Acknowledgment of Missteps by Notable Pastor Initiates Dialogue on Sin and Redemption
Samuel D. Renihan, a well-respected figure in the Reformed Baptist community, has stepped down from his pastoral role at Trinity Reformed Baptist Church in La Mirada, California. The resignation follows his public acknowledgment of an adulterous affair.
In a profound expression of remorse posted on his blog Petty France, Renihan stated, “I have sinned in an exceedingly wicked way. This past week it was discovered that I have committed adultery. The Lord, whose Spirit yearns jealously for his people (James 4:5), the Lord, who is an avenger in these things (1 Thess. 4:6), exposed my sin. To my great shame, I did not bring it to light.” The full text can be read here.
Renihan, son of prominent Reformed Baptist Pastor James Renihan, has been influential through his writings, including The Mystery of Christ and His Covenant. The church has yet to issue an official statement regarding this development.
His confession, rich with scriptural references, described his actions as a “stiff-necked sin” and acknowledged the arrogance that ensnared him. “As a minister, I should have set an example in holiness, but by my unholiness I have made myself unfruitful and ineffective (2 Pet. 1:8), a warning, an example never to be imitated (1 Tim 5:20),” Renihan declared.
Renihan has since read a letter of confession to his congregation, resigned his pastoral post, and subjected himself to the church’s discipline. He expressed deep regret, stating, “I am deeply ashamed of my sin. All sin deserves damnation, but some sins are far worse than others, and mine is exceedingly wicked.”
While details remain scarce, Renihan has been transparent with various organizations he is affiliated with, seeking to protect their reputations. He also removed his self-published theological works. “I thank God that my wife has graciously forgiven me,” he mentioned, pleading for public forgiveness and urging others to honor God’s unwavering commitment to His followers.
The Reformed Baptist community has reacted to Renihan’s candidness, as evidenced by comments from Pastor Bill Rhetts, who shared his emotional response in a statement on X. Rhetts called the situation “heart-wrenching” and praised Renihan’s approach to public repentance.
Despite the heartache, Rhetts emphasized the importance of discussing issues of adultery openly, commending Renihan for his transparent confession, saying, “If there ever was a postmodern public confession of sin and profession of repentance that was done right, this is it.” He encouraged ongoing prayers for Renihan and his family.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
