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 Bro.
Turner:
These questions arose as I read “Are They
Christians?” Jan. ’75, P.T.
The
parable of the tares, where both righteous and erring are
together in the church. 2. Only God in judgement day can sever
the relationship of Father and child. 3. If Christians fall out
of Christ, would they not have to be baptized to get in again?
4. As churches are groups of people, would this not condemn
those innocent of presumptuous sin in a church? J.G.
Reply:
In
Matt. 13:24-30, 36-42 the field is the world, not the
church (v.38). “Kingdom” (v. 41) refers to God’s dominion
over the world. Note that the servants are angels, and the
reaping refers to final judgment, not to discipline administered
by saints. (See Apr. ’74 P.T. for further discussion.)
An
acceptable relationship to God depends upon our being faithful
(Rom. 11:22). “Children” “soldiers” “servants” “branches”
are all figures of speech describing
various aspects the same relationship to God. That which makes
us a child, makes us a branch on the vine (Jn. 15:) and that
which cuts off the branch cuts off the child. Extending figures
beyond the use given them by the Holy Spirit is a sophistry of
the devil.
Restoration
does not require baptism, as shown by Acts 8:13, 18-24.
“In Christ” is not a place literally; it is a realm
or state, a condition, “entered” when we submit our will to
‘His. The same thing (obedient faith) puts
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us into Christ both initially and
subsequently. “In Christ” is a way or manner of life, like
“walking in the light” (1 Jn. 1:5-f). This requires a
submissive spirit, seeking, hungering and thirsting after
righteousness. The “keep on walking” (present active) of 1
Jn. 1:7 is matched by “keep on confessing” of verse 9. Such
statements are not intended for use in the childish game of “what
if I die while exceeding the speed limit?” (Children, study 1
Jn. 3:8-9).
Churches
are groups of saints — who agree to work as a team. Don’t
leave that out. Each member of the team has a responsibility in
the affairs undertaken by that team. Each is accountable for
what he agrees to support, encourage, and promote in the team
activity (Rev. 2:20-f. 2 Jn. 11). This was in the context of
Lipscomb’s statement, “churches that change, add to, or take
from the commandments of God are not churches of Christ.”
We
must quit this foolish concept of the church as a resting
place where, with minds in neutral, we wait for our
transfer to heaven. When some argue “Christians in all
denominations” they invariably think of the details for coming
to Christ (baptism) and give practically no thought to the need
for “walking in the light” or continuing in Christ.
We can concede that one may genuinely obey the gospel and,
through lack of knowledge regarding work, worship, etc.,
associate with people who are grossly in error on these matters.
But not for long. A “Christian” spirit seeks Bible authority
for all Christ service, and finding none, will “come out from
among them.” Others, failing to walk in light, lose fellowship
with God.
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