Turning to the Word of God, we see that almost every New Testament writer has foretold that ruin and departure from the Word of God would come into the Christian testimony. Hence, there should be no real surprise to us when we see such departure from God's order in the making of denominational and non-denominational churches.
The “Second” Epistles
The “second” epistles in the New Testament concern themselves particularly with this subject. Each epistle views some aspect of the Christian faith being given up, and thereupon marks out the path for the faithful in respect to it.
• The 2nd epistle to the Ephesians describes the letting go of first love (Rev. 2:1-71Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. 4Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:1‑7)).
• The 2nd epistle to the Thessalonians treats the letting go of the blessed hope—the Lord's coming (the Rapture).
• The 2nd epistle of John considers the seriousness of letting go of the doctrine of Christ.
• The 2nd epistle of Peter gives the letting go of practical godliness.
• The 2nd epistle to the Corinthians, among other things, treats the letting go of apostolic authority as found in Scripture.
• The 2nd epistle to Timothy tells us of the letting go of order in the house of God. (This is particularly connected with the subject we are considering.)
The Testimony of Paul
The Apostle Paul warned that there would be a great departure from the Word of God in the Christian profession. He said, “I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-3029For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. (Acts 20:29‑30)). In his epistles to Timothy, he spoke of those who would make “shipwreck concerning the faith” (1 Tim. 1:19-2019Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20Of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. (1 Timothy 1:19‑20)), of those would “depart from the faith”—the body of Christian truth (1 Tim. 4:1-31Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. (1 Timothy 4:1‑3)), of those who would “wander from the faith” (1 Tim. 6:1010For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:10)), of those who would “err concerning the faith” (1 Tim. 6:20-2120O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. <<The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.>> (1 Timothy 6:20‑21)), of those who would be “overthrowing the faith” of others through their erroneous teachings (2 Tim. 2:1818Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. (2 Timothy 2:18)), and of those who would become “reprobate concerning the faith” (2 Tim. 3:88Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. (2 Timothy 3:8)). He said there was a time coming when the Christian profession generally would “no longer endure sound doctrine, but turn their ears away from the truth to fables” which have no foundation in the Word of God (2 Tim. 4:2-42Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Timothy 4:2‑4)). He said that the morals in the Christian testimony would also degenerate to the level of things in the heathen world (2 Tim. 3:1-51This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:1‑5); compare Romans 1:28-3228And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (Romans 1:28‑32)). He spoke of impostors rising up professing to know of the truth, who would imitate the miraculous powers of God in an attempt to resist the truth, and they would lead away many (2 Tim. 3:7-87Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. (2 Timothy 3:7‑8)). He also said that things would not get better, but that “evil men and seducers” in the Christian testimony (for that is the context of 2 Timothy 3) would “wax worse and worse” (2 Tim. 3:1313But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13)). A cursory look at the Christian testimony today tells us that all this has had its sad fulfillment.
The Testimony of Matthew
The Apostle Matthew indicates the same departure in the parables of the kingdom of the heavens. In these parables, the Lord Jesus said that an enemy (Satan) would come and sow “tares among the wheat.” This indicates that there would be an introduction of false and lifeless professors into the kingdom of the heavens. The result would be a mixture of believers (the wheat) and false professors (the tares), which would not be sorted out until the end of the age (Matt. 13:24-30, 38-4124Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. (Matthew 13:24‑30)
38The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; 39The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. 40As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. 41The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; (Matthew 13:38‑41)).
Matthew records that the Lord Jesus taught the multitudes that a vast system of things would grow out of the original simplicity of Christianity and that at the end it would have no resemblance to what there was at the beginning. He used the figure of a “mustard seed” being planted in the earth and growing out of proportion, until it became a huge tree where the birds of the air would lodge. A large tree in Scripture speaks of dominion and power (Ezek. 31:3-73Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs. 4The waters made him great, the deep set him up on high with her rivers running round about his plants, and sent out her little rivers unto all the trees of the field. 5Therefore his height was exalted above all the trees of the field, and his boughs were multiplied, and his branches became long because of the multitude of waters, when he shot forth. 6All the fowls of heaven made their nests in his boughs, and under his branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth their young, and under his shadow dwelt all great nations. 7Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters. (Ezekiel 31:3‑7); Dan. 4:10-11, 2-22, 3410Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great. 11The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth: (Daniel 4:10‑11)
2I thought it good to show the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. 3How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation. 4I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace: 5I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. 6Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream. 7Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof. 8But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying, 9O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof. 10Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great. 11The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth: 12The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it. 13I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; 14He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches: 15Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth: 16Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him. 17This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. 18This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee. 19Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies. 20The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; 21Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation: 22It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth. (Daniel 4:2‑22)
34And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honored him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: (Daniel 4:34)). Thus, the Christian profession would develop into a great worldly institution having an aspect of grandeur and pretension to it. It has become a great system of religion, politics, and business. It is a place where men strive for honours, greatness, and power. The “birds of the air” speak of evil spirits (Rev. 18:22And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. (Revelation 18:2)) that would get a hold of the minds of men and influence them to teach erroneous doctrines (1 Tim. 4:11Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1 Timothy 4:1)).
If we have ever had the opportunity to witness the noise that emanates from a tree full of birds we would understand how apt a picture this is of the confusion that exists in the Christian testimony. The birds are all chirping at the same time, all seemingly having something to say, but their voices are all conflicting. This is just what we hear when we look and listen to the thousand voices of the various so-called churches in Christendom (Matt. 13:31-3231Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. (Matthew 13:31‑32)).
The Lord went on to speak about the woman who hid “leaven” in “three measures of meal” (Matt. 13:3333Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. (Matthew 13:33)). This speaks of another aspect of the ruin that has come into the Christian profession. If the birds in the huge tree illustrate the great outward profession that would develop, the leaven in the meal speaks of the great inward corruption that would also permeate Christendom. Leaven in Scripture is a type of evil (Matt. 16:66Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. (Matthew 16:6); Mark 8:1515And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod. (Mark 8:15); 1 Cor. 5:6-86Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 7Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (1 Corinthians 5:6‑8); Gal. 5:7-107Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? 8This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. 9A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. 10I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. (Galatians 5:7‑10)). The “meal” is a type of Christ, who is “the Bread of life.” He is the spiritual food for the children of God (John 6:33-35, 51-5833For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 34Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. 35And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (John 6:33‑35)
51I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. 52The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? 53Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. 57As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. 58This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. (John 6:51‑58)). Hence the Lord indicated that the professing Church (the woman) would corrupt the food of the children of God by introducing evil doctrine, mixing it with the truth of His Person. This is exactly what has happened. Many evil and erroneous teachings have been associated with the Person of Christ in the vast profession of Christendom.
Thus these three parables in Matthew's gospel indicate that there would be the introduction of evil persons (Matt. 13:24-3024Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. (Matthew 13:24‑30)), evil spirits (Matt. 13:31-3231Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. (Matthew 13:31‑32); 1 Tim. 4:11Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1 Timothy 4:1)), and evil doctrines (Matt. 13:3333Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. (Matthew 13:33)).
Some of the other similitudes of the kingdom in Matthew's gospel also indicate that this same failure would come in. For instance, Matthew 25:1-131Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 25:1‑13) says that the tens virgins “all slumbered and slept.” They were sleeping when they should have been watching.
The Testimony of Peter
The Apostle Peter also spoke of the evil teachings that would rise in the Christian testimony. He said that false teachers would rise up among the saints of God and bring in “damnable heresies” that "many" would follow—to the point where they would call the way of the truth evil (2 Peter 2:1-3; 3:161But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (2 Peter 2:1‑3)
16As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. (2 Peter 3:16)). Heresy is not teaching evil doctrine (the conventional meaning), but sect making. A “heresy” or a “sect,” by definition, is making a party or a division within the Church that severs itself practically from others and forms its fellowship around a particular view. It’s true that evil doctrine is often connected with sect-making, and this is probably why many Christians think of heresy as teaching things that are heterodox and blasphemous, but heresy in itself is the formation of an outward division in the Church. The subtlest of all heresies is one that develops around some part of the truth to the exclusion of other truths. There may be many true believers that are connected with such heresies. But a “damnable heresy” of which Peter speaks, is a sect that gathers its cause around soul-damning doctrines.
When we look out at the vast profession of Christianity we see all the numerous divisions and sects in the church. We are told that there are well over thousand denominations and non-denominational fellowships today! Thankfully we can say that most of these church groups are not “damnable” heresies, but nonetheless, they are outward divisions in the Church and are sectarian. And let us remember that Scripture says we are to reject heresy because it is a work of the flesh (Titus 3:10-1110A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. (Titus 3:10‑11); 1 Cor. 11:1919For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. (1 Corinthians 11:19); Gal. 5:2020Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, (Galatians 5:20)).
The Testimony of John
While the Apostle Paul warns of those who would “draw back” from the revelation of Christian truth (Heb. 10:38-3938Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (Hebrews 10:38‑39)), the Apostle John warns of those who would “go forward” and not abide in it (2 John 99Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (2 John 9)). John spoke of this departure as resulting from the work of antichristian teachers. He said, “They went out from us, but they were not of us” (1 John 2:1919They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. (1 John 2:19)). The “us” here, and in many other places in John's epistle, is referring to the apostles. Going out from the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship was really the giving up of it. While John was primarily referring to the giving up of doctrine concerning the Person of Christ, we can see that the Christian testimony has not stopped there. Much of that which passes for Church order essentially has no basis from the teachings of the apostles. What we see reminds us of the Lord's word to the Pharisees when He said that they were “teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” He also said, “Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition” (Mark 7:7, 97Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (Mark 7:7)
9And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. (Mark 7:9)).
The Testimony of Jude
Jude also tells us that certain men would creep in among the Christians unawares and “turn the grace of God into lasciviousness” (Jude 44For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 4)). He describes the character of those that would corrupt the Christian testimony as; having “gone in the way of Cain,” having “ran after the error of Balaam,” and having “perished in the gainsaying of Core [Korah]” (Jude 1111Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. (Jude 11)). These three things aptly depict the kind of ecclesiastical error that is prevalent in Christendom today.
Firstly, there is the “way of Cain” which describes the effort to present to God our works as a means of acceptance with God. Cain was a religious man in that he offered a sacrifice, but he presented the work of his own hands to God for acceptance, and consequently, it was rejected (Gen. 4:1-51And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord. 2And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. 4And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. (Genesis 4:1‑5)). His offering had no blood in it, which would figuratively point to the ultimate sacrifice and blood-shedding of the Lord Jesus Christ, without which no one can be blessed of God. A bloodless gospel (which is really no gospel) is being preached today from the pulpits of many churches through which people have been led to believe that they can present their good works to God for acceptance and salvation, even though the Bible clearly indicates that salvation is “not by works of righteousness” (Eph. 2:8-98For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8‑9); Titus 3:55Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Titus 3:5); Rom. 4:4-84Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. (Romans 4:4‑8)).
Secondly, there is “the error of Balaam” which speaks of the willingness to teach things which God has not authorized for money and high honors. Balaam presented himself to Balak and the Moabites as a prophet, and was willing to prophesy for them to the hurt of God's people (Num. 22-24.) Many preachers in Christendom (though perhaps not intending to hurt any of the Lord's people) are likewise teaching hurtful doctrines that are not founded on Scripture and are also striving for high honors in the Church.
Thirdly, there is the “gainsaying of Korah” which is the organizing of a party of men to challenge God's order of priesthood. Korah and his men wanted a position above the people of God, which had not been given to them by God. In the Christian profession there has been a similar organizing of a special class of men to preside over the flock of God, known as the clergy. They freely speak of the flock of God as being “their” flock. This sort of organization may well have come in with good intentions, and there also may be many that presently occupy that place who have equally good motives, but still, it is a system of things that has no foundation in the Word of God. In essence, it challenges the true priesthood of the believer.
The Testimony of the Lord
Finally, the Lord Himself gives His own condemnation of a group of persons whom He said would rise up in the Church—called “the Nicolaitanes” (Rev. 2:6, 156But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (Revelation 2:6)
15So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. (Revelation 2:15)). These people brought impurity into the Christian testimony; and from the meaning of their name, many Bible teachers have concluded that this party was the beginning of clericalism. “Nico” means “to rule;” and “laitan”—which is the same word as laity—means “the people.” The Nicolaitanes apparently sought by some means to rule over the people, and this marks the beginning of the clergy/laity system. The Lord said that the “deeds” and the “doctrines” of the Nicolaitanes were something that He hated, and He still hates it (Rev. 2:6, 156But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (Revelation 2:6)
15So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. (Revelation 2:15)).
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Thus, we have abundant evidence from Scripture—from almost every the New Testament writer—that there would be a great departure from the simplicity in the Christian faith. They forewarned that in their absence there would be a system of things that would develop in the Church which would have no foundation for its existence in the Word of God. Some of todays’ churches have more of this ecclesiastical error than others. But whether it is St. Peters in Rome or the smallest evangelical chapel, most, if not all, have the basic principles of clericalism woven into the fabric of its worship and ministry. The believer instructed in the mind of God cannot but admit that what passes for the Church of God before men barely resembles the Church of God that we read of in the Word of God. We might ask, “What has happened?” In a word, we (the Church) have failed. It is not for us to point our finger and one group or another, because we have all contributed to the breakdown and failure in some way. We need to own our part in the ruin before God, as Daniel did in connection with the ruin in Israel (Dan. 9).
The “One Body” Versus the Many Sects and Divisions
Perhaps the saddest of all these evidences of departure, is that of the many sects and divisions in the Church's testimony before the world. The plain teaching of Scripture is that God hates divisions, because schism and heresy (party-making) are a work of the flesh (Gal. 5:2020Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, (Galatians 5:20)). How great a contrast to the Lord’s will are these numerous sects and divisions in the Christian testimony! While He was still on earth, He prayed that believers would all be one. He prayed, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; 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” (John 17:11, 2111And 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. (John 17:11)
21That 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)). He was willing to die to “gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad” (John 11:51-5251And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; 52And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. (John 11:51‑52)). The Lord also said that after He died, He would seek to gather His sheep together into “one flock” that they might have “one Shepherd”—Himself (John 10:15-1615As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16And 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 10:15‑16)). In spite of the Lord's desires for His people to express a cohesive practical visual unity on the earth, we are all divided up into different sects—each having its owns beliefs and practices peculiar to that sect. Surely this cannot meet the Lord's approval.
At the first appearance of division in the early Church, the Apostle Paul was led of the Spirit to write, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you ...every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I am of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided?” (1 Cor. 1:10-13; 12:2510Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 12Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? (1 Corinthians 1:10‑13)
25That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. (1 Corinthians 12:25)) Here in the plainest of language, Paul on behalf of God, beseeches all believers for the glory of the Name of the Lord Jesus, that there be no divisions! Yet when we look around the Christian profession today we see that what Scripture denounces, has happened in the Church! How many thousands of Christians are meeting separate from one another in their particular sect, and essentially are saying, “I am of Rome” (Roman Catholic), “I am of Luther” (Lutheran), “I am of Wesley” (Methodist), “I am of Menno Simons” (Mennonite), etc. If it grieved the Spirit to hear Christians say, “I am of Paul” and “I am of Apollos,” etc., does it now please the Spirit to hear them say, “I am of Luther,” “I am of Wesley,” etc.? If it was denounced as carnality in those early days of the Church, could it now be called spirituality? (1 Cor. 3:1-51And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? 5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? (1 Corinthians 3:1‑5)) The many denominations have set aside God's order for worship and ministry, and for church government, and have set up an order of their own, complete with all their creeds and church by-laws. And, in doing so, they have created sad division in the church.
We ask, “Will there be sectarian divisions in heaven?” All Christians agree unanimously that all such lines of denominational divisions in the Church will all be gone up there. Everyone in heaven will be gathered around the Lord Jesus Christ in perfect unity without any sectarian affiliation. How is it then, that Christians want to meet together for worship on earth in sectarian divisions, when there is no such thing in heaven? The Lord Jesus taught the disciples to pray, “Thy will be done in earth, as it is done in heaven!” (Matt. 6:1010Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)). It is clear then that the Lord wants the same unity that exists among believers in heaven to exist among believers on earth now.
The Apostle Paul said that the first responsibility that we have as Christians walking “worthy of the calling wherewith we have been called,” is in the “endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the uniting bond of peace.” He went on to explain why, saying, “for there is one body” (Eph. 4:1-41I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (Ephesians 4:1‑4)). This means that, as Christians, we should be seeking to express the truth that we are “one body” in a practical sense. The world should be able to see a visible unity in the Church on earth. Unfortunately they see the Christian testimony shattered in pieces. It is not possible, of course, for the whole Church to meet together under one roof in one place, but nevertheless, it should express a unity among believers in the way in which it functions in its practical relations between the various local assemblies seeking to uphold that unity wherever they may be on earth.
We hear Christians speaking of the different denominations as, “their body,” and “our body,” as if there were many bodies! They speak of their particular church fellowship as a “body” in itself, as distinguished from other church groups, whom they also view as bodies. From what we see and hear among Christians, the truth of the one body has been lost from sight.
An illustration used by the late Charles Stanley aptly describes the confusion that exists in the Christian testimony. Suppose Her Majesty the Queen sends out a commander-in chief to one of her colonies, and for a time the army puts itself entirely under his command. It would properly be called, “The army of Her Majesty.” But if that army were to set aside the commander-in-chief, and appoint another of its own choosing, or if the army divided into separate parts and each division had its own appointed commander, even though each soldier was still a British soldier—could that divided army be correctly called “The army of Her Majesty?” Having set aside the authority of Her Majesty’s appointed commander-in-chief, every division that they formed in their rebellion would be considered by the British crown to be mutiny. Would it not be disloyalty to join the ranks of any such mutinous division?
Now, applying this to the Church, we can easily see that such a thing has happened in the making of denominational and non-denominational churches. For a time, the early Church abode under the authority of the Holy Spirit who was sent down from heaven to govern the Church, just as the British army, for a time, owned the authority of Her Majesty’s commander-in-chief. When departure from God’s Word came into the Church, there came with it divisions and human arrangements were implemented to guide those divisions. Many, if not all, of these human arrangements that were brought into the Church, came in with good intention—but without authority from the Word of God. As the sects within the Christian profession multiplied, human authorities (with their special creeds and by-laws) were set up within the various denominations to manage the affairs thereof. Today the whole thing has grown into a vast system having many separate fellowships of Christians, and very little of it has any authority from the Word of God.
Is it any wonder why unbelievers in this world look at the Church and shake their heads? If they are questioned as to why they don't believe the gospel, they often point at the confused and divided state of Christendom with all its conflicting voices as their excuse for rejecting Christ. How sad a testimony we have rendered to this world! Surely, we should bow our heads and confess to the Lord that we have sinned, as Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah acknowledged that they had a part in the failure of Israel’s testimony (Dan. 9:1-191In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans; 2In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. 3And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: 4And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; 5We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: 6Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. 7O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee. 8O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee. 9To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; 10Neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. 11Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him. 12And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem. 13As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. 14Therefore hath the Lord watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the Lord our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice. 15And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly. 16O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us. 17Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake. 18O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies. 19O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name. (Daniel 9:1‑19); Ezra 9:1-151Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. 2For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass. 3And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied. 4Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice. 5And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the Lord my God, 6And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens. 7Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day. 8And now for a little space grace hath been showed from the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage. 9For we were bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem. 10And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken thy commandments, 11Which thou hast commanded by thy servants the prophets, saying, The land, unto which ye go to possess it, is an unclean land with the filthiness of the people of the lands, with their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their uncleanness. 12Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth for ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children for ever. 13And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this; 14Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping? 15O Lord God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this. (Ezra 9:1‑15); Neh. 9:4-384Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto the Lord their God. 5Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless the Lord your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. 6Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee. 7Thou art the Lord the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham; 8And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous: 9And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea; 10And showedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day. 11And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters. 12Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go. 13Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments: 14And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant: 15And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them. 16But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, 17And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not. 18Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations; 19Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way wherein they should go. 20Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst. 21Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not. 22Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan. 23Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess it. 24So the children went in and possessed the land, and thou subduedst before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gavest them into their hands, with their kings, and the people of the land, that they might do with them as they would. 25And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness. 26Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations. 27Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies. 28But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies; 29And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear. 30Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands. 31Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God. 32Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day. 33Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly: 34Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them. 35For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works. 36Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it: 37And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress. 38And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it. (Nehemiah 9:4‑38)).
Conventional Terminology Versus Scriptural Terminology
Much of the confusion that exists in the Christian testimony has come from the terminology that theologians have attached to the simple truths of the Bible. F. B. Hole once said that modern theology has taken many of the terms of Scripture and has emptied them of their Scriptural meaning, and then, has attached to those terms, meanings of human invention for the support of its system of theology. When we compare these ideas with the Word of God, we see that they are not the truth.
The “Church”
One of the more obvious examples of how conventional terminology has attached a new meaning to a Scriptural term is, “the church.” Most Christians use this term to refer to a building to which Christians go, when they meet together for worship. When they gather together in the building, they say, “We are going to church.” However, the Bible never uses the word in this way. The Bible speaks of the church [ecklesia - Greek] as a company of redeemed persons who have been “called out” of both Jews and Gentiles through their belief in the gospel. These persons compose Christ’s body and will one day reign with Him over the world as His bride. The Bible clearly shows that the church is not a material building, for it says that Christ loved it and gave Himself in death for it (Eph. 5:25-2625Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (Ephesians 5:25‑26)). Clearly this could not be said of a mere building made with men’s hands. The Word of God also tells us that the church was often found in a person’s home (Rom. 16:55Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. (Romans 16:5); 1 Cor. 16:1919The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. (1 Corinthians 16:19); Col. 4:1515Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. (Colossians 4:15); Phile. 2). It says that the church had ears so that it could receive instruction (Acts 11:22, 2622Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. (Acts 11:22)
26And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:26)); the powers of discernment to know the mind of the Lord (Acts 15:2222Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: (Acts 15:22)); and that it could pray (Acts 12:55Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. (Acts 12:5)), be greeted (Rom. 16:55Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. (Romans 16:5)), and be persecuted (Acts 8:11And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:1); 1 Cor. 15:99For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. (1 Corinthians 15:9)). It is quite obvious from these references that the church is a company of people saved by the grace of God, and is not a mere building of stones and timber.
A sister in the West Indies who had learned something of the truth of the church, was asked by the “Minister” of a local denomination, why she wasn’t “going to church” any more. She replied, “The only church that I read of in the Bible, is the one that fell on Paul's neck and kissed him. If that thing fell on me (pointing down the road to the building), it would kill me!”
Christians will also erroneously use this term to describe a sect in the church. They speak of being a member of a church; when in reality, they are speaking of being a member of a denominational [or non-denominational] sect in the church. The truth is, Scripture knows no other membership than that in the body of Christ. Every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is a member of that body. (1 Cor. 12:12, 2712For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12)
27Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. (1 Corinthians 12:27))
We also hear Christians speaking of people “joining a church,” which in reality, they mean joining a sect in the church. A. H. Rule once said, “The church is not a voluntary association that men can join or leave at will, as is the case in the sects.” The Bible does not teach that we are to “join” a church. There is only one church in the Bible: to this the Lord (not us) joins persons when they believe on Him for salvation (Acts 2:47; 5:14; 11:2447Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:47)
14And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) (Acts 5:14)
24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. (Acts 11:24); 1 Cor. 6:1717But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:17)). A brother, who had an understanding of this truth, was asked which church he belonged to. He replied, “I belong to the church that nobody can join!” The person who asked was naturally quite taken back, and asked, “How do you get new members then?” He answered, “Oh, the Lord joins them by the Spirit when they get saved, but people can’t voluntarily join it” (1 Cor. 12:1313For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13)). What we can, and should “join,” is the fellowship of the saints, but we cannot join the church (Acts 9:2626And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. (Acts 9:26)).
Sometimes a person will ask, “Who is the head of your church?” They suppose that we will mention some “Minister’s” name. However, the Head of the church that the Bible speaks of is in heaven—it is Christ Himself! (Col. 1:1818And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:18))
We have also heard people saying, “Our church teaches such and such....” There is, however, no thought in the Word of God of the church teaching. It is purely a human idea. If men should make up an organization with certain doctrines and creeds formulated as the standard for their sect, people would not be wrong in a certain sense, to say that that organization teaches. But an organization of men is not the church! The truth is, the church is not a legislative body that establishes rules, laws, and doctrines. It does not teach, but rather, is taught! And that, by gifted individuals raised up by Christ the ascended Head of the church (Acts 11:2626And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:26)).
A “Saint”
Another example of the confused terminology that exists in Christendom is found in the meaning of “saint.” Many Christians think of a saint as someone who is living, or has lived, an exemplary life. But the Bible uses this term to describe all believers—even those at Corinth, who were marked by division and carnality (1 Cor. 3:1-41And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? (1 Corinthians 3:1‑4)). They were going on in association with moral evil (1 Cor. 5), and some of them held an evil doctrine that struck at the very foundation of Christianity (1 Cor. 15). There was no group of Christians in the Bible that was going on more poorly, except perhaps the Galatians. Yet with all their failure, the Word of God calls the Corinthians “saints!” (1 Cor. 1:22Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:2)) From this it is clear that the Bible has a different definition for “saint” than what is commonly used by people today.
Mr. W. Kelly said that in the minds of most people, being a saint is considered to be something more than merely being a Christian; but in reality, a Christian is something more than a saint! He said, “Many would count my doctrine strange; because they consider everybody in these lands Christian, and very few on earth a saint—and perhaps none till they get to heaven. But it is to me most evident—nothing more certain—that a Christian is a saint, and a good deal more!”
A saint is a “sanctified one.” To be sanctified (positionally) is to be “set apart” by God for blessing. This happens when we are born again. Those who have been born of God have been set apart from the mass of humanity that is heading toward destruction. All believers from the beginning of time are saints. Hence, we can speak of those who lived in Old Testament times as “saints” (Deut. 33:33Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words. (Deuteronomy 33:3); 1 Sam. 2:99He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. (1 Samuel 2:9); 2 Chron. 6:4141Now therefore arise, O Lord God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness. (2 Chronicles 6:41), etc.). But they are not Christians. Only believers from Pentecost to the Rapture are in that position before God. A “Christian” is one who has believed “the gospel of His salvation,” and thereupon has been sealed with the Spirit, and thus made part of the church (Eph. 1:1313In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:13)). Thus, he has been brought into a far more blessed position (being linked to Christ the Head of the church) than an Old Testament saint. A Christian is a saint, but he is more than that—he is a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:12-1312For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:12‑13)), and a son of God (Rom. 8:14-1514For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Romans 8:14‑15); Gal. 4:5-75To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4:5‑7); Eph. 1:55Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (Ephesians 1:5)). These are things that Old Testament saints are not. (There is also practical sanctification, which has to do with perfecting holiness in the life of the believer—the making of our lives practically consistent with our standing – John 17:1717Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (John 17:17); 1 Thess. 4:3-4; 5:233For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; (1 Thessalonians 4:3‑4)
23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23); Heb. 12:1414Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: (Hebrews 12:14); 2 Cor. 7:11Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)).
Space does not permit us to continue on this digression and enumerate all the various terms that are erroneously used by Christians today. We will examine some of them as we follow our subject.
A Right State of Soul
The Necessary Pre-requisite to Learning the Truth
We may ask, “Why do so many Christians accept the man-made clerical order of things in Christendom, without even questioning the veracity of it?” We might also ask, “Why have so many Christians missed God's order in the Bible for true Christian worship and ministry?” The answer to this lays in the fact that there is a moral requirement necessary for understanding the truth. This important pre-requisite is found in a state of soul. The following points are absolutely necessary if we are going to have a proper state of soul to apprehend the truth of Scripture:
1) Spending Time in the Lord's Presence In Communion With Him
The Word of God says, “Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary” (Psa. 77:1313Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God? (Psalm 77:13)). Since His way is there, we will need to be there with Him if we are going to discern what His way and will is. To be in His sanctuary, for Christians, means to live in His presence in fellowship and communion with Him. The Lord's mind as to these things will be revealed to us when we are in the secret of His presence. “In Thy light shall we see light” (Psa. 36:99For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. (Psalm 36:9)). There is no substitute for communion with the Lord. This tremendous privilege of communion with Him is ours to enjoy at any time, for we have free access into His presence by prayer. “Blessed is the man that heareth Me, watching daily at My gates, waiting at the posts of My doors” (Prov. 8:3434Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. (Proverbs 8:34)).
2) A Willingness to Do (Practice) The Will of God
The Bible says, “If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:1717If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. (John 7:17)). Most, if not all Christians, want to know God's will for their lives. But that is not what this verse says. This is speaking about the willingness to “do” God's will—not just the mere knowledge of it. Many Christians spend their whole lives not knowing what God’s will is for them. This may cover many areas, including where and how God would have them to meet together with other Christians for worship and ministry. The reason for this is that having a desire to know His will is not enough. “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing” (Prov. 13:44The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. (Proverbs 13:4)). The knowledge of God’s will is revealed to those who are willing to do His will, cost whatever it may. When we are committed to doing God's will, He will make it known to us.
3) The Exercise of Soul to Apply Oneself To Learn the Truth
It says that “Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it." He said, “I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of Him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance” (Ezra 7:10; 8:2110For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. (Ezra 7:10)
21Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. (Ezra 8:21)). We need to have the same exercise of soul, and be diligent in seeking the truth by searching the Word of God (Acts 17:1111These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:11)).
In the book of Revelation, the Apostle John had to “take” and “eat” the “little book,” which contained the truth of God’s counsel concerning Christ and His inheritance, if he wanted the truth. He had asked for it, but that was not enough, the angel replied, “Take it, and eat it up” (Rev. 10:99And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. (Revelation 10:9)). This shows us that the truth is not automatically given to those who merely ask for it, but rather to those who have the spiritual energy to take and eat it—which is to assimilate it. This implies diligence. “The soul of the diligent shall be made fat” (Prov. 13:44The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. (Proverbs 13:4)). Paul said to Timothy, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:1515Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)). He also spoke of the “words of the faith and good teaching” which Timothy needed to “fully follow up” in diligent study (1 Tim. 4:66If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. (1 Timothy 4:6)). There is a sad lack of personal study of the Scriptures among Christians today generally. Some Christians rely solely on what they get in the way of spiritual food, from the so-called Pastor at their church denomination, or from what they hear over the radio. Such mediums are not likely to give their hearers the truth on this subject we are considering. Consequently, it is no wonder why many Christians do not know God’s order for Christians meeting together for worship and ministry.
4) Uprightness of Heart to Acknowledge the Truth When it is Presented
The Word of God says, “Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness” (Psa. 112:44Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. (Psalm 112:4)). We may not like the truth when it is presented, but if we have an honest and upright heart, we will acknowledge that it is the truth. Someone said that if the truth rubs us the wrong way, it might be evidence that we are facing the wrong direction, because the truth does not hurt, unless it should.
Our only conclusion as to why so many Christians simply accept this whole order of things in the Christian profession without question is; that one, or all, of these necessary points are lacking. Paul Wilson used to say that if there is a hindrance to our understanding a passage of Scripture, it is due to one or all of the following three things:
1. We have not read the passage carefully.
2. We have got a pre-conceived idea (or teaching) on the subject that is hindering us from seeing the true meaning.
3. Our will is at work, and we don't want the truth.
We Are Not Called to Set Right The Ruin in the Christian Testimony
Many upright and concerned believers have asked, “What can I do to help restore the disorder in the Christian testimony? Perhaps I should bring these things before my ‘Pastor’ so that we can have a more Scriptural church.”
If we turn again to the Word of God we will see that the fallen condition of the Christian testimony will not be restored, but rather, judged by God and removed from the earth. In Romans 11, the Apostle Paul spoke of “the olive tree” whose branches were “broken off,” as figuratively illustrating how Israel would be set aside nationally from the place of privilege they occupied with God. This was done because they refused all testimony from God in Christ (as recorded in the Gospels) and the Holy Spirit (as recorded in the Acts). He then spoke of the branches of a “wild olive tree” being grafted into the root of the olive tree. He used this to illustrate how that God would bring the Gentiles into a place of privilege through the gospel. Those who profess to know the Lord are now in this place of privilege and association with Him. This is the place that Christendom occupies by God’s grace.
But the Apostle went on to state that if the branches of the wild olive tree (Christendom) did not keep itself in the goodness of God, that it would be cut off from the place of privilege, and the branches that were cut off previously (Israel) would be brought back into that place of favour. As we have shown, Christendom has failed on all counts of its responsibility and awaits that judgment, which will happen after the Lord calls the true believers out of it at His coming (the Rapture). Thus, we see that the end of Christendom is judgment, not restoration. A type in Scripture of this is Vashti (the Gentile queen—a type of Christendom) being set aside and Esther (the Jewess—a type of the remnant of Israel) being brought in to take her place (Est. 1-2).
Also, in the Lord’s addresses to the seven churches in Asia, which give prophetically, the successive stages of decline through which the professing Church would pass; He gives no indication whatsoever that the Christian testimony would be restored. Rather, he says that it would be spued out of His mouth in the end (Rev. 3:1616So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:16)). Instead, the Lord said, “I will put upon you no other burden, but that which ye have already, hold fast till I come” (Rev. 2:24-2524But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. (Revelation 2:24‑25)). Neither is there a word in any of the epistles that there would be a restoration of the Christian testimony.
More than this, in Matthew 13:28-3028He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. (Matthew 13:28‑30), we have the Lord’s own word that we should desist from attempting to remedy the fallen condition in the Christian testimony. When the enemy had sown tares among the wheat, the servants of the householder asked, “Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?” They asked whether they should attempt to remedy the situation. The householder answered, “Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest.” The “harvest” is the end of the age (Matt. 13:3939The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. (Matthew 13:39)). It is clear then, that we are not called to set right the confusion in Christendom, but to leave it all for the Lord to sort out at the end of the age.
Now if God says the Christian testimony will not be restored, then surely it will be a futile effort on our part to attempt to remedy its present condition. Would He ask us to do something that His Word tells us cannot be done? Would He ask us to do something that He has told us in His Word not to do?
A Call to Separation
While we are not called to set right the confusion in the Christian testimony, something we are called to do is to set ourselves right in relation to it. The Apostle Paul described the departure in the Christian testimony as being so confusing that only the Lord would be able to tell who was real and who was not. He went on to say that our responsibility in the whole thing is to depart from what we know to be wrong and inconsistent with the truth of Scripture. “Let him that nameth the name of Christ [the Lord], depart from iniquity” (2 Tim. 2:1919Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (2 Timothy 2:19)).
To illustrate this important point, Paul used the figure of “a great house” to describe the confused condition of things in Christendom. In the house there was a mixture of vessels of “gold and silver” (true believers); and of “wood and earth” (false professors). Some of these were “to honour” and some were “to dishonour.” If a Christian is going to be a “sanctified” vessel to honour, and fit for every use that the Master may call him to, he had to go through the exercise of purging himself by separating from those vessels that were mixed up in the confused state of things. He said, “If therefore one shall have purified himself from these in separating himself from them, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, serviceable to the Master” (2 Tim. 2:20-2120But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. 21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. (2 Timothy 2:20‑21)). Hence, the Lord’s call to every Christian who finds himself identified with the confusion in the “great house” of Christendom is to separate from it. While we cannot leave the “great house” (for this would mean to abandon the Christian profession altogether), we can and should separate from the disorder in the house. See also 2 Corinthians 6:14-1814Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:14‑18); 2 Timothy 3:55Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:5); Revelation 18:44And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. (Revelation 18:4).
Why Separate?
It may be asked, “Why is separation so important?” The simple answer is, “Because we can, and will, be defiled by our associations!” Most Christians think that they can associate with whatever they want and not be affected by it. The Bible, however, teaches that we are affected by those with whom we associate. It says, “Evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Cor. 15:3333Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (1 Corinthians 15:33); 1 Tim. 5:2222Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. (1 Timothy 5:22); Haggai. 2:10-14; Deut. 7:1-41When the Lord thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou; 2And when the Lord thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor show mercy unto them: 3Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. 4For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly. (Deuteronomy 7:1‑4); Josh. 23:11-1311Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the Lord your God. 12Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you: 13Know for a certainty that the Lord your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the Lord your God hath given you. (Joshua 23:11‑13); 1 Kings 11:1-81But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; 2Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. 3And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. 4For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. 7Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. 8And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. (1 Kings 11:1‑8), etc.). We realize that this is not a popular topic with Christians today, but God has told us these things so that we might be preserved from the subtle corruptions of the enemy of our souls (Satan). The things that God has said in His Word are for our good, not because He wants to spoil our joy. He loves and cares for us, and knows what is best. And let us remember, we are never wiser than the Word of God.
Three Kinds of Evil Prevalent in Christendom
The Bible indicates that the Christian is to separate from three kinds of evil because association with such things will affect and defile us. They are:
1) Moral Evil
An example of this is found in the problem that existed at Corinth where they had an immoral person in their midst. As a group of Christians associated with an evil person in their midst, they were in danger of being leavened by that person’s sin. The Apostle said to them, “Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump” (1 Cor. 5:6-76Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 7Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: (1 Corinthians 5:6‑7)). He told them they must disassociate themselves from it by excommunicating that person (1 Cor. 5:11-1311But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. (1 Corinthians 5:11‑13)). By allowing it to continue in their midst it would have the effect of desensitizing the morals of the others, and they too could fall into immorality.
Moreover, by carrying on in association with the sin (by carelessly leaving it unjudged) they as a company would be guilty of that very sin, even though they had not personally committed it! Compare the sin of Achan. When he sinned the Lord said, “Israel hath sinned” (Josh. 7:1, 111But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against the children of Israel. (Joshua 7:1)
11Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. (Joshua 7:11)). Even though only one man and his family had done the wrong, the Lord charged all Israel with the guilt because they were associated with him.
2) Doctrinal Evil
An example of this is the case of the “elect lady” in the 2nd epistle of John. She was warned that if someone came to her who was not abiding in the doctrine of Christ, that she was not to receive that person into her house, nor was she even to greet him, for in doing so, she became partaker of his evil. The Apostle John said, “If any one come to you and bring not this doctrine, do not receive him into the house, and greet him not; for he who greets him partakes in his wicked works” (2 John 9-119Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (2 John 9‑11)). Notice: if she greeted or received such a person, she would be partaker of that person's evil doctrine, even though she herself did not hold his evil teaching! Her responsibility then, was to keep herself clear of such erroneous teachings and this was to be done through separation.
The Galatians are another example. There had come among them teachers that attempted to Judaize them, teaching that they had to keep the law. Paul said to them, “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of Him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Gal. 5:7-97Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? 8This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. 9A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. (Galatians 5:7‑9)). We see here, that the erroneous teaching of the Judaizing teachers among them had the same leavening effect on the company as a whole. They were being leavened by those Judaizing doctrines with which they were in association.
Also, some of the Corinthians had picked up bad teaching as to the doctrine of the resurrection. Paul traced it back to their association with certain teachers among them that were askew on doctrine. He warned them that if they continued to associate with such ones, they would all become affected, saying, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Cor. 15:3333Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (1 Corinthians 15:33)).
Paul also told Timothy that if he should come across someone teaching things that were not according to sound doctrine, that he was to “withdraw” himself from him, for if He did not, he would become a partaker of that person’s evil (1 Tim. 6:3-53If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (1 Timothy 6:3‑5)).
3) Ecclesiastical Evil
The same principle is true in religious evil and disorder (i.e. clericalism—the clergy/laity system in the Church). When we associate with a particular fellowship of Christians which has a clerical system of things, which is not according to the Word of God—whether we hold what they practice or not—we are still identified with it! This principle is clearly laid down by Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:14-2214Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. 15I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. 16The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 18Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? 19What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 20But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. 22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? (1 Corinthians 10:14‑22). He shows there that whether in Christianity, Judaism, or Paganism, the principle of identification exists. In each case, partaking in a religious order of things is the expression of one's fellowship with all that exists there.
In regard to Christianity, he said, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not fellowship with the blood of Christ? The loaf which we break, is it not fellowship with the body of Christ?” (1 Cor. 10:1616The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? (1 Corinthians 10:16)—W. Kelly Trans.) It is clear from this that our act of breaking bread (partaking of the Lord’s supper) is the expression of our fellowship with those with whom we break bread.
In regard to Israel, he showed that the same principle existed, saying, “See Israel according to the flesh: are not they that eat the sacrifices in fellowship with the altar?” (1 Cor. 10:1818Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? (1 Corinthians 10:18)—W. Kelly Trans.) One who partook of the sacrifices on the altar on which they were offered was identified with all that the altar stood for.
And the Apostle also showed that the same principle holds true with the idolatry in paganism, saying, “The things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with demons” (1 Cor. 10:2020But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. (1 Corinthians 10:20)). In this case those who partook of the “cup of demons” were in fellowship with demons.
The fact of association exists in Judaism, paganism, or in Christendom. Within the Christian profession, our act of partaking with a particular church group is our identification with all that goes on there. If they teach evil doctrine, we are in fellowship with it. If they are engaged with an unscriptural practice of worship, we are also in fellowship with it. And God would not have His people in fellowship with evil doctrine or practice (2 Cor. 6:14-1814Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:14‑18)). This is why Paul said that when religious confusion develops in the house of God, we must “purge” ourselves from those things by separating from them (2 Tim. 2:20-2120But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. 21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. (2 Timothy 2:20‑21)).
A Remnant of Jews Departed From Babylon
The Old Testament furnishes us with an illustration of this exercise of separating from religious confusion. Following the history of the children of Israel through the books of the Kings and Chronicles, we see that after they had been set up in their promised land with their God-given service of worship, they slowly departed from it. They brought in things that God never told them to do (e.g. 1 Kings 11:7-87Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. 8And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. (1 Kings 11:7‑8); 2 Kings 16:10-1810And king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, and saw an altar that was at Damascus: and king Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the fashion of the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the workmanship thereof. 11And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made it against king Ahaz came from Damascus. 12And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon. 13And he burnt his burnt offering and his meat offering, and poured his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings, upon the altar. 14And he brought also the brazen altar, which was before the Lord, from the forefront of the house, from between the altar and the house of the Lord, and put it on the north side of the altar. 15And king Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, Upon the great altar burn the morning burnt offering, and the evening meat offering, and the king's burnt sacrifice, and his meat offering, with the burnt offering of all the people of the land, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings; and sprinkle upon it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all the blood of the sacrifice: and the brazen altar shall be for me to inquire by. 16Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded. 17And king Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the laver from off them; and took down the sea from off the brazen oxen that were under it, and put it upon a pavement of stones. 18And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the Lord for the king of Assyria. (2 Kings 16:10‑18)). Through their disobedience and failure to rely on the Lord, they lost the land to their enemies bit by bit; until at last, the Babylonians came in and carried them away from it altogether. They were taken into the vast system of Babylon (meaning “confusion”), which typifies religious confusion. Many of the vessels from the temple were taken and incorporated into the paganism of Babylon. As the children of Israel stood in that land of religious confusion in Babylon, there was barely a trace left of their own God-given worship. Their vessels of worship were there (Dan. 1:2; 5:2, 52And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god. (Daniel 1:2)
2Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein. (Daniel 5:2)
5In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. (Daniel 5:5)), but they were all mixed up with that huge system that was not of God. What a sad picture of failure.
What we are to see in this sad picture is a correlation to the history of the church. Not long after God established the church in the simplicity of Christian worship and service, there was also a departure from His Word. It wasn’t long before the great ruin and failure that we have been speaking about came upon the Christian testimony. Consequently, the church was also carried into religious confusion. The departure today is so great that true Biblical Christianity is barely recognizable amid all the extraneous accessories that have been attached to the name of Christ. What a sad testimony of the ruin of that which has been the depository of the highest truth ever made known to man!
After the children of Israel spent seventy years in Babylon, there was an exercise among some of them to return to Jerusalem after hearing the decree of Cyrus, the king of Persia. Their concern at that time was to worship Jehovah in the way and place that God had originally appointed. So, Jeshua and Zerubbabel (and later, Ezra and Nehemiah), with a few thousand Jews, departed from Babylon (Ezra 1-2). To return to Jerusalem meant to leave (or separate from) Babylon. To leave Babylon meant to leave many of their brethren who were not concerned about leaving the confusion that was in that land. The correlation is obvious. To leave the denominations will mean the same thing for us, and it will mean separation from true believers who are quite happy in those places.
Seven Common Objections for Not Separating From the Denominational Systems
Before we answer these often-used objections, we want to make it clear that we have no intention of trying to convince somebody against their will. Scripture says, “To subvert a man in his cause, the Lord approveth not” (Lam. 3:3636To subvert a man in his cause, the Lord approveth not. (Lamentations 3:36)). If a person is happy to remain in his or her church group, we take no issue with them. It is Christians who are genuinely concerned about where and how God would have them to meet for worship and ministry that we address our remarks. Furthermore, we do not want to answer these things with a contentious spirit; it is surely not our intention to criticize other Christians. In answering these excuses we trust the reader will understand that we do not think that we are better than other Christians who go on with the human arrangement of things in the house of God. Our object is to show the falsity of the arguments people use in wanting to remain in a position that God’s Word clearly tells Christians to separate from. “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Matt. 11:1515He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Matthew 11:15)).
1) "We Shouldn't Judge Other Christians!"
Sometimes people will say, “I wouldn't want to separate from my church, even if I see a few things that are not right, because if I did, I would be judging them, and the Bible says we are not to judge one another.”
We realize that, to some people, the things that we have been discussing sound like a pharisaical spirit of judging other Christians. We trust, with good conscience before God, that we are not judging other people’s motives, for God alone is the Judge of motives (Matt. 7:11Judge not, that ye be not judged. (Matthew 7:1); 1 Sam. 2:33Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. (1 Samuel 2:3); 1 Cor. 4:4-54For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. (1 Corinthians 4:4‑5)), but we are told in Scripture to judge a person’s doctrines (1 Cor. 10:15; 14:2915I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. (1 Corinthians 10:15)
29Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. (1 Corinthians 14:29)), actions (1 Cor. 5:12-1312For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. (1 Corinthians 5:12‑13)), and fruits (Matt. 7:15-2015Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Matthew 7:15‑20)).
With the Lord’s help we are going to show from Scripture that the present order everywhere in Christendom for worship and ministry is not according to the Word of God, and that it (the Word of God) judges that order of things to be in error. As Christians, we are called to pass judgment on what God’s Word passes judgment on. This principle is given clearly in Revelation 18:2020Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. (Revelation 18:20); “God has judged your judgment upon her.” After true believers are taken out of it at the Rapture, the whole man-made order of things in Christendom will culminate in the false church in the book of Revelation (under the figure of “Mystery Babylon the Great”). God will execute His judgment on it—using the Beast to do so, and it will be gone forever (Rev. 17:1616And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. (Revelation 17:16)). When it happens all heaven will rejoice in a celebration, and the saints of God will be told, “God has judged your judgment upon her” (Rev. 18:2020Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. (Revelation 18:20)). This shows that prior to that time, right-minded believers had already passed their judgment on it. In that coming day, God will cause their judgment to be publicly vindicated by the execution of His judgment on it. This clearly shows that Christians are to judge what is unscriptural in Christendom and separate from it.
The Old Testament has another type that illustrates this point. Jeroboam brought into Israel a new system of worship that was purely of his own devising. He had no word from God to do it. Nevertheless, he made two new centers for worship in Israel at Bethel and in Dan. He also set up a new priesthood at these places that was “like unto” God’s order at Jerusalem. He did this to give the people the feeling that his new order of things was of God, for it had the semblance of God’s order in Jerusalem. But, he caused Israel to sin by encouraging them to worship there (1 Kings 12:28-3328Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 29And he set the one in Beth-el, and the other put he in Dan. 30And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan. 31And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi. 32And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah, and he offered upon the altar. So did he in Beth-el, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made: and he placed in Beth-el the priests of the high places which he had made. 33So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Beth-el the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel: and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense. (1 Kings 12:28‑33)). It hardly needs to be mentioned that the thing displeased the Lord.
Not long after, the Lord sent a prophet to Bethel to cry against the altar that Jeroboam had built there. The prophet, “Cried against the altar in the word of the Lord, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the Lord....and he gave a sign the same day, saying, this is the sign which the Lord hath spoken; behold, the altar shall be rent and the ashes that are upon it shall be poured out” (1 Kings 13:1-31And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the Lord unto Beth-el: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense. 2And he cried against the altar in the word of the Lord, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the Lord; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee. 3And he gave a sign the same day, saying, This is the sign which the Lord hath spoken; Behold, the altar shall be rent, and the ashes that are upon it shall be poured out. (1 Kings 13:1‑3)). Note carefully: the prophet cried against the altar, not against the people who worshipped there! The altar, with its calf, being the focal point of the worship at Bethel, represented the whole system of things that Jeroboam established. This illustrates our point. We do not cry against (or judge) our brethren mixed up with the confusion in the house of God, but against the system, because it is not of God.
The prophet's message greatly bothered Jeroboam and he lashed out against the prophet, but in doing so, his hand became withered. Notwithstanding, the prophet prayed for the restoration of Jeroboam’s hand. This proves that he had no intention of attacking Jeroboam or the people, but only wanted their good and blessing. Similarly, when the subject of separation from the confusion in the house of God is mentioned, many Christians who want to go on with that system of things get personally offended, as Jeroboam did. Nevertheless, it is not our intention to attack any person, but to speak the truth of God in love (Eph. 4:1515But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (Ephesians 4:15)). We should never give offence personally, but when the truth comes to someone who does not want it, they will sometimes be offended by it (Matt. 15:1212Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? (Matthew 15:12); Gal. 4:1616Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? (Galatians 4:16)). If that be the case, we must leave them with the Lord.
2) "It's Not Showing Love to Separate!"
Some Christians think that to separate from other believers, who “have different views,” is just too extreme and is not showing love.
The Bible, however, says that the greatest way we can show love to the children of God is through our personal obedience to God. “By this we know we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep His commandments” (1 John 5:2-32By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (1 John 5:2‑3)). We ask: “What is more important, obedience to God which is a demonstration of our love to Him, or remaining in an unscriptural position, because we want to show love to the people there?” To disobey Scripture is not love. It is one thing to be in a so-called church organization, being ignorant of God’s Scriptural order, and quite another to remain there when we know better (James 4:1717Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James 4:17)). We should not put the people of God before the Lord—He must come first. The Lord Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments, ...he that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me” (John 14:15, 2115If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15)
21He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (John 14:21)).
3) "Our Church is Growing!"
Others respond to these things by saying, “But our church is growing. This proves that God is blessing it. And if God is blessing it, it couldn't be wrong! Why should I separate from something that God is obviously blessing?”
The problem here is in definition. When people speak of growth they are usually referring to the increase of numbers (people). The Bible however, speaks of growth as being spiritual development and maturity in the believer (1 Peter 2:2; 3:182As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (1 Peter 2:2)
18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: (1 Peter 3:18); Eph. 4:15-1615But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:15‑16); Col. 1:10; 2:1910That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Colossians 1:10)
19And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. (Colossians 2:19); 1 Thess. 3:12; 4:1012And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: (1 Thessalonians 3:12)
10And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; (1 Thessalonians 4:10); 2 Thess. 1:33We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; (2 Thessalonians 1:3); Acts 9:2222But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. (Acts 9:22)).
Growth in numbers is no sign of the Lord’s approval or blessing. It is an assumption to equate the increase of people with God’s blessing. If it were so, then the Roman Catholic Church would be the denomination that God approves of, for they boast of having the largest numbers of all the churches! Jehovah’s Witnesses boast of phenomenal growth in numbers. Does this mean that God is blessing them?
In a system of things that is largely supported by donations and offerings from the congregation, numbers are important to church organizations. But God is not occupied with numbers as men are. This is seen in the few occasions where numbers are mentioned in the book of the Acts. It simply says, “The number of the men were about five thousand” (Acts 2:41; 4:441Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (Acts 2:41)
4Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. (Acts 4:4)). And “all the men were about twelve” (Acts 19:77And all the men were about twelve. (Acts 19:7)). The kind of growth that God is looking for in His redeemed people is growth in spiritual maturity. If we were to visit an assembly of Christians that had a certain number people, and then returned a year later to see that they had truly increased in their apprehension of the Lord and their love for one another, we could rightly say that that assembly was growing, even though they had the same number of persons (2 Thess. 1:33We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; (2 Thessalonians 1:3)).
4) "God is Using the Denominations!"
Some Christians say, “But I still don’t think that it is wrong to worship with a group of believers in their denomination just because the order of things there is not in the Bible. After all, God is using these denominational churches! People are getting saved and Christians are being blessed there. If God will use them, they couldn’t be so bad that I must separate from them!”
Although it may look like God is using the denominational (and non-denominational) churches, we would hasten to say that it is not the man-made denominations that He is using; it is His Word that He is using. The Bible says, “The Word of God is not bound” (2 Tim. 2:99Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. (2 Timothy 2:9)). God can and does use His Word for blessing wherever it is ministered. When a so-called Pastor or Minister preaches the Word and ministers its truth to his audience, the Spirit of God will take it and apply it to the hearts and consciences of those there. People get saved in these places: there is no question this happens. However, because God is saving persons in these churches does not mean that He is approving of that man-made order of things which is contrary to His Word. He never approves of something that contradicts His Word. A person could take the Word of God into an ungodly place like a bar or tavern and the Spirit could use it for someone’s salvation. But does that mean that God is using taverns? It does not justify their existence. This is an extreme example, of course, but it illustrates our point that God can use His Word anywhere, even in an ungodly place.
While God is using His Word wherever He pleases (Isa. 55:1111So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)), Christians are not to walk anywhere they please. We are to walk according to the path God has marked out for us in His Word. We are to love all the people of God, but our feet are to remain in the path of obedience to God’s Word that calls us to separate from the disorder man has brought into God’s house (2 Tim. 2:20-2120But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. 21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. (2 Timothy 2:20‑21)). Just because there is observable blessing in some system or denomination does not mean that we are absolved from our responsibility to walk in the truth of the Word of God. We cannot not (rightly) forsake the path of obedience and be in fellowship with something that we know is unscriptural.
5) "I Can Do a Lot of Good Staying Where I Am in My Denomination!"
Others may say, “I know that there are some things that are not exactly right in my church, but why should I leave a lot of what I think is good for a few of things that are not consistent with Scripture? Besides, I feel that I can do a lot of good in helping people there. If I leave, I won’t be able to help them.”
This is a common excuse, and usually the one the Pastors and Ministers who lead the congregations give for continuing with the unscriptural order in their churches. Many feel that by remaining in fellowship with those in their unscriptural churches, they will have a broader sphere in which to serve the Lord. As the old saying goes, “You got to go where the fish are.”
If we were to go back to the figure the Apostle Paul used of the vessels in the “great house,” we would see that it is not a question of whether the vessels unto honour mixed up with the vessels unto dishonour could be used by the Master. The point is that they cannot be used for everything the Master may need done. A dirty dish in your home is useful for some jobs. For instance, if you had to change the oil in your car, a dish that is not clean would do fine. But a clean dish could be used for any purpose. This principle is the same in regard to service in God’s house.
Some may feel that we are speaking derogatorily of Christians who are associated with the churches, by inferring that they are not clean. We do not speak derogatorily of Christians; we are simply stating what Scripture says. It is Scripture that says that a person is not a “sanctified” vessel until he has purged himself from the mixture in the house of God by separating from it (2 Tim. 2:2121If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. (2 Timothy 2:21)).
Some might say, “What service would the Lord want done that He couldn’t call on one in a denomination to do anyway?” To illustrate our point, suppose there are some Christians that are under exercise of soul as to the truth of how God would have us to meet together for worship and ministry. Could the Lord call on someone in the denominational systems to delineate the Scriptural pattern for worship and ministry? And even if someone associated with the churches did know the truth on this subject, he probably wouldn’t want to speak of it because it would only condemn him. And even if he did attempt to explain it, he would be condemning himself for not doing what he was telling the other person to do. His words would seem to be as though he was mocking the truth, and thus would have no power to deliver a person from such a position.
There is no question that a person can do some good in the churches. Eldad and Medad are an Old Testament type of this very thing (Num. 11:2626But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp. (Numbers 11:26)). They remained in the camp of Israel when the Lord had called them out of it to Himself (Num. 11:16; 24-2616And the Lord said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee. (Numbers 11:16)). They were being useful there, but was it the highest calling for them when the Lord distinctly said, “Gather unto Me seventy men of the elders of the people?” Another example is Naomi in the land of Moab. She was a help to Ruth, in that Ruth turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God (Ruth 1:16-1716And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 17Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. (Ruth 1:16‑17)). But that does not justify Naomi's existence for being there. She should not have been there in the first place. The Lord could have brought Ruth to the knowledge of the one true God without Naomi being in a position of compromise.
Scripture says, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Sam. 15:2222And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:22)). This means that to obey is our first duty, and we leave the rest to the Lord. The Lord regards obedience as being more important than doing some service for Him. The greatest help we can be to those mixed up in the confusion in the great house is to disengage ourselves from it and then try to help others (2 Tim. 2:24-2624And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. (2 Timothy 2:24‑26)). Brother W. Potter said that our first responsibility is to take care of principles, and God will take care of the persons. J.G. Bellett said that if we see someone stuck in a ditch, we are not to get into the ditch to help them get out of it. We could end up getting stuck in it ourselves. Instead, we get on solid ground and try to help them get out. It is the same in divine things.
6) "We Shouldn't Forsake the Assembling Of Ourselves Together!"
Others have said, “The Word of God exhorts us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. If I separate from my church I would not be obeying this verse of Scripture.”
Yes, the Bible does tell us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together—this is true (Heb. 10:2525Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25)), but we need not belong to an unscriptural denomination (or a non-denominational fellowship) to obey that Scripture. The Lord Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:2020For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20)).
7) "Separating From Other Christians Breaks the Unity of the Spirit!"
For many honest and earnest believers it seems inconceivable that a Christian would separate from other Christians. Especially when one of the main concepts of the Christian community is that we are all one large family where unity and happy fellowship are to exist. In their minds, to separate would be to break that unity (Eph. 4:33Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)).
It is important to understand that no right-minded, true-hearted Christian wants to separate from other Christians, for it is normal and right to love all the household of faith (John 13:34-3534A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34‑35); Rom. 12:9-109Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; (Romans 12:9‑10); Eph. 1:1515Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, (Ephesians 1:15); Heb. 13:1313Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. (Hebrews 13:13)). However, love to the Lord Jesus and a desire to please Him leads true-hearted Christians to separate from what is a dishonour to Him (2 Tim. 2:19-2019Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. (2 Timothy 2:19‑20); John 14:1515If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15)). Even though it pains us to separate from fellow brethren, we must separate from what dishonours Christ. What is due to Him must have precedence.
The problem with this idea of maintaining unity at all costs comes from seeing only one side of the truth on the subject. If we see only the side of things that speak of Christian unity without the side, which speaks of separation from evil, the faithful would be left to hopelessly go on without any recourse. They would be left in a predicament of seeing God’s order in His Word, but would be unable to practice it, because unity calls them to stay with other Christians in their unscriptural position. They would have to remain in fellowship with that which they know is contrary to the Word of God. And for them it would be a path of disobedience, for “him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:1717Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James 4:17)). Consequently, for every exercised Christian, it would be a constant vexation of soul. We can thankfully say that it is a false principle of unity at the cost of holiness and obedience—and that is never God’s way.
The truth is that God’s principle of unity can only be rightly practiced in separation from evil. J. N. Darby said, “God Himself must be the spring and center of unity, and that He alone can be in power or title. Any center of unity outside of God must be so far a denial of His Godhead and glory. Since evil exists—yea, is our natural condition—there cannot be union of which the holy God is the center and power, but by separation from it. Separation is the first element of unity and union.”
Therefore, in this day when ruin and confusion pervade the public testimony of the church, those things that pertain to unity can only be practiced in a remnant testimony. This is a Scriptural principle, and a provision God has made for us to be able to practice all the truth. This can be seen by following the downward course in the history of the Christian testimony, as depicted in the Lord’s addresses to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3. There is a point reached where the Lord no longer owns the mass of the Christian profession, and thereafter takes up with a remnant testimony. He distinguishes a remnant, saying, “But to you, I say, the rest [remnant] ...”—and it is with them that the Lord focuses His dealings thereafter (Rev. 2:24-2924But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28And I will give him the morning star. 29He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 2:24‑29)). The reason for this is that the state of the church has come to a point of “no remedy.” From that point forward, a marked change takes place in the Lord’s ways with the church. This is indicated by the call to “hear what the Spirit saith to the churches” following the promise to the overcomer, instead of preceding it, as the pattern had been up to that point. In the Lord’s words to the first three churches, the reward to the overcomer was set before the whole church because the Lord was still dealing with it at large. But thereafter it is given up. The call to “hear what the Spirit saith to the churches,” is only given instead to a remnant, because only they will hear and overcome. Walter Scott said that the reason for this change is that the public mass of the Christian profession is treated as being incapable of hearing, repenting, and practicing the truth. W. Kelly said, “The Lord thenceforth puts the promise [to the overcomer] first, and this is because it is vain to expect the church as a whole to receive it ...a remnant only overcome, and the promise is for them; as for the others, it is all over.”
Therefore, since this is the case, we cannot expect in our day to practice God’s principle of unity with the public profession at large, but in a remnant testimony.
In reality, anyone who joins a particular denomination in preference over others really has no basis for his criticism of those who wish to separate from denominations; for he has done the same thing! He has confined himself to one denomination, but by doing so, he has cut himself off from the others; for a person cannot be a Baptist and a Presbyterian at the same time. Hence, by joining that one of his choice, he has by that act, made himself to be not with any other, and thus is not keeping the unity of the Spirit. So, the one who argues this point needs first to practice the unity that he calls for himself.
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Separation is Not Isolation
Let us remember that when the Word of God speaks of separation, it is not referring to isolation. Not one of the New Testament writers, when dealing with the ruin and confusion that would come into the Christian testimony, tells us to go off into isolation. It is not the answer to the problem. In fact they speak quite to the contrary. The same passage of Scripture that tells us to purge ourselves from the confusion in the great house by separating from it, also tells us that we should, “Follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:2222Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)). This shows that we are to seek fellowship with those who are seeking to uphold the principles of the Word of God.
More Light!
If God’s Word tells us to assemble together in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, then surely it must also tell us how we should do it. We take this as a confirmation that there is indeed a pattern in God’s Word for Christians meeting together for worship and ministry. As we continue this treatise, we hope to present this simple pattern before the reader.
An important underlying principle for guidance in the day of departure is, “Cease to do evil, learn to do well” (Isa. 1:16-1716Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; 17Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. (Isaiah 1:16‑17)). Until we are prepared to separate from what we know is inconsistent with the truth of God’s Word in the Christian profession, we can not expect to get light for further steps in the pathway. A great principle in the ways of God is that when we seek to walk in the light that God has given us, he will give us more light. “In Thy light we shall see light” (Psa. 36:99For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. (Psalm 36:9)). Abraham is an example. God called him while he was living in the land of Ur of the Chaldees, and told him to go to a place in the land of Canaan that he would later be shown (Gen. 12:1-31Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee: 2And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. (Genesis 12:1‑3); Acts 7:2-32And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, 3And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall show thee. (Acts 7:2‑3)). In faith, he “went out, not knowing whither he went” (Heb. 11:88By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. (Hebrews 11:8)). When he stopped along the way, at Haran, and settled there, he didn’t get any further light or communication from God for his path because God never told him to stop there (Gen. 11:3131And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there. (Genesis 11:31)). It was not until he continued his journey into the land of Canaan, as the Lord had told him, that he received further communication from the Lord (Gen. 12:4-74So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. 5And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came. 6And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. 7And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him. (Genesis 12:4‑7)). It is the same for us in the path of faith. It is something like what headlights are to a moving car at night. They only provide light for the traveler for about 200 or 300 yards at a time. As the car moves forward, the driver gets light on the road for another 200 or 300 yards, but if the car stops moving, the driver gets no further light. Let us remember, those who are willing to “do” God’s will, will be given to know the truth (John 7:1717If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. (John 7:17)).