Plain Talk Vol.1, No.5, Pg.4 - Cedar Park Church of Christ

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Vol. 1, No. 5
May, 1964

Undenominational Christianity

The evils of "sectarian Christianity" are apparent to all thinking people, and have been denounced by various spokesmen of the leading sects repeatedly. This general recognition of error has given impulse to many "unity" movements, and much so-called "non-sectarian" preaching.

But IS union of all churches the desirable goal? May we correctly assume that such a union equals true Christianity? Is it not possible, or highly probable, that in the compromising process union with one another would take the place of unity in Christ?

After reading several proposals for religious "unity" I have concluded that man's plan goes something like this:

ITEM ONE:
Hold to no external authority, but allow everyone to "find truth" according to his own conscience.

ITEM TWO:
Avoid the inevitable conclusion created by Item One, by adopting a concept of "religious freedom" large enough to embrace all in one great "brotherhood".

ITEM THREE:
Disfellowship and hold in contempt anyone who uses the freedom of Item One, to point out the fallacy of the false "brotherhood" in Item Two.

Perhaps I have been a bit harsh on our modern "unitarians" but I believe this depicts the net results. We are seeking Christianity
without accepting the authority of Christ. THERE IS NO SUCH THING.

The grand theme of Christianity is CHRIST -- Prophet, Priest, and King. He is our teacher, advocate, and our ruler. How absurd to acknowledge all this -- as most "unity" speakers do--and then give so little attention to the actual teachings of Christ.

Instead of discouraging "doctrinal" studies, true undenominational Christianity is built upon such studies. "If a man love me, he will keep my words:" (Jn. 14:23)

"The people were astonished at His doctrine; for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." (Matthew 7:28-29)

The New Testament church was ONE--because it was made up of people who "continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine--". Their fellowship was, first of all, with God; and was maintained by walking in His truth. (1 Jn. 1:3-7)

When division threatened the solution was "God, and - the word of His grace." (Acts 20:29-32) Man has found no better solution today.

Undenominational Christianity ---and in reality there is no other kind of true Christianity --- is the fruit of subjection to Christ's will. It brings war against evil; division between those who do, and do not; and world hostility. (Eph.6:10-f. Lu.12:51-f. 1 Jn.2:15-f.) But it offers the only peace worth while—peace with God, in heaven. (Rev. 22:)

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The evils of "sectarian Christianity" are apparent to all thinking people, and have been denounced by various spokesmen of the leading sects repeatedly. This general recognition of error has given impulse to many "unity" movements, and much so-called "non-sectarian" preaching. But IS union of all churches the desirable goal? May we correctly assume that such a union equals true Christianity? Is it not possible, or highly probable, that in the compromising process union with one another would take the place of unity in Christ? After reading several proposals for religious "unity" I have concluded that man's plan goes something like this: ITEM ONE: Hold to no external authority, but allow everyone to "find truth" according to his own conscience. ITEM TWO: Avoid the inevitable conclusion created by Item One, by adopting a concept of "religious freedom" large enough to embrace all in one great "brotherhood". ITEM THREE: Disfellowship and hold in contempt anyone who uses the freedom of Item One, to point out the fallacy of the false "brotherhood" in Item Two. Perhaps I have been a bit harsh on our modern "unitarians" but I believe this depicts the net results. We are seeking Christianity		without accepting the authority of Christ. THERE IS NO SUCH THING. The grand theme of Christianity is CHRIST -- Prophet, Priest, and King. He is our teacher, advocate, and our ruler. How absurd to acknowledge all this -- as most "unity" speakers do--and then give so little attention to the actual teachings of Christ. Instead of discouraging "doctrinal" studies, true undenominational Christianity is built upon such studies. "If a man love me, he will keep my words:" (Jn. 14:23) "The people were astonished at His doctrine; for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." (Matthew 7:28-29) The New Testament church was ONE--because it was made up of people who "continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine--". Their fellowship was, first of all, with God; and was maintained by walking in His truth. (1 Jn. 1:3-7) When division threatened the solution was "God, and - the word of His grace." (Acts 20:29-32) Man has found no better solution today. Undenominational Christianity ---and in reality there is no other kind of true Christianity --- is the fruit of subjection to Christ's will. It brings war against evil; division between those who do, and do not; and world hostility. (Eph.6:10-f. Lu.12:51-f. 1 Jn.2:15-f.) But it offers the only peace worth while—peace with God, in heaven. (Rev. 22:) [Previous Article] [Next Article]