Ian Paisley: Free Presbyterian Church pays tribute

The Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, which Rev Ian Paisley founded and led for decades, has paid tribute to him after his death.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Sep 2014, 11:55 BST
Ian Paisley preaching to a 12000 strong congregationon on the 40th anniversary of the Free Presbyterian ChurchIan Paisley preaching to a 12000 strong congregationon on the 40th anniversary of the Free Presbyterian Church
Ian Paisley preaching to a 12000 strong congregationon on the 40th anniversary of the Free Presbyterian Church

The General Presbytery of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster issued the statement, signed off by Moderator Rev John Greer, Deputy-Moderator Rev Thomas Murray, and Clerk Rev Ian Brown.

“It is with deep sadness and regret that we have learned of the passing of Dr Paisley, retired minister of our denomination and former moderator of the General Presbytery of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster,” they said.

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“We pay tribute to the many, many years of faithful Gospel ministry that Dr. Paisley exercised both in Northern Ireland and also farther afield. Under the hand of God, Dr. Paisley was mightily used of the Lord in the conversion of many to Jesus Christ.

“Throughout the Free Presbyterian Church at home and abroad and in various other Christian churches there are large numbers of people who recognise Dr. Paisley as the instrument God used to bring them to the Saviour.

We remember also the huge contribution that Dr. Paisley made to the foundation and formation of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster; and we salute his gifted leadership in his role as moderator of Presbytery over many decades.

We are grateful that through Dr. Paisley’s faithful and anointed preaching of God’s Word and the stand he took for Christ’s cause, the Spirit of God raised a Biblical witness against apostasy from Christ. And we thank the Lord that this witness for truth continues under the blessing of God to this day.

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“We publically extend to his wife and family our sincere Christian sympathy on the home-going of their dear loved one. In their time of deepest loss, when their hearts are broken and grief-stricken, we assure them of our prayerful support.”

The church statement then quoted Isaiah 43:1-2: “…Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”

Related topics:Ian Brown