Quote:
Originally Posted by Evangelical
Hi Nell,
Given the apparent failure of the local churches in trying to achieve Christian unity, some have proposed ecumenism as the way forward. Some have proposed that the local churches should join the ecumenical way.
However I do not think they have a clear view of the nature the ecumenical movements worldwide, neither do they consider that the alternative of ecumenism is far worse than the kind of unity proposed by the local church.
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Evangelical,
OK. In that case, I have questions for you: When Jesus said "I will build my church", what did he mean? Do you think he is so spiritually inept that he needs man-made organizations, movements and, for that matter, the Local Church/Witness Lee to "achieve Christian unity?" "Christian unity" is in the eye of the beholder, organizationally speaking, giving rise to endless arguments about who is "right." Whatever is achieved by the continuing failed efforts of man will not be the church for whom Christ died.
The church will be without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. What you're trying to do is manage the spots and wrinkles.
Spots and wrinkles equate to sin. Today's church is powerless because of sin. There will be no "Christian unity" as long as there is sin in the camp. As Matt. 1:21 says "He came to save His people from their sins." Above all else, God is Holy. God is clean.
Just because a bunch of different men come up with their own pet doctrines and organize around their preferences and claim to be "the church" doesn't mean squat. Jesus will return to claim a bride that looks like him; a bride that loves him; a bride that is spotless...like he is.
This hymn says it best and this is what I want:
1 The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
she is his new creation by water and the Word.
From heaven he came and sought her to be his holy bride;
with his own blood he bought her, and for her life he died.
2 Elect from every nation, yet one o’er all the earth;
her charter of salvation: one Lord, one faith, one birth.
One holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food,
and to one hope she presses, with every grace endued.
3 Though with a scornful wonder the world see her oppressed,
by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed,
yet saints their watch are keeping; their cry goes up: “How long?”
and soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song.
4 Mid toil and tribulation, and tumult of her war,
she waits the consummation of peace forevermore,
till with the vision glorious her longing eyes are blest,
and the great church victorious shall be the church at rest.
5 Yet she on earth hath union with God the Three in One,
and mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won:
O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we
like them, the meek and lowly, may live eternally.
By Samuel J. Stone
Nell