When is a church not a church?

As many readers may be aware, this past June 27th, the Presbyterian Church USA made a series of decisions which have resulted in denominational approval for people who would identify as homosexual being allowed ordination into ministry. The decisions were as follows:

1. A change in the ordination standards saying officers of the church must live by “fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness” (G-6.0106b) to vague language requiring fidelity to live in obedience to Christ, with the individual governing body overseeing the ordination determining whether the minister possesses such fidelity.
2. A decision ruling that previous prohibitions against ordination of homosexual clergy are no longer in effect.
3. A decision to allow for conscientious objection to ordination standards.
4. A change in the translation of the Heidelberg Catechism so that it no longer speaks about how those given to "homosexual perversions" will not be granted access into the kingdom of heaven.

More information on this subject can be found on Dr. Albert Mohler's blog [HERE] and on the Calling for Truth radio broadcast [HERE].

The Calling for Truth radio broadcast is especially interesting because the host frames the discussion of this issue with the question, "Can those who do not turn to God from their ungrateful, impenitent life be saved?" In other words, is repentance necessary for salvation? The decision of the PC(USA), in allowing for the ordination of those engaged in activity clearly prohibited by God's Word have answered this question in the negative. If the gospel call is indeed a call to repentance (see, for example, Acts 2:38), then the PC(USA) has abandoned gospel ministry and thus the churches that are within the communion of the PC(USA) are really no churches at all.