Article: HOW DO WE SPEAK?

Thursday, October 24, 2002 - 07:46 PM

HOW DO WE SPEAK?
By Patrick D. Andrews

More and more, in our brotherhood, we hear the term "ecumenical." It's a term that is literally defined as general or worldwide in extent and influence. However, when it's used in the context of religion, it means the expanding movement to foster Christian unity by agreement on common religious faith and practice. Be well assured, it is a denominational effort to achieve Christian unity, but the unity sought, is, more often than not, not based on Christ and His given will.

Some religious historians begin the Protestant Ecumenical Movement in London in 1795. Due to religious division on the mission fields, the pagans would not listen to the "divided gospel." However, the solution to one problem led to yet another--the London Missionary Society. This society was later succeeded by the World Council of Churches some 150 years later. The latter council's stated aim was to offer a forum for discussion of ecumenical problems and also to act as a center of information and coordination.

The ecumenical movement was considered a "non-Catholic intellectual movement," until Pope John XXIII. He convened the Vatican Council II in October of 1962 and ushered in a new Catholic spirit which was favorable to Christian unity. The council was charged to "work actively for Christian unity." It must be realized that unity is not a wrong objective. However what made them wrong was the methods that were used to achieve the sought unity.

Throughout the scriptures we find strong declarations of the importance of the unity of all Christ's disciples. Jesus entreated it time and again. John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 17:11; 20-21 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 20. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21. That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

Christian unity must be achieved on a common biblical basis of authority. What the denominations were trying to achieve did not center on Heaven' authority. Unity rests upon the blessings of God--without His blessing unity cannot be. Jesus Christ, as the Only Begotten Son of God, must be central and circumferential in the matter of unity--He must be the absolute authority. He is the one who died on the cross to take away our sins, purchase the church, and become the Head of the body--He is preeminent.

If we, as a religious world, are ever to be united, it must be in Christ. Unity will never be achieved until we all recognized that God's Word is authoritative. Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5. One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. We must recognize the oneness (unity) of God!

It makes a great deal of sense why the pioneers of the Restoration Movement would coin a phrase that became their statement of purpose: "Where the Bible speaks, we speak; Where the Bible is silent, we are silent." Rather than becoming apologetic about the truth we need to ever so boldly speak up for the truth. When those like Thomas and Alexander Campbell, Barton W. Stone, "Raccoon" John Smith, and many others involved in the restoration of the Lord's church decided to adopt a slogan, they chose that which represented their purpose and manner of life. Their statement indicated that they were giving up their denominational practices. It meant that they would not accept, nor teach anything that was not biblical. It meant that they would respect the silence of scriptures relative to many of the traditions that had become binding on others as matters of faith in the various denominations throughout the country and abroad.

When one becomes apologetic because of the truth of Jesus Christ, the apologetic one has departed from the principle of God's supreme sacrifice for sin and His preeminent authority.

Therefore, because of necessity, we must continue to speak where the scriptures speak, and remain silent where they are silent. We must find a "thus saith the Lord" for all that we do in faith and practice. The unity that must be sought, must be the same unity for which Christ prayed. The basis of our efforts must be the God inspired scriptures. The method of our practices must be focused on the common objective of the restoration of Christ's Kingdom. 1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. How do you we speak?