This particular blog entry will be confusing for some as I
am addressing a particular group of people with whom I have encounters dating back
almost forty years. This group is known as the, so-called, “Grace Movement.” I
have often felt over the years that this is somewhat a misnomer in that, in behavior,
much of what I have witnessed contradicts grace, and what movement there has
been is mostly a great deal of dissention and name calling. This isn’t said to
be harsh but to, perhaps, move some to introspection.
While these characteristics put me off in the early years of
my association, I at that time was hoping that it was more a stage of growth
and that those involved would grow out of it. Now, unquestionably, there has
been tremendous growth over the past thirty years in a numerical sense. I know
of hundreds of local churches that have been planted throughout the world.
There is much excitement as believers come to rejoice in God’s dispensation of
grace and realize the manifold benefits that come with our being identified
with our savior Jesus Christ. And yet the dissention is as prevalent and raucous
as ever.
Intentionally it is my purpose to not call these people by
name. I would rather they consider my words and weigh their behavior in light
of the same. Even more importantly, I would that they take note of God’s words
considering His design in the Body of Christ. For example; (Romans 14:10-13) But why
dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we
shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I
live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall
confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let
us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no
man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. (KJV)
It is conspicuous that there is much “judging” these days
and a great deal of setting “at nought” by the brethren. At times it seems to
me that many are more concerned with whom they might separate from rather than whom
they may edify. At the same time it is evident to me that some have established
themselves as some kind of “grace police” issuing judgments and edicts as if
they are the final authority on faith and practice. These types are so
impressed with their self-proclaimed authority that they persist in their
demands that others should “shun” those whom they have labeled in some way as “heretic”,
or some similar classification.
Now, I would be the last person to suggest that there are
not occasions when we are to identify dissenters and consciously avoid them. By
way of example I quote; (Romans
16:17-18) Now I beseech you,
brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine
which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our
Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches
deceive the hearts of the simple. (KJV)
But here’s the rub; the “grace police” view the doctrine
mentioned here as an open ended list of which they insist are “essential
doctrines.” However, the context of the
passage would imply an entirely different context. In the passage Paul is
saluting different believers in multiple churches and exhorts believers “to
salute one another with an holy kiss.” It is the doctrine of unity and oneness
that Paul emphasizes here. Paul is consistent throughout his epistles in this
theme. And it should be noted that when the apostle commands separation it is
almost always based upon behavior and not doctrine. In fact, in one instance
Paul infers that heresies are necessary within the body of believers. (1 Corinthians 11:19) For there must be also heresies among you,
that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. (KJV) My conclusion concerning the Romans
16 edict is that it is related to behavior that violates the doctrine of unity and
not to other specific doctrines.
Please note the following scripture.
(Romans 15:1-7) We then that are strong ought to bear the
infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for
his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is
written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For whatsoever
things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through
patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience
and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to
Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind
and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore
receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. (KJV)
It is obvious from this passage that we have an obligation
to endure the shortcomings of others, and like Christ, seek the better for
those that are weak and in need of edification. This can be difficult for us as
in our flesh we would rather see others brought low or punished for things we
perceive as egregious. However, Paul is as clear about our methodology in recovering
believers from error as he is about how we are to study the scriptures, and
both instructions are contained within the same chapter. (2 Timothy 2:24-26) And
the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to
teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God
peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And
that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken
captive by him at his will. (KJV) When
the apostle says that God’s servant “must not strive” is he inferring that we
get to choose our opportunities when we think strife is necessary? I think not.
Our methodology, in approach to error, is not driven by judgmental attitudes
and condemnation. It is all about edification (teaching) in meekness and
patience. Qualities I see in few that are the cause of so much division in the
Body of Christ.
Much of this is clarified in Paul’s epistle to the Romans
when he says the following: (Romans 14:1-5) Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful
disputations. For one believeth that he
may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth
despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that
eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man's
servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden
up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another:
another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own
mind. (KJV) Believers with different doctrines were at
odds with one another and being judgmental. I am impressed with the apostle’s
question, “who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? It is a question
that I have often asked myself.
The answer I arrive at is that it is usually someone outside
the local assembly. It is usually someone connected to some organization that
exists outside of a local assembly that is bent on exerting control that
overrides the established leadership within the local church. These
organizations are schisms within the Body of Christ that are run by individuals,
or boards, that are not subject to the authority of a local church. While most
of the people involved in these organizations would be shocked at this expressed
concept it is clear in their practice that they are assured of their authority
in interfering in the life of the local church. Paul said that it is the local
church which is “the pillar and ground of the truth” and not some man running
his own religious business or a parachurch entity wrapped in some papal-like authority.
It is the local church where the believer is nourished, established, and
protected.
All of this being said, I will not suggest that I have not
been edified by some of these para-church organizations. I have benefited. The
problem lies in their attitude and practice. If they would seek to excel in
edification and acknowledge that they have no authority whatsoever over the
church, things would be in much better balance. There would be far less unrest
and division. There would be little, or no, name calling. There would be only
edification and wouldn’t that be nice?
