04/26/07

Quote: Iain Murray on Unity

The following quote comes from Iain Murray’s book Evangelicalism Divided (on page 291 if you must know):

The ecumenical call [in the mid-20th century] was not for truth and salt; it was supremely for oneness: the greater the unity of ‘the Church’, it was confidently asserted, the stronger would be the impression made upon the world; and to attain that end churches should be inclusive and tolerant. But it has never been by putting unity first that the church has changed the world. At no point in church history has the mere unity of numbers ever made a transforming spiritual impression upon others. On the contrary, it was the very period known as ‘the dark ages’ that the Papacy could claim her greatest unity in western Europe.

So if we would have true unity, we must have theology. We are to share, profess and enjoy unity with other believers, even those who do not share certain “lesser” doctrines. This is not to imply that any doctrine is unimportant, but simply that some are more important than others. J.C. Ryle wisely observed that believers should “keep the walls of separation as low as possible, and shake hands over them as often as you can.” But there are times when we must reject supposed unity because of the higher importance of truth and sound doctrine. To repeat Murray’s words, “it has never been by putting unity first that the church has changed the world.” Nor will it ever be.

Comments (6) »

1. David
April 26, 2007
4:22 PM

It’s by putting Christ first (especially in the midst of persecution) that the church changes the world.

But regarding unity, it’s clear to me that any pastor, group, or church or that distorts the gospel of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ is necessarily outside the fray of God’s blessing (Gal. 1).

Peter says that there, “are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.” So teachers should be on their guard to the furthest extent of their consciences about all teaching they do…

But I think it’s compelling that he says “some things” are distorted by bad teachers, leading unto their destruction - rather than “anything” a teacher distorts. Other things simply deserve correction, not judgment. Like when Apollos was preaching and, “when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” (Acts 18:26)

Rather than arguing, or giving a public rebuke, they “took him aside” and “explained” things to him. To me, that’s what unity is about. There was unity in the gospel, first. Second, since they knew that he was their brother in Christ, and they earnestly desired that his ministry be accurate, not just “bold” (v. 26a) they lovingly guided him to become a better servant.

2. donsands
April 26, 2007
6:47 PM

“keep the walls of separation as low as possible, and shake hands over them as often as you can.”

Great quote. Spot on for JC Ryle.

The whole post was excellent.

I pray the Church would learn this, for it would be pleasing in the sight of our Lord. Amen.

3. Steve H
April 26, 2007
7:39 PM

The Bible does make a plea for unity and love among believers, but not at the cost of truth. Paul has some rather harsh words for those who distort doctrinal truth like wishing they were accursed or cut off. That is a far cry from holding hands and singing Kum-Byah.

It is not a church that blends in which makes an impact, but rather a distinctive church.

4. Daniel
April 27, 2007
8:25 AM

In Leviticus, the laws concerning leprosy are quite instructive - there was the law concerning the individual, and then the law concerning leprosy in someone’s house. The sacrifice was the same - two birds, one sacrificed in an earthen vessel over running water, the other, along with wood, scarlet and hysop was dipped in the blood of the first, and set free. The imagery is fairly self evident, so I won’t elaborate on it.

What is noteworthy (for those who consider such things) is that a person was pronounced clean once the leprosy in their person was no longer contageous, likewise for their abode - if a leprosy broke out in the building, the stones where the leprosy were found were removed, the plaster from the whole house scraped away, new plaster put in place - and if the leprosy remained gone - fine, but if it returned, the whole structure was unclean.

I think there is application in this truth with regards to both the individual and the church (not the building, but the congregation, as “living stones are build up a spiritual house”), when it comes to leprous doctrines - doctines that do not bring spiritual health to an individual or a church.

5. RANDY HURST
April 27, 2007
10:38 AM

Time to Chime.

Unity (oneness) is the work of the Holy Spirit. He leads us into all truth.

You can ascribe to all the right words, doctrines, theologies, versions of the Bible, etc., but if those words have not been brought to LIFE in you, they are only CLUB creeds.

When the Word is Alive in us we bear fruits of the Spirit, we demonstrate the empowerment to Love as Christ loved.

Our Lord gave us the word of the Father that we might be one as they are one.

The word did not fully come alive in the lives of the disciples until after the work of the cross and the coming of the promised Holy Spirit.

Knowing the Word IS ESSENTIAL to the Christian life and walk…and being made alive by and walking in step with the Holy Spirit is as ESSENTIAL. These are in harmony.

The Muslim religion believes much as we do about JESUS, but they miss the essence of his mission…His work of atonement and resurrection to life. In so doing, they miss love for one another. You don’t have to be a Muslim to trust in dead works and be full of hatred and suspicion.

I applaud the zeal of the revived reformed movement in its pursuit of clear & impassioned teaching and preaching of the word.

I do not believe, though, that our unity comes from simply agreeing on doctrine…even good doctrine. NOR does it come by finding as few common doctrines as possible so as to find unity through doctrinal dilution.

Unity is a supernatural gift bestowed as a birthright for joy in our lives and power in our witness. Like Christ, our oneness with our Heavenly Father, will bring us unity with each other.

Those we would reach for Christ are not (first) looking for a class in theology, they are looking for the power of God in our lives. There is nothing wrong with such pragmatism on their part. Jesus said His followers would be distinguished by their love for one another. What is it about a lifted up Christ that draws all to him, if not His willingness to lovingly die for us?

We may know that Everlasting Life and Agape Love come through the Word and the Spirit, but the lost can only see it in our love for each other and in our liberation from the power and chaotic destructiveness of sin in our lives.

6. Nath @ ReformedGeek
April 27, 2007
7:33 PM

I like this by Mark E. Dever, from his booklet Nine Marks Of A Healthy Church (p.18)

We [Dever’s Church] can allow some disagreement over matters that seem necessary neither for salvation, nor for the practical life of the church. So, for instance, though we all agree that Christ will return, we are not surprised that there is disagreement among us about the timing of His return. We can enjoy entire liberty on matters still less central or clear, such as the rightness of armed resistance, or the authorship of Hebrews. In all of this, the principle should be plain: the closer we get to the heart of our faith, the more we expect to see our unity expressed in a shared understanding of the faith. The early church put it this way: in essentials unity, in non-essentials diversity, in all things charity.

I think the problem today with the ecumenical movement is that their mantra is, “in all things diversity, in all things charity!”.

I guess the only problem that arises now is agreeing what the ‘essentials’ are.. ;)