The Corruption of Christendom
We have previously seen, in some measure, the nature, unity and heavenly calling of the church of God. But how little do believers realize, enjoy and walk in the power of their heavenly calling! Rather than following a rejected Christ in this world, much of Christendom is absorbed in the pursuits and aims of this “present evil world [age]” (Gal. 1:44Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (Galatians 1:4)). Would that there were more of that intense, personal devotedness a declaring plainly in their walk and ways that theirs is strangership on earth and citizenship in heaven.
The realization that the church is just now in the place of the testimony of God in this world would lead to an intense separation from the world and a personal, individual devotedness as witnesses or servants, as it may please Him!
Oneness and Freshness of the Early Church
For a little moment the desire of Christ “that they all may be one... that the world may believe” (John 17:2121That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (John 17:21)) came to pass at the first blush of unselfish joy of the church at Pentecost. The world beheld with wonder the great multitude being of one heart and soul and having all things in common.
But as man has been tried in every way since the garden of Eden and has failed, we will see that under grace he too has failed and corrupted as to testimony in the world that which was best.
When the church assumed fully her heavenly calling after the persecution and dispersion which arose from Stephen’s death (Acts 7), we find Paul raised up of the Lord that by him the true heavenly calling and doctrine of the church of God, the body of Christ, might be revealed.
Attacks on the Early Church
From the very beginning evil crept into the testimony on earth as entrusted to the hands of man. Judaism, false brethren and ungodly men all crept in unawares among those who were true disciples. And even true disciples became impregnated with the spirit of the world and the evil. But as long as there was apostolic energy, it was judged and thus kept from gaining its head.
Yet we hear the beloved Apostle telling the elders at Ephesus, “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). In view of such a state of ruin, Paul directs the heart of the faithful disciple to “God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:3232And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. (Acts 20:32)).
In Corinth there were schools of doctrine and human wisdom usurping the place of revelation and divine wisdom (1 Cor. 14). Judaizers had so influenced the Galatians that the Apostle stood “in doubt of ” them as to whether they had abandoned the ground of Christianity. In Philippians “all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s” (Phil. 2:2121For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. (Philippians 2:21)). In Colossians, Satan was endeavoring to introduce ordinances, philosophy, vain deceit after the traditions of men, meats and drinks, holy days, will worship and neglecting the body all to come between the Head and the members.
Individual Faithfulness
In 2 Timothy the tide of evil came in with such a torrent that the Apostle sees the church, “the house of God... the pillar and ground of the truth,” for which he had labored, had watched over and builded as a “wise master builder,” fallen into ruins. It had become like a “great house” with “vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor” (2 Tim. 2:2020But 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 2:20)).
In such a state of things the “perilous times” of the “last days” the faithful disciple has but one pathway. He must not be satisfied with such a state of things, nor think of being able to mend the ruin. He must depart from iniquity and purge himself from the vessels to dishonor, seeking to walk with those who “call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:19-2219Nevertheless 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. 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. 22Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:19‑22)).
F. G. Patterson (adapted)
(to be continued)