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 When
does one become a Christian? When he conforms to the
requirements that Christ has given. (Jn. 14:21-24)
Who
determines (judges) this conformity; accepts one as “Christian”?
God judges His servants, through Jesus Christ, in keeping with
standards declared in His word. (Rom. 14:4,12; Jn. 12: 47-50) We
answer to God.
When
do I recognize another as a Christian? When, by my
understanding of God’s word, I see one has done the bidding of
Christ. Righteous judgement (Jn. 7:24) is the honest appraisal
of men’s fruits. (Matt. 7: 16-20)
Is
not my recognition of one as a “Christian” related to
my grasp of truth, hence “relative”? Certainly! Truth is
not relative. God knows exactly when one is a Christian, but I
“know” in keeping with the level of my understanding, this
and all else.
Could
I be mistaken, the level of my understanding inadequate?
Yes! (Cf. Acts 26: 9-11) I do not consider MY level of
understanding or MY practice the rule for divine approval or
disapproval. (2 Cor. 10: 12-13)
Then
how can I justify being positive about anything? My honest
self is all I have to give to Christ. I MUST ACT consistent with
my understanding, my honest conviction, to be true to myself and
to Christ. (Acts 23:1 24:16) I believe God’s word is truth
(Jn. 17:17); and I must be as positive to others, as God is real
and positive to me. Any other course is less than honest, and
discredits the positive nature of God’s truth.
But
should I say that others are wrong? What else? I do not
believe or say that MY judgement makes them wrong, but I
can not
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be honest with myself and God, and say
they are right. The same level of understanding that genders my
faith, and gives me hope, tells me that contradicting doctrines
and practices are wrong.
On
such a basis, how can I ever expect men to be united in religion?
This is the ONLY basis on which I can expect unity, and DO
expect unity among honest truth-seekers. Continue your whittlin’
and thinkin’ with me.
1.
AMONG IMPERFECT MEN UNITY MUST REMAIN A SEARCHING, SEEKING
PROCESS. Remove pride and creedal bindings and honest
truth-seekers will find God.
2.
BASIS IS HUMILITY! We have real confidence in “pressing”
rather than in the heady feeling of having already attained.
(Phil. 3: 12-15; 2:27)
3.
SHOWS FAITH IN GOD’S DESIRE AND PLAN FOR UNITY. Truth, and the
truth-seeker, does not fear investigation. If we will do our
part, rest assured God will do His. (Jn. 7:17)
4.
NO HUMAN STANDARD OR “PARTY” LEVEL (CREED) IS ACCEPTED —
to hamper further study. We remain “open to question” —
anxious to “grow in grace and knowledge”. (2 Pet. 3:18)
5.
CONSCIENCE AND HUMAN DIGNITY IS RESPECTED, not as the standard
of truth, but with the deference accorded an honest
truth-seeker. (Rom. 14:1-f)
WHEN
UNITY IS LOST, MAN IS THE LOSER!
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