[UntoHim]

Originally Posted by Indiana

“If we introduce these manmade distinctions into the church, the relationship among the brothers and sisters will be shifted to the wrong ground.” (W. Nee, New Believers Series)

Actually, as a matter of fact, there have always been manmade distinctions in the Church. The earliest apostles, teachers, evangelists and disciples all had to make distinctions (or distinguish themselves as it were) among the Body of Christ. This was Paul's point to the Corinthians in writing "for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized." (1 Cor 11:19)

Ironically, Watchman Nee introduced a manmade distinction into the Church in pressing his "ground of the Church" dogma. Unwittingly (or maybe not), Nee shifted the relationship among the brothers and sisters from one unbiblical ground (Denominationalism) to another unbiblical ground (Sectarian oneness) Both of these "grounds" have great potential to short circuit the God-given, biblical dynamic of leadership and direction within the Church being organically recognized or approved.

In hindsight, it is obvious that Witness Lee took Watchman Nee's mistakes and magnified them 100 fold. It wasn't very long before the local churches in Taiwan became The Local Church of Witness Lee with numerous branches on the Island. The same thing repeated itself in North America - the Church in Los Angeles quickly turned into The Local Church of Witness Lee with numerous branches. The denominations had their branch churches in any given locality, and the Local Church had their branch churches in any given locality.

So who is approved, who is deemed genuine, who is closest to the God-given, biblical representation of the Body of Christ in any given locality? Well, we have about 2,000 years of Church history to help decide this for us.

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