We propose to take a look at the religious climate and religious trends in the world about us; that is, in the Western world. We have "the sure word of prophecy" concerning the events to take place shortly after the Church receives its home call; but the question we ask ourselves is, What are the portents of that which is to be seen on almost every side in Christendom? What do they suggest to us?
What was once only a trickle of opinion, later became a rising river, and has now almost reached the proportions of a tidal wave. We refer to the preachment of the urgent necessity for religious union-ecumenicalism. At first only a handful of theological liberals espoused the proposal; but today large, and enlarging, segments of the professing church have been caught in the great swell. Protestants of nearly every persuasion, and of no persuasion, and even Catholics are much interested in promoting a great world church that they suggest would greatly increase the "Christian" world testimony.
The National and World Councils of Churches are in the forefront of this great effort of man, and it may be assumed that there is some connection between them and some branches of the United Nations. There are those who propose a super world government, and those who propose a super-world religion. In some ways their propositions overlap. It is to be feared that the spirit that animated the builders of the tower of Babel and the spirit moving the builders of the world colossi today are the same and from the same source. Although today the advocates of super-government probably fear being swept away by overwhelming power in the hands of ruthless dictators, while the proponents of a world-wide, all-embracing Christian church fear the overwhelming force of communistic materialism and scientific naturalism, although both of these elements are in the forefront of the ecumenical drive.
But from whatever source, here are some facts: As the National Council of Churches'-an organization composed of 33 denominations-representatives were gathering in an Francisco early in December for their fifth triennial general assembly, Dr. Eugene Carson Blake preached in the pulpit of Grace Cathedral at the request of Bishop James A. Pike of the Episcopalian diocese. This was on the Sunday before the general assembly meetings were to open. Dr. Blake, who was formerly a president of the National Council, is the executive head of the newly combined United Presbyterian Church; and his well-planned and well-timed bomb went off with utmost precision and produced the desired effect. He made a concrete proposal that the Episcopal Church, together with his United Presbyterians, the Methodists, and the recently forged United Church of Christ come together and form one great denomination of 17.8 million communicants. (The United Church of Christ was formed in 1957 by merging the Evangelical and Reformed Churches with the Congregational Christian Churches.)
Editor Harold Fey of the independent, liberal Christian Century was in attendance at this historic service and said that one might go to church for a decade, or maybe for this century, and not see such an unusual and important service. Needless to say, Dr. Blake's suggestion was heartily endorsed by Bishop Pike who knew in advance of his "sermon." Some reactions from other leaders included a remark by the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Rt. Rev. Arthur Lichtenberger, that the proposal was of tremendous importance to the whole church. Also, Dr. John Wesley Lord, the Methodist bishop of the Washington Area, said, "that such a re-united church would make a tremendous appeal to... a growing number of people who stand aghast at the sin of denominational overlapping."
The heads of the United Church of Christ also expressed interest and a willingness to examine Dr. Blake's proposal. And so the swell increases as more and more churchmen talk mergers and consolidations.
Here are some comments from Eternity magazine:
"It was plain that San Francisco set a new watermark in the flood of feeling for church union in the United States-at least as far as the leaders of American Protestantism are concerned. The flood waters virtually swept away the lingering concept that somehow the denominations could work together in a loose sort of federation.
"Dr. Blake and others following his lead seem to feel that in the merger of churches, such as he proposed, spiritual forces of renewal will be released and the church will again possess the sort of witness that once turned the world upside down."
Eternity further says:
"But there is a greater impetus for church union. Bible students can point to the words of our Lord Himself: 'that they all may be one... that the world may believe that thou hast sent me' (John 17:2121That 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. (John 17:21)). These words have been neglected far too long even by those who swear their loyalty to God's Holy Word."
Again we quote from Eternity:
"It is plain that today Christians must search their Bibles and study more diligently the revealed truth of God about the nature of the church. Many Christians have been more concerned to study the prophecy of the future than they have been to study what the church of Jesus Christ is to be right now."-Feb. 1961, pp. 27, 28.
It is easy to see the present attitude of Eternity and its editorial staff. Its late editor-in-chief, Dr. Donald G. Barnhouse, led the way. At one time he departed from the National Council of Churches and its conglomerate of modernism and often apostasy, but in late years he went back to it, expressing his regrets for having ever left it. He then spoke over the air under its aegis, and in his magazine wrote disparagingly of those who depart from iniquity. Shortly before his decease, he spoke out against what is called dispensationalism; and in combating a servant of the Lord who taught it said,
"I do not believe that the church is in ruins."
And yet on every hand the evidence is overwhelming of the diseased and ruined condition of the outward testimony of the Church of God on earth. Now his successors say,
"Conservative Christians who have been preoccupied with the doctrine of the Scriptures must now concentrate on the doctrine of the church."-p. 28.
Is not the doctrine of the Church a part of the great body of scriptural doctrine? How can it be separated? Is not the truth of the Church of God on earth simple, and easy to be understood by those who are willing to practice it? The difficulty lies in the preconceived ideas of professing Christians to have it (the Holy Scriptures) the way they prefer it to be!
But what dissonant sounds would come from the diverse elements which Dr. Blake would put together in one house with all the various forms and machinery, liturgy and ceremonies. Dr. Blake, however, seems to have the answer even for this; that is, to find the lowest common denominator which will allow all so-called Christians to blend in a uniformity without too much strain on conscience or predilection. Here is his suggestion of a compromise formula:
A "visible and historical continuity with the church of all ages before and after the Reformation."
Here is something to blend the Catholic position (first, as it is held in the Anglican communion; second, in the orthodox bodies of the East; third, perhaps as held in Romanism) with the churches that came out of the Reformation whose position and doctrinal truths were bought at the price of the blood of the martyrs.
Acceptance of "the historic Trinitarian faith received from the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds."
3) Belief in the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion) as the "true means of grace and not merely a symbolic memorial," no matter what the precise operation of the sacrament may be (e.g., whether the Communion wine is believed to turn into the actual blood of Christ or not).
This is to appeal to the Lutherans and Catholics at a later date, and others now.
Then Dr. Blake suggests these:
Agreement that "God, speaking through the Scriptures, must be able to reform the church from age to age."
This sets the basis for complete change in existing church arrangements to suit the new super-church to the accommodation of all participants. A democratic form of church government.
This will assure present leaders and lay activists that they will not be brushed aside by some new top-heavy organization. A greater sense of brotherhood among and between members and ministers.
This must be done to get the needed financial support from wealthy members and the active cooperation of the laity to superimpose this great church on their local organizations.
A broad theology and a flexible pattern of church service.
The new great step toward "Babylon the Great" will suit the local church whether it maintains some semblance of orthodoxy or rejects all the revealed and supernatural truths of Scripture; whether it wishes an ornate building with greatest liturgical arrangements, or a modest building such as John Wesley might have decreed.
So here is the great blueprint which will allow much filling in to be done on the local level. Church members will be able to do or to hold anything they please, or nothing, just so long as it is not disruptive of outward union. Fidelity to Christ and to God's Holy, unchangeable Word would sow discord and would not be tolerated. We live in a day when non-conformity to the view of the masses will not be tolerated, and yet the word "toleration" is often used. Those who would be faithful may yet suffer real persecution by the high and mighty, pretentious, so-called Church of Christ. Great changes are in the making. And how soon will they fructify? Let us note the following:
"Noting that it would take ten years to shape and approve the details of the Blake plan, the Rev. Dr. Theodore Gill told a panel of the council that church union cannot wait that long. Because of the 'silliness' of church competition at the local level, 'the gun is at the church's head,' said the Presbyterian president of San Francisco Theological Seminary."-Newsweek, Dec. 19, 1960, p. 50.
It must be done with all dispatch; urgency is in the air. Things are moving, and delays will not be allowed. Here is what Eternity has to say on this point:
"The interdenominational organizations of evangelicalism have little time left to decide whether they are going to align themselves with the separatists [a word of disdain for any who do not go along with the trends] who believe hopefully that the 'church' can be made 'pure,' or with the majority of Christendom moving in the growing ecumenical tide." p. 28.
We probably should mention a few things concerning the actual meeting of the National Council of Churches of Christ which was held in San Francisco, California following Dr. Blake's Christendom-shaking proposal of church union. The proposal from Dr. Blake had not been en the agenda of the general assembly, but proceeded it and set the stage for increased activity by all the ecumenical-minded delegates. It gave a sense of urgency to union. When the business meeting got under way, they received a report that American churches "have never been healthier" than they are now. The secretary of the council, Dr. Roy G. Ross, gave a "state of the churches" report to the delegates for their 33 Protestant and Orthodox bodies. The report said that "a rising tide of religious interest in the United States" is evident by the statistics which show church membership at an all-time high. Church building reached a one billion dollar a year rate, and a very high level of members' participation in church activities was noted. Not a word was said about how many people repented of their sins and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Only externals were mentioned and boasted in.
One may well ask, Were there any real Christians present? If there were, Where was there any evidence of their loyalty to Christ and the truth of God? Would not the words of Isaiah reprove any true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of all the carnal boasting? "His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.... They are shepherds that cannot understand." Isa. 56:10, 1110His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. 11Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. (Isaiah 56:10‑11).
Could any description of worldly success by the profession of Christianity more aptly fit the Holy Spirit's last description of the professing church on earth as found in Rev. 3:15-1715I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: (Revelation 3:15‑17)? "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of My mouth. Because thou sayest, I AM RICH, AND INCREASED WITH GOODS, AND HAVE NEED OF NOTHING; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Proud, boastful Christendom has indeed reached the last stage of her testimony on earth. She is to be spewed out of Christ's mouth as something nauseous to Him. Her plight today is like that of the Israelites who had forsaken their God, but could boast of their religiosity and long background when they saw the ark of God come into the camp in the days of the apostasy of Eli's sons. At that time they boasted and shouted until "the earth rang again" (1 Sam. 4:55And when the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again. (1 Samuel 4:5)). Their shout was but empty pretension (the ark was taken and they were despoiled), and the Lord gives the same verdict to Laodicea's boasting.
If this article should fall into the hands of any true believer who took part in the sickening lukewarmness of the San Francisco convention, we say to him in true Christian charity: "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light," or "shine upon thee." Eph. 5:11Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; (Ephesians 5:1)•.
The ecumenical builders work on a wrong premise; that is, that all professors of Christianity are truly Christ's sheep, when by and large the majority today will not stand up to such a test. The wheat field has become a "tare" field, where mere professors abound; they are not Christ's sheep, and are destined to hear Him say to them, "I never knew you." There is an article in Eternity for January, 1961, by Walter R. Martin. (This is the man who sought to persuade the orthodox believers of today to welcome into their midst the Seventh-day Adventist fellowship.) In his article Mr. Martin sees only "scandalous" sheep and good sheep-or "obedient and disobedient" sheep. He rejects entirely the word of the Lord to come out from among unbelievers "and be separate" (2 Cor. 6); he says it does not apply to separation from professing Christians in churches. But the verse does apply to unbelievers inside or outside of the professing church involving any unequal yoke. How can a believer and a modernist infidel worship God together? It is impossible according to truth.
The promoters of an ecumenical church cite the success that has been achieved in Canada since 1925 when the Methodists, Presbyterians, and Congregationalists came together to form the United Church of Canada (and later, the Polish National Catholic Church-not Roman-was admitted). According to the glowing reports it must have been one continual love feast, with such a testimony to the unchurched that the example is well worth emulating. But external union, so often achieved at the sacrifice of the principles of the truth and of loyalty to the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word, is not always what it seems to be. Skeletons are often hidden away in great houses, and family loyalty forbids that they should be mentioned to outsiders. One thing we do know is, that much modernism and even apostasy has been housed in this church union experiment. But what does the Lord Himself, who stands amidst the seven golden candlesticks of church profession, think -thou it? He is judging of the profession, and perhaps He has written over it, "I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead." Rev. 3:11And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. (Revelation 3:1). One thing is sure, the Word of God does not countenance the mingling of the holy and the unholy, of the saved and the unsaved, in one great testimony, no matter what the aim may be of the promoters or of the doers of this strange work.
We might add that as of 1950 the United Church of Canada had 2,500,000 communicants, almost 6,500 houses of worship, and $100,000,000 worth of property. It played a large part in forming the Canadian Council of Churches, and is a member of the World Council of Churches. Dr. Willard Brewing of this organization said,
"It was the first large-scale translation of ecumenical theory into practice."-Newsweek, June 26, 1950, p. 12.
At that time they started a program which is still in the making to unite the United Church with the Church of England in Canada, and it is said that the "rank-and-file" members favor it. And today's primate of the Anglican Church of Canada says,
"Nothing less than the reunion of all Christendom should be our goal." And, "Anything that limits the completeness of the fellowship men find in their common allegiance to Christ is sinful."-Weekend, vol. 10, no. 47, 1960.
Remember that he says "men"—-saved or unsaved-must be joined together in a great profession; but to achieve these supposed notable ends, loyalty and faithfulness to Christ must be cast aside. Well did the last hook of the Old Testament speak of a similar time when Israel had turned from God in heart and ways, but were boastful: "And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered." Mal. 3:1515And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. (Malachi 3:15).
But how beautiful is the next verse: "Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon His name. And they shall be Mine... when I make up My jewels." What an encouragement to faithful children of God in this age to walk in separation from the unholy and the unclean, although it may be acclaimed by all the world as the will of God and the work of Christ. Do we "fear the Lord"? then let us speak of Him to them who are like-minded. We can leave our cause in His hands, who is "the faithful judge," and let men call us what they will. "Unto you therefore which believe He is precious"-the greatness of the professing church which accommodates itself to the world has no attraction to the heart that finds Him precious.