Quote:
Originally Posted by Nell
I have a thought, too  .
I don't think a sinful man is in a position to think he can "figure out" his own accountability based on a reasoned approach. Would the purpose be to repent only to the extent of what we have reasoned or perceived we are guilty and no further? Would that be to make ourselves feel better that we were not perhaps as deceived as someone else?
Nell |
I agree that we cannot "figure out" or reason our accountability to God. Even as I have attempted to do this in the past, God has always been sure to smash my "reasoning" and pierce my "rubrics"...
Insodoing, He is merciful.
In my post, which you quoted, I was making two points - first, that we are each accountable as individuals. I agree with what you have said on this point. But secondly, there is a lot on this forum - and in particular this thread - that is seeking to instruct and admonish/shed light/ etc... on certain teachings and practices in the LC for a presumed audience of LC and ex-LC members - and there is an implicit goal to assign accountability. I see what Matt as doing is to point out something that was made into an idol. This is an important inquiry. The next question then - about the system and for the reader - is what it means for each of us that there was (or could have been) a systematic idolization of something in the LC? For the reader who is just beginning to realize there were idols or tendencies to replace Christ as the focus, there should be for that reader, and for ourselves, a robust discussion of everything the Scripture has to say about the matter.
What I am bringing forth is a consideration of 1 Corinthians 8-13 and the extent to which it would apply here.
Clearly, for the folks in Corinth, idols were prevelent in the culture. So, how should the COrinthians have addressed "flee from idolatry"? Did it mean to leave the church in Corinth or even the city generally? Perhaps, but probably not. In fact, Paul's instruction was about how to be before God and our brethren even when idols are present. It goes without question that Paul would admonish us to recognize idols as idols and not to sacrifice to them ourselves - but rather to make Christ pre-eminent in all we do. But what if you care not for the idols, but are among folks who do sacrifice to that idol? What if these folks want to serve you up food sacrifed to that idol?
There was a time when I felt superior to other Chrisitians and felt the LC was "IT". I almost didn't know how to be Christian, except to be unique. I have repented for this and am learning by His grace and mercy. But there was also a time I lived and pressed on in Christ with saints, some of whom held Witness Lee and the ground of locality with an esteem that was too much. When I heard testimonies which quoted Witness Lee, as if that was the foundation of its truth, rather than the Scripture - I think you could say, as an analogy, that that I was being offered food sacrificed to an idol. Did that prohibit me from "eating" or appreciating the substance of what was being shared? That's not a rhetorical question. What applies here: "flee from idolatry" (i.e. stand up and walk out of the meeting or something and tell everyone that they should do the same) or appreciate it for its substance, to the extent it brought me to Christ and His word and continue to labor with my brothers and sister to seek only Christ and His word.
I am not being precise in what I am questioning here. Perhaps I could rephrase this whole thought/post by asking, does 1 Cor. 8-13 applie here and if so, in what way?
Grace to you,
Peter
P.S.
Thankful, this post is immediately responding to
Nell's post, but the thought is also a response to your post. I don't think there are necessarily "categories of idolatry." However, I do wonder what "fleeing" idolatry is supposed to look like to the outside observer. I wonder if there are many in the LC who "fled" idolatry but yet their very remaining in the LC makes you think that they haven't. Thoughts on that?