“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:3-6).
Even the most casual of Bible students is able to determine that the “us” of Ephesians 1, which as a group has been chosen “in Him before the foundation of the world”, has reference to the church of God which Christ “purchased with His own blood” (cf. Acts 20:28). Most Christians are able to give a concise definition of the term “church”, derived from the greek term “ekklesia”, and referring to the “called out” which are the people of God. Fundamental lessons we learn as babes in Christ allow us to identify the church built by Christ (Matthew 16:18), and to respect its grand design which had its origin in the mind of God “before the foundation of the world.”
For example, we recognize that the church, when the term is used in a “universal” sense, has reference to the relationship all who are God’s children sustain with Him. We know that entrance into that relationship occurs automatically upon our conversion (cf. Acts 2:47). We recognize the silence of scripture with regard to the activation of the brotherhood, and that the various attempts in times past to do just that have led to widespread apostasy. The gradual formation of the Catholic church, the innovations which led to the formation of the Christian Church denomination and the Institutional issues which divided the people of God a generation ago all had as their point of origin a departure from truth in an attempt to organize and activate the “universal” church.
Careful students recognize that the sole “organization” God has given to the church is in the form of local congregations. “Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons” (Philippians 1:1). “Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints … “ (1 Corinthians 1:1-2a). It is within the framework of the local congregation that the worship we collectively offer to God is given. It is within that framework that the work God gave the church to do in the world is accomplished. It is within that framework that the marking of the unruly, and the encouragement of the “body” is accomplished.
These truths are fundamental, and should be ever before us. We are always in need of instruction with regard to the nature, organization and work of the local church. One of the men who has been widely respected because of his clear and lucid teaching on the subject of the church is brother Robert F. Turner. Brethren have long enjoyed the bulletin Plain Talk, and a regular theme of his writings in that publication was the church. Though the bulletin is no longer published, its voice remains strong and edifying as brethren retain copies and bound volumes of the material written over many years. This writer recently ran across an article which appeared in the July 1966 issue of Plain Talk, entitled “How” the Church Divides. Brother Turner does a fine job in the short article establishing the nature of the church, and refuting some of the false concepts which trouble God’s people concerning that blood bought body. Certain parts of that article are reproduced here, and interspersed with this writer’s comments regarding issues that confront God’s people today.
- But men have invented a new conception of “church” — a “Churchhood” or “hood” of churches, which they erroneously call “brotherhood.” They speak and write of this churchood assigning it a work, a doctrine, and institutional adjuncts (“our” homes, “our” hospitals, etc.) which carry on “churchhood” (they call it brotherhood) functions. This is the “church” they think may divide; and sometimes it seems “churchhood” pride outweighs concern for alienated brethren. Denominational concepts prevail among “us”.
But even if we accept an accommodative manner of speech, and discuss a division in “the church” as that caused by the missionary society and mechanical music in the past; we need to read our history with greater care. Such divisions do not take place on a certain date — prior to that time all are one — the next day, divided. We do not flip a coin for “the name” nor line up on “sides” at a bugle call.
Perhaps a more accurate way to describe such divisions would be to refer to them as apostasies. And, these departures from the truth have troubled the people of God for centuries. Paul warned of such departures when he wrote, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth” (1 Timothy 4:1-3). Further, he told Timothy, “O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge; by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen” (1 Timothy 6:20-21).
Apostasy is a fact, and can be historically documented through the ages. This reality is described very well by brother Turner in the sixth paragraph of his article:
- There are multiple shades and hues of “soundness” at all times; and the color of “the great body” or majority of churches has nothing to do with being acceptable in God’s sight. The “middle of the road” philosophy has blinded some otherwise good preachers on this point. Our adherence to God’s word, both in individual and collective (congregational) matters, is the only true rule of soundness. (2 Corinthians 10:12-ff) Congregations “come and go” with respect to “soundness” — one here, one there. Through a sort of radiational influence, the churches in one section may be ultra-liberal; while another section may be ultra-conservative; but neither extremes nor general consensus are safe divine guides. Taking consolation in such is a sure sign of denominational thinking, and can only lead us away from truth.
- … should my foes succeed in proving that I am as bad as they say I am, it does not change the truth for which we have fought. The ignoble means to which they resort in a final effort to dispose of men who are in their way can be construed only as an admission of defeat in the issues which we have debated.
It is a campaign of calumny which all their pious protestations cannot conceal, though they may smile and smile and smile. They may, and doubless will, continue to talk and talk and talk — but as they talk we shall continue to strive to do our whole duty as humbly as we can while “the nations rage and the heathen imagine vain things.” We shall not stoop to their plane, neither be deterred by their calumny. They shall not pass! (Bible Banner, November 1938)
Please consider that those who make these claims are speaking to motive. How dare they question the heart of those who are teaching the truth! How dare they take a morally “superior” air to those who are actively taking a stand for what is right! Rest assured that those who are militantly standing for truth, in the words of Foy Wallace, “… shall continue to strive to do our whole duty as humbly as we can while “the nations rage and the heathen imagine vain things.” We shall not stoop to their plane, neither be deterred by their calumny.”
A rather tame example of this unwarrented criticism can be found in a quote from brother Bob Owen, transcribed from a sermon preached in Temple Terrace, FL in September of 1993. It is reproduced here, as it shows very clearly that motives are being questioned for the very fact that the actions being taken can’t be successfully criticized. Owen says:
- But one of the things that alarms me, is what may be a disposition for us to become more concerned about the universal concept of brotherhood, than we are the local congregational arrangement of fellowshipping. And although I go hither, thither and yon, at opportunity and preach the gospel , and try to preach the same things everywhere, and although I fully believe that the law of God is the same for all of us everywhere, God has not organized us into the brotherhood. He organized us in local congregations. And I think we should be wary of those who would try to spend their time and effort directing the brotherhood as opposed to simply preaching and teaching truth.
First, you may note that this author agrees with the statement brother Owen makes that God “organized us in local congregations”. That much has been established by the preceding paragraphs of this article. You might also make note of the fact that brother Owen and others who are critical of many at the forefront of controversy are themselves going “hither, thither and yon, at opportunity and preach (-ing) the gospel, and try (-ing) to preach the same things everywhere.” So why, when other men do the same thing, (and call for conformity to the truth based upon such passages as 2 John 9-11; Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Corinthians 1:10, 3:1-4) are they accused of “spend (-ing) their time and effort directing the brotherhood as opposed to simply preaching the truth.” Why is it that the preaching of some is characterized as “simply preaching the truth”, and the preaching of others is “directing the brotherhood.” Brethren, can we not see that these comments speak to motive?
I only know my own heart. However, I have a great deal of confidence in the integrity and spirituality of many who are unduly enduring harsh criticism from others regarding their integrity and motives. As Foy Wallace said, “I have never felt disposed to debate my own character” (ibid). Might I supply another possible motive for the actions of those who are preaching the truth plainly, exposing false teachers, and defending the integrity of God’s word? Could it be that they are motivated by a protective love for God, His truth, and His people? You don’t think so? Well, “Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls” (Romans 14:4).
Brethren, an apostasy is brewing. Local congregations are being affected. Preachers are going “hither, thither and yon” and preaching error. They are hiding behind the biblical concept of autonomy, distorting this grand principle established by God and using it to further their pernicious cause. Those who speak out against this error are being falsely charged with “meddling” and trying to “run things.” As brother Wallace in the battle against the speculatists of his day, so we will assert, “We shall not stoop to their plane, neither be deterred by their calumny. They shall not pass!“
You are exhorted to heed the admonition of brother Turner, written almost 32 years ago:
If the church of which you are a member is not NOW encouraging sound preaching: warning of the rapid encroachments of the social gospel and “churchhood” projects such as Herald of Truth, Campaigns for Christ, Inc., “churchood” benevolent societies, and the like (might I add that “and the like” includes the present digressions that characterize departures from God’s word in our day, SC), that church has already separated itself from the truth, and you are encouraging its waywardness.
