It is good to search out and hash over things having to do with the principles of assembly order and function, so that we come to a Scriptural conclusion concerning the ground of gathering. The Bible says that the Bereans were “noble” because they “received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). What was so commendable about them is that they “received the Word” before they searched it out in the Scriptures. This shows that their faith saw Paul and Silas as messengers sent from God, and therefore, they readily received what they said. When they searched those things out in the Scriptures, they found that what their faith already had accepted from those men was true.
Sad to say, we do not see the spirit of the Bereans among Christians today much. People generally want to challenge and argue over various points of doctrine before they will receive it. And even then, it has to be a “black and white” statement from Scripture—a principle from God’s Word is not enough. We are not suggesting that people should gullibly swallow everything that someone tells them, but the Bible says, “Knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (2 Tim. 3:14). Our point here is that God raises up gifted men to bring us the truth (Eph. 4:11-14), and we need to be in a spiritual state (as the Bereans were) to recognize it and receive what they have to give us. When we know those who have given us the truth, we should have faith to accept it prima facie, and then diligently search it out in the Scriptures. This is a commendable spirit to have in seeking the truth.
Scripture says, “Buy the truth, and sell it not” (Prov. 23:23). There is no better time to do this then when we are young. Scripture also indicates that we are to “receive with meekness the engrafted Word” (James 1:21). This means that humility is very much needed in this exercise. But in looking over these comments and questions that have been given to us, we wonder whether they are from those who are truly seeking to “buy the truth,” because the spirit of “meekness” seems to be lacking. There is more of a challenging spirit than the spirit of inquiry.
A cursory glance at the Table of Contents will give the reader to see that most, if not all of the complaints people have in regard to the truth of gathering, revolve around Matthew 18:20. It seems that the whole thing is a straightforward attack on that verse. Perhaps the sub-title of this book should be, “Answers to Attacks on Matthew 18:20.” It is distressing to learn that some of these comments and questions are from older ones who have been exposed to the truth of gathering and have seemingly embraced it for years. You would think that they would have had these things settled in their minds long ago. And what is even more disturbing is that they have acted somewhat like the old prophet of Bethel (1 Kings 13) and have encouraged the younger ones in their opposition to the truth. It may be that these older ones have had these questions for some time and are glad to hear them expressed by the younger generation. But in encouraging this sort of thing, they could very well “overthrow the faith of some” in things which are “most surely believed among us” (2 Tim. 2:18; Luke 1:1).
What has made matters worse is that well-meaning brethren who stand for the truth have tried to answer some of these questions and complaints, but they have inadvertently made unwise and unguarded statements. This has only exacerbated the problem and frustrated the younger brethren who are looking for answers. We are conscious that we could do the same. Therefore, we feel much cast on the Lord as we embark on this second volume of Questions.
We realize that there may be some in whose hands this book will fall who have no desire to learn the truth of gathering, and they may seize upon an unintentional blunder (imagined or real) and magnify it in an attempt to set aside the truth. But in doing so, they will only manifest their true spirit. The old rhyme—“A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still”—is as true today as it was when it was penned long ago. Therefore, we do not want to get drawn into fleshly arguments with those who are disgruntled and who do not want the truth. A proverb says, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him” (Prov. 26:4). We take this to mean that we are not to answer this kind of a person in the same spirit in which he makes his fleshly challenges; to do so would be to sink to his level. But the very next proverb says, “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit” (Prov. 26:5). This tells us that to allow foolish and unlearned statements to go unchallenged without rebuttal only strengthens the fool in his self-assurance. This is one reason why this second volume is now sent forth. A higher reason, of course, is that we would like to help those who want the truth.
Therefore, we will seek, to the best of our ability, to state the truth and leave it for those who want it. We trust that the Lord will make these things good to the soul of every honest seeker.