I have been in communication with an IFB pastor Brother Joe, as to my concerns, and he has passed them on to other IFB pastors in his association. Brother Joe has been my wife's family pastor for more than 20 years, and he called me to give the eulogy at her uncle's funeral.
Here is a response from one of the pastor's who has in fact seen the movie:
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Seriously, I wrote a post about the Passion the night I saw it a few weeks ago. I said I was terribly conflicted - and couldn't figure out why. I agree with everyone who has talked about how powerful it is etc. etc. - and I'm excited to see how God is going to use it - yet there was something nagging at me about it - and just couldn't figure it out. Well, I just realized one of the things that troubled me - it's the fact that basically only the physical suffering of Jesus is dramatized in the film - yet, that was not the most agonizing thing about the Cross for Jesus. It was our sin. The physical agony was incredible - and Gibson does a fantastic job in that area - but many thousands of people experienced the same physical pain and suffering. It wasn't even unusual during that time. What set Jesus apart was that he bore the sins of the world. His "stripes" were different from anyone else that had been scourged. His crucifixion was unique. In addition to the physical
aspect - he, a totally perfect being - He being God - bore our sin. He experienced the worst that man could dish out - but far more - He bore the wrath of God. That is the missing element in this movie. Now, with that said - I have no idea how that can be portrayed on film. I'm not saying I could do any better - but that element - which is the most important element - is missing. It was the sin He bore - not just the physical agony that made the Cross a victory.
When the movie ended I was moved deeply, very deeply. There were tears in my eyes - I could hardly breathe - yet there was something "missing". I was disappointed - and I just couldn't sort it out. This has nagged me for three weeks now and I think I finally understand. That is not meant as a condemnation for the film - I'm still very supportive - but I also realize that this "missing" link is what must be emphasized as we discuss the film with the lost. Somehow we have to emphasize that the physical suffering that people see was horrible - but the sin of the world - our sin - was what crushed the heart of Jesus even more. The fact that for a time Jesus, the all pure, holy one - became sin for us - was even worse than the scourging, the crown of thorns, the nails etc.
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Many thousands are going to see the movie starting tomorrow. We must stand and proclaim the Gospel, and share with the lost the Good News that Christ bore our sins, and through Him alone our sins are forgiven, and when He proclaimed,"It is finished", not "it is accomplished", our sins have been forgiven and ALL who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Hath broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
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A Servant of Christ,
Drew
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.