state order requiring churches in California to limit or suspend all meetings indefinitely, we, the pastors and elders of Grace Community Church, respectfully inform our civic leaders that they have exceeded their legitimate jurisdiction, and faithfulness to Christ prohibits us from observing the restrictions they want to impose on our corporate worship services.”
On August 31, 2021 pastor John MacArthur and Grace Community Church won their legal battle with the state of California and Los Angeles County after the governments agreed to pay $400,000 each as part of a settlement for violating the church’s religious liberty during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read the full story here.
Some might object that “it is not very Christian to seek reparations for being wronged in this way.” But that would be a version of Christianity that the apostles wouldn’t recognize.
So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace.” But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out.”
(Acts 16:36-37 NKJV)
The ruling of the court for Grace Community Church was actually less than fully satisfactory in that it only agreed that the state “can’t treat churches any different than the secular businesses that are getting the most favorable treatment.” The truth is the state has no authority over Christian worship. The ruling was, nevertheless, a vindication of Grace Community Church’s actions. Of course, this kind of faith and courage is not always rewarded in this way. But, for the pastors and elders of Grace Community Church, it would have been the right thing to do regardless of the outcome. Some “through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions… And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.” (Heb. 11:33, 35 NKJV). An obedient faith is always ultimately rewarded.
“We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)
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