Following Jesus Without Denominationalism
The Way Out Of Religious Division - Part One
In our previous lesson, I began this series by defining the terms denomination and denominationalism.
"denomination" - a group of congregations that are joined together under some governing body, that effectively serves to distinguish and divide them from other congregations
"denominationalism" - advocacy of separation into religious denominations
I also suggested three reasons why "denominationalism" is wrong. It is un-scriptural (i.e., without scriptural support). It is anti-scriptural (Jn 17:20-23 "I am not praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me. I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me. I have honored my followers in the same way that you honored me, in order that they may be one with each other, just as we are one. I am one with them, and you are one with me, so that they may become completely one. Then this world's people will know that you sent me. They will know that you love my followers as much as you love me."; 1 Co 1:10-13 "My dear friends, as a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, I beg you to get along with each other. Don't take sides. Always try to agree in what you think. Several people from Chloe's family have already reported to me that you keep arguing with each other. They have said that some of you claim to follow me, while others claim to follow Apollos or Peter or Christ. Has Christ been divided up? Was I nailed to a cross for you? Were you baptized in my name?"; 3:3-4 "because you are not yet spiritual. You are jealous and argue with each other. This proves that you are not spiritual and that you are acting like the people of this world. Some of you say that you follow me, and others claim to follow Apollos. Isn't that how ordinary people behave?") It is harmful to the cause of Christ (by discouraging people from believing in Christ - Jn 17:21 "I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me.") But is it possible for people today to simply be Christians, without being a member of any man-made denomination? The answer is "Yes!" Indeed, by following the example of Jesus Himself, we can be members of His body, the Lord's church, just as we read about in the scriptures!
To see how, let's start by noticing Jesus' own example in the religious climate of His day. When Jesus came to this earth, the Israelites were living under the Law of God as given by Moses. In that law, God had not made any provision for the division of His people into religious sects or parties. Yet, by the time of Jesus, the Jews had formed several distinct religious parties:
Pharisees (somewhat conservative)
Sadducees (very liberal, the "modernists" of their day)
Essenes (radical isolationists)
Herodians, Zealots (political religionists)
It was assumed that all who were serious about religion would be associated with one of these groups.
To which of these groups did Jesus belong? He belonged to NONE of these groups! Instead, He maintained a "nonsectarian" relationship with God to the very end. As an Israelite, living at a time when the Law of Moses was still in effect, He was simply an "Israelite". In addition, He encouraged all to live by the Law while it was still in effect - Mt 5:17-20 "Don't suppose that I came to do away with the Law and the Prophets. I did not come to do away with them, but to give them their full meaning. Heaven and earth may disappear. But I promise you that not even a period or comma will ever disappear from the Law. Everything written in it must happen. If you reject even the least important command in the Law and teach others to do the same, you will be the least important person in the kingdom of heaven. But if you obey and teach others its commands, you will have an important place in the kingdom. You must obey God's commands better than the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law obey them. If you don't, I promise you that you will never get into the kingdom of heaven." In other words, He encouraged all to simply be what the Law of Moses intended them to be (i.e., "Israelites").
What would Jesus be today? Would He be a Baptist, or Catholic, or Presbyterian, or Methodist, etc.? If He was simply an Israelite then, would He not simply be a "Christian" today? That was certainly what His disciples came to be called - Ac 11:26 "He found Saul and brought him to Antioch, where they met with the church for a whole year and taught many of its people. There in Antioch the Lord's followers were first called Christians." The example Jesus has set for us is clear: just be what God originally intended under the Law which is in effect. Since in the New Testament (the "law of Christ" 1 Co 9:21) the disciples of Christ were called "Christians", so we should be! Not only should we be content with being "called" Christians, we should also be concerned with "just being Christians". Nothing more, nothing less!
But how can we be sure that we are simply Christians, members of the church we read about in the New Testament? It helps to see what the Bible tells us about the Lord’s church in the first century. Jesus promised to build HIS church - Mt 16:18 "So I will call you Peter, which means "a rock." On this rock I will build my church, and death itself will not have any power over it." The word "church" comes from the Greek word ekklesia, which means "a called-out group, an assembly, a congregation". Therefore, Jesus was promising to create His own group of people who have been "called"; called out of sin or called out of the world. Note also that it belongs to Him, not to any man or man-made leader or organization.
The church Jesus promised to build was established through preaching the gospel. How does this "calling" take place? According to the apostle Paul, we are "called" by the gospel of Christ - 2 Th 2:14 "God used our preaching as his way of inviting you to share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." On the first Pentecost after the ascension of Christ, we see by preaching the gospel Peter "called out" those who were willing to express their faith in Jesus - Ac 2:38-41 "Peter said, "Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit. This promise is for you and your children. It is for everyone our Lord God will choose, no matter where they live." Peter told them many other things as well. Then he said, "I beg you to save yourselves from what will happen to all these evil people." On that day about three thousand believed his message and were baptized." Notice that those who gladly responded in faith, repentance and baptism were "added". To what and by whom were they "added"? We find the answer in verse 47: "And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." The day of Pentecost was the beginning of the Lord's church (His "ekklesia"). This "called-out" assembly or group was created when the gospel was proclaimed and people responded to it.
The church Jesus built expanded through preaching of the gospel. At first, the church existed only in Jerusalem. As the gospel spread, and people responded to it, groups of these saved people in various cities met together. Each group became known as a church in a local sense (in contrast to the church universal which is made up of all those saved throughout the world). For example, during Paul's first missionary journey, many such churches were established - Ac 14:21-23 "Paul and Barnabas preached the good news in Derbe and won some people to the Lord. Then they went back to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch in Pisidia. They encouraged the followers and begged them to remain faithful. They told them, "We have to suffer a lot before we can get into God's kingdom." Paul and Barnabas chose some leaders for each of the churches. Then they went without eating and prayed that the Lord would take good care of these leaders." By simply teaching the gospel of Christ, a local church was formed when those who obeyed the gospel joined together in their work and worship.
The church that Jesus built was edified through the apostles doctrine. Though united in Christ, these local churches were independent of any human association or federation of churches. Christ directed them through His inspired apostles, as they taught them how to worship and work together - Ac 2:42 "They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together." Sometimes this teaching by the apostles was done directly, other times by appointed emissaries - 1 Co 4:17 "That's why I sent Timothy to you. I love him like a son, and he is a faithful servant of the Lord. Timothy will tell you what I do to follow Christ and how it agrees with what I always teach about Christ in every church." Just as often, the teaching was done through the epistles or letters written by the apostles - 1 Co 14:37 "If you think of yourself as a prophet or a spiritual person, you will know that I am writing only what the Lord has commanded."; 1 Ti 3:14-15 "I hope to visit you soon. But I am writing these instructions, so that if I am delayed, you will know how everyone who belongs to God's family ought to behave. After all, the church of the living God is the strong foundation of truth."; 2 Th 2:14-15 "God used our preaching as his way of inviting you to share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. My friends, that's why you must remain faithful and follow closely what we taught you in person and by our letters."; 3:14 "Be on your guard against any followers who refuse to obey what we have written in this letter. Put them to shame by not having anything to do with them." When we read what the Bible says us about the Lord's church, we learn that by responding to the gospel and paying close heed to the "apostles' doctrine" (cf. Ac 2:42), people in the first century were able to be Christians only, without all the confusion prevalent today. Is it possible for us to do this today? Yes! Here is the way out of religious division. Accepting the call of the gospel is the first step. We will examine the way out of religious division as we continue this lesson in part two.
God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
Even though you can't see the air, It doesn't stop you from breathing
Even though you can't see God, It doesn't stop you from believing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Why Is Denominationalism Wrong?
Following Jesus Without Denominationalism
Why Is Denominationalism Wrong?
While many people are attracted to the good news of the grace of God offered through His Son Jesus Christ, certain questions often linger in their minds. Why are there so many different denominations? Can't the followers of Jesus Christ learn to get along? What can be done about the religious division that exists today? Is it possible for me to be simply a Christian, following Jesus without being a member of any denomination? In reply to these questions, some make an effort to discount the significance of religious division, suggesting that the differences are not all that great. Or that religious division is good, for it enables people to find a church that suits them personally. But there are several reasons why I believe these answers are wrong and do a disservice to the cause of Christ. In this series of lessons, I have several objectives in mind. One is to explain why Denominationalism is wrong. To illustrate how one can simply be a Christian, serving Jesus without being a member of any denomination. And then to suggest how followers of Christ might be able "to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" - Ep 4:3. In this particular lesson, I wish to explain why Denominationalism is wrong and then why anyone who truly follows Christ will do all they can to avoid participating in it.
First, perhaps a definition of terms is in order as they are used in this lesson by defining the words "Denomination" and "Denominationalism". First, let’s define what a religious denomination is. According to The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: "A large group of religious congregations united under a common faith and name and organized under a single administrative and legal hierarchy." From Webster's: "A religious organization uniting in a single legal and administrative body a number of local congregations."
In simple terms, a denomination is a group of congregations that are joined together under some governing body. The number of congregations can be as few as two or more, but by their tie to a governing body above the local congregation, by definition they are "denominated" from all congregations that do not submit to the same authority. Some examples would be:
The Roman Catholic Church is a denomination made up of those churches that submit to the pope in Rome.
The Eastern Orthodox Church is a denomination made up of those churches that submit to the patriarch of Constantinople.
The Anglican Church of England is a denomination made up of those churches that submit to the archbishop of Cantebury.
The Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod) is made up of those churches that submit to the synod in Missouri.
The International Church of Christ is made up of those churches that submit to the Boston Church of Christ.
These are just a few of the thousands of different denominations that now exist!
Second, let’s define what religious "denominationalism" is. Here again, according to The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, it is: "The tendency to separate into religious denominations". "Advocacy of separation into religious denominations". "Strict adherence to a denomination; sectarianism". Again, Webster's dictionary defines it as: "Devotion to denominational principles or interests". "Narrow emphasizing of denominational differences: SECTARIANISM"
For the purpose in this series of lessons, I will be applying the term to any approval of the denominational division which exists today. I concede that many people in denominations today are not all that devoted to their denominational principles or interests. But by membership in a denomination they are by implication advocating separation into religious denominations. But is Denominationalism really all that bad? Am I suggesting that one cannot serve Christ faithfully while participating in religious division? The answer to both questions is "Yes!"
To understand the reason for saying this, let's examine why Denominationalism is wrong. First, it is un-scriptural. That is, it is without Scriptural support. There is no basis in the Bible for local churches being divided up into various denominational bodies. There is no denomination that can go to the Bible and say, "See that passage? There is our church (denomination)!" What we do find in the New Testament is local congregations that were independent and self-governing. Church organization was limited to within the local congregation, with elders (also known as pastors, bishops, overseers, presbyters) appointed to oversee only the congregation of which they were members - Ac 20:17 "And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to him the elders of the church."(ASV), 28 "Look after yourselves and everyone the Holy Spirit has placed in your care. Be like shepherds to God's church. It is the flock that he bought with the blood of his own Son."; 1 Pe 5:1-2 "Church leaders(elders in other translations), I am writing to encourage you. I too am a leader, as well as a witness to Christ's suffering, and I will share in his glory when it is shown to us. Just as shepherds watch over their sheep, you must watch over everyone God has placed in your care. Do it willingly in order to please God, and not simply because you think you must. Let it be something you want to do, instead of something you do merely to make money." The only authority above the local congregation or assembly in the New Testament was Christ and His apostles. Once the church began, apostles were not replaced after they died. But through the Word of God, the authority of Christ and His apostles continues. Individuals, synods, conferences, etc., that presume to usurp authority over local congregations today do so without Scriptural authority.
Second, it is anti-scriptural; not only is it without scriptural support, it is contrary to what the Bible teaches. It is contrary to the prayer of Jesus for unity among His believers - Jn 17:20-23 "I am not praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me. I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me. I have honored my followers in the same way that you honored me, in order that they may be one with each other, just as we are one. I am one with them, and you are one with me, so that they may become completely one. Then this world's people will know that you sent me. They will know that you love my followers as much as you love me." It is condemned by Paul in his epistle to the church at Corinth. There are to be no divisions among believers - 1 Co 1:10-13 "My dear friends, as a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, I beg you to get along with each other. Don't take sides. Always try to agree in what you think. Several people from Chloe's family have already reported to me that you keep arguing with each other. They have said that some of you claim to follow me, while others claim to follow Apollos or Peter or Christ. Has Christ been divided up? Was I nailed to a cross for you? Were you baptized in my name?" Sectarianism is a sign of carnality - 1 Co 3:3-4 "because you are not yet spiritual. You are jealous and argue with each other. This proves that you are not spiritual and that you are acting like the people of this world. Some of you say that you follow me, and others claim to follow Apollos. Isn't that how ordinary people behave?" It opposes the efforts of Christ on the cross! - Ep 2:14-16 "Christ has made peace between Jews and Gentiles, and he has united us by breaking down the wall of hatred that separated us. Christ gave his own body to destroy the Law of Moses with all its rules and commands. He even brought Jews and Gentiles together as though we were only one person, when he united us in peace. On the cross Christ did away with our hatred for each other. He also made peace between us and God by uniting Jews and Gentiles in one body." Jesus died to break down the wall of division. Jesus died to reconcile man to God in ONE body. -- Just as sinning works against the efforts of Christ on the cross (for He also died to put away sin), so it is with denominational division!
Third, it is harmful to the cause of Christ. Jesus knew that unity among His disciples would be "the final apologetic", cf. "that the world may believe" - Jn 17:21. In view of Jesus' words, we should not be surprised when unbelievers are slow to accept the gospel coming from a divided church. Many people point to the divided condition of those professing to follow Christ. Atheists and agnostics often use religious division as an excuse not to believe in God. Adherents to non-Christian religions (such as Islam, Judaism, etc.) will often use denominationalism as a reason not to believe in Christ. Denominationalism has also given support and encouragement to the cults. Mormonism started in reaction to the denominationalism of Joseph Smith's day. Those who call themselves "Jehovah's Witnesses" use religious division to encourage people to follow their strictly-controlled organization.
Let’s now look at some of the statements made by those of the reformation cause, but yet their followers did not heed their words.
Martin Luther, the leader of the Reformation Movement:
"I ask that men make no reference to my name, and call themselves not Lutherans, but Christians. What is Luther? My doctrine, I am sure, is not mine, nor have I been crucified for any one. St. Paul, in 1 Cor. 3, would not allow Christians to call themselves Pauline or Petrine, but Christian. How then should I, poor, foul carcass that I am, come to have men give to the children of Christ a name derived from my worthless name? No, no, my dear friends; let us abolish all party names, and call ourselves Christians after Him Whose doctrine we have." - Hugh Thomason Kerr, A Compend of Luther's Theology (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1943, p. 135)
John Wesley, another great reformation leader, among whose followers are Methodists, Wesleyans, etc.:
"Would to God that all party names, and unscriptural phrases and forms which have divided the Christian world, were forgot and that the very name [Methodist] might never be mentioned more, but be buried in eternal oblivion." - John Wesley, Universal Knowledge, A Dictionary and Encyclopedia of Arts, Science, History, Biography, Law, Literature, Religions, Nations, Races, Customs, and Institutions, Vol. 9, Edward A. Pace, Editor (New York: Universal Knowledge Foundation, 1927, p. 540)
Charles Spurgeon, one of the greatest Baptist preachers who ever lived:
"I look forward with pleasure to the day when there will not be a Baptist living! I hope that the Baptist name will soon perish, but let Christ's name last forever." - Spurgeon Memorial Library, Vol. I., p. 168.
Well, that day has not yet come, and denominationalism with its religious division seems to be as strong as ever! But all is not lost. For throughout the world, more and more people are throwing aside their denominational shackles. They are following Jesus Christ in the freedom of gospel liberty that comes from being simply Christians! And what may be a surprise to some, they are able to do so "being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" - Ph 2:2 How is this possible? That is what I hope to demonstrate starting with the next lesson. But it begins with two things:
A strong desire to follow Jesus Christ and His prayer for unity - cf. Jn 17:20-23
An understanding of the carnal nature of division, and why denominationalism is wrong - 1 Co 3:3-4.
Dear friend, don't you want to be simply a Christian, a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ...?
God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
The town that turns green for a week every year
Even though you can't see the air, It doesn't stop you from breathing
Even though you can't see God, It doesn't stop you from believing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Why Is Denominationalism Wrong?
While many people are attracted to the good news of the grace of God offered through His Son Jesus Christ, certain questions often linger in their minds. Why are there so many different denominations? Can't the followers of Jesus Christ learn to get along? What can be done about the religious division that exists today? Is it possible for me to be simply a Christian, following Jesus without being a member of any denomination? In reply to these questions, some make an effort to discount the significance of religious division, suggesting that the differences are not all that great. Or that religious division is good, for it enables people to find a church that suits them personally. But there are several reasons why I believe these answers are wrong and do a disservice to the cause of Christ. In this series of lessons, I have several objectives in mind. One is to explain why Denominationalism is wrong. To illustrate how one can simply be a Christian, serving Jesus without being a member of any denomination. And then to suggest how followers of Christ might be able "to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" - Ep 4:3. In this particular lesson, I wish to explain why Denominationalism is wrong and then why anyone who truly follows Christ will do all they can to avoid participating in it.
First, perhaps a definition of terms is in order as they are used in this lesson by defining the words "Denomination" and "Denominationalism". First, let’s define what a religious denomination is. According to The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: "A large group of religious congregations united under a common faith and name and organized under a single administrative and legal hierarchy." From Webster's: "A religious organization uniting in a single legal and administrative body a number of local congregations."
In simple terms, a denomination is a group of congregations that are joined together under some governing body. The number of congregations can be as few as two or more, but by their tie to a governing body above the local congregation, by definition they are "denominated" from all congregations that do not submit to the same authority. Some examples would be:
The Roman Catholic Church is a denomination made up of those churches that submit to the pope in Rome.
The Eastern Orthodox Church is a denomination made up of those churches that submit to the patriarch of Constantinople.
The Anglican Church of England is a denomination made up of those churches that submit to the archbishop of Cantebury.
The Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod) is made up of those churches that submit to the synod in Missouri.
The International Church of Christ is made up of those churches that submit to the Boston Church of Christ.
These are just a few of the thousands of different denominations that now exist!
Second, let’s define what religious "denominationalism" is. Here again, according to The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, it is: "The tendency to separate into religious denominations". "Advocacy of separation into religious denominations". "Strict adherence to a denomination; sectarianism". Again, Webster's dictionary defines it as: "Devotion to denominational principles or interests". "Narrow emphasizing of denominational differences: SECTARIANISM"
For the purpose in this series of lessons, I will be applying the term to any approval of the denominational division which exists today. I concede that many people in denominations today are not all that devoted to their denominational principles or interests. But by membership in a denomination they are by implication advocating separation into religious denominations. But is Denominationalism really all that bad? Am I suggesting that one cannot serve Christ faithfully while participating in religious division? The answer to both questions is "Yes!"
To understand the reason for saying this, let's examine why Denominationalism is wrong. First, it is un-scriptural. That is, it is without Scriptural support. There is no basis in the Bible for local churches being divided up into various denominational bodies. There is no denomination that can go to the Bible and say, "See that passage? There is our church (denomination)!" What we do find in the New Testament is local congregations that were independent and self-governing. Church organization was limited to within the local congregation, with elders (also known as pastors, bishops, overseers, presbyters) appointed to oversee only the congregation of which they were members - Ac 20:17 "And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to him the elders of the church."(ASV), 28 "Look after yourselves and everyone the Holy Spirit has placed in your care. Be like shepherds to God's church. It is the flock that he bought with the blood of his own Son."; 1 Pe 5:1-2 "Church leaders(elders in other translations), I am writing to encourage you. I too am a leader, as well as a witness to Christ's suffering, and I will share in his glory when it is shown to us. Just as shepherds watch over their sheep, you must watch over everyone God has placed in your care. Do it willingly in order to please God, and not simply because you think you must. Let it be something you want to do, instead of something you do merely to make money." The only authority above the local congregation or assembly in the New Testament was Christ and His apostles. Once the church began, apostles were not replaced after they died. But through the Word of God, the authority of Christ and His apostles continues. Individuals, synods, conferences, etc., that presume to usurp authority over local congregations today do so without Scriptural authority.
Second, it is anti-scriptural; not only is it without scriptural support, it is contrary to what the Bible teaches. It is contrary to the prayer of Jesus for unity among His believers - Jn 17:20-23 "I am not praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me. I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me. I have honored my followers in the same way that you honored me, in order that they may be one with each other, just as we are one. I am one with them, and you are one with me, so that they may become completely one. Then this world's people will know that you sent me. They will know that you love my followers as much as you love me." It is condemned by Paul in his epistle to the church at Corinth. There are to be no divisions among believers - 1 Co 1:10-13 "My dear friends, as a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, I beg you to get along with each other. Don't take sides. Always try to agree in what you think. Several people from Chloe's family have already reported to me that you keep arguing with each other. They have said that some of you claim to follow me, while others claim to follow Apollos or Peter or Christ. Has Christ been divided up? Was I nailed to a cross for you? Were you baptized in my name?" Sectarianism is a sign of carnality - 1 Co 3:3-4 "because you are not yet spiritual. You are jealous and argue with each other. This proves that you are not spiritual and that you are acting like the people of this world. Some of you say that you follow me, and others claim to follow Apollos. Isn't that how ordinary people behave?" It opposes the efforts of Christ on the cross! - Ep 2:14-16 "Christ has made peace between Jews and Gentiles, and he has united us by breaking down the wall of hatred that separated us. Christ gave his own body to destroy the Law of Moses with all its rules and commands. He even brought Jews and Gentiles together as though we were only one person, when he united us in peace. On the cross Christ did away with our hatred for each other. He also made peace between us and God by uniting Jews and Gentiles in one body." Jesus died to break down the wall of division. Jesus died to reconcile man to God in ONE body. -- Just as sinning works against the efforts of Christ on the cross (for He also died to put away sin), so it is with denominational division!
Third, it is harmful to the cause of Christ. Jesus knew that unity among His disciples would be "the final apologetic", cf. "that the world may believe" - Jn 17:21. In view of Jesus' words, we should not be surprised when unbelievers are slow to accept the gospel coming from a divided church. Many people point to the divided condition of those professing to follow Christ. Atheists and agnostics often use religious division as an excuse not to believe in God. Adherents to non-Christian religions (such as Islam, Judaism, etc.) will often use denominationalism as a reason not to believe in Christ. Denominationalism has also given support and encouragement to the cults. Mormonism started in reaction to the denominationalism of Joseph Smith's day. Those who call themselves "Jehovah's Witnesses" use religious division to encourage people to follow their strictly-controlled organization.
Let’s now look at some of the statements made by those of the reformation cause, but yet their followers did not heed their words.
Martin Luther, the leader of the Reformation Movement:
"I ask that men make no reference to my name, and call themselves not Lutherans, but Christians. What is Luther? My doctrine, I am sure, is not mine, nor have I been crucified for any one. St. Paul, in 1 Cor. 3, would not allow Christians to call themselves Pauline or Petrine, but Christian. How then should I, poor, foul carcass that I am, come to have men give to the children of Christ a name derived from my worthless name? No, no, my dear friends; let us abolish all party names, and call ourselves Christians after Him Whose doctrine we have." - Hugh Thomason Kerr, A Compend of Luther's Theology (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1943, p. 135)
John Wesley, another great reformation leader, among whose followers are Methodists, Wesleyans, etc.:
"Would to God that all party names, and unscriptural phrases and forms which have divided the Christian world, were forgot and that the very name [Methodist] might never be mentioned more, but be buried in eternal oblivion." - John Wesley, Universal Knowledge, A Dictionary and Encyclopedia of Arts, Science, History, Biography, Law, Literature, Religions, Nations, Races, Customs, and Institutions, Vol. 9, Edward A. Pace, Editor (New York: Universal Knowledge Foundation, 1927, p. 540)
Charles Spurgeon, one of the greatest Baptist preachers who ever lived:
"I look forward with pleasure to the day when there will not be a Baptist living! I hope that the Baptist name will soon perish, but let Christ's name last forever." - Spurgeon Memorial Library, Vol. I., p. 168.
Well, that day has not yet come, and denominationalism with its religious division seems to be as strong as ever! But all is not lost. For throughout the world, more and more people are throwing aside their denominational shackles. They are following Jesus Christ in the freedom of gospel liberty that comes from being simply Christians! And what may be a surprise to some, they are able to do so "being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" - Ph 2:2 How is this possible? That is what I hope to demonstrate starting with the next lesson. But it begins with two things:
A strong desire to follow Jesus Christ and His prayer for unity - cf. Jn 17:20-23
An understanding of the carnal nature of division, and why denominationalism is wrong - 1 Co 3:3-4.
Dear friend, don't you want to be simply a Christian, a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ...?
God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
The town that turns green for a week every year
Even though you can't see the air, It doesn't stop you from breathing
Even though you can't see God, It doesn't stop you from believing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday, August 06, 2006
True Repentance
True Repentance
2 Corinthians 7:9-11
A prominent theme in the preaching of the Gospel is the call to repent. Jesus wanted it to be preached in His name to all nations - Lk 24:46-47 “and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” Peter proclaimed the call to repent in his first two sermons - Ac 2:36-38 “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”; 3:19 “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out,”. Paul spoke of repentance to philosophers and kings - Ac 17:30-31 “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."; 26:19-20 "Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.”
However, the call to repentance is often neglected in modern day preaching, by some who preach “faith only” and by some who in reaction stress “baptism”. One cannot truly preach the gospel of Christ without the call to repent; and yet. What is repentance? How is it produced? What are some indications that repentance has occurred? Perhaps the most elaborate discussion on repentance is found in 2 Co 7:9-11, which serves as the text for this lesson entitled “True Repentance”.
Let’s begin by defining “True Repentance”. First, let’s look at some misconceptions of repentance. One such misconception is that repentance is “sorrow”. 2 Co 7:9-10 (“As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”) shows that repentance is an outcome of sorrow. Sorrow leads to repentance; sorrow itself is not repentance. Another misconception is that repentance is “a changed life”. Some understand that repentance is a converted life, but Ac 3:19 (see above) shows that repentance and conversion are two separate things. Peter says “Repent therefore and be converted”. If repentance is the same as conversion, then Peter is being redundant. As we shall see, the order is actually this:
1) First, sorrow.
2) Then, repentance.
3) Finally, a changed life.
W. E. Vine’s definition of a proper repentance is a “change of mind”; “involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God”. So think of repentance as simply “a change of mind” in which we decide to “turn from sin and turn to God”, which is preceded by sorrow and is followed by a changed life. Repentance is therefore a decision of the mind in which one decides to change their life; but what prompts one to make such decision?
In order to produce true repentance it is preceded by “godly sorrow”. This we glean from our text (2 Co 7:9-10); but note carefully that it is not simply “sorrow”, but sorrow that is “godly”. For there is a sorrow that is “of the world”. Note the difference between “godly sorrow” and “worldly sorrow”. “Worldly sorrow” is a selfish kind of sorrow. For example, when one is sorry because they got caught, or when one is sorry because what someone did made them look bad. In “worldly sorrow”, one is more concerned about SELF! “Godly sorrow” is sorrow directed toward God (“godly” is lit. “according to God”). In other words, one is sorry because their actions are sins against a Holy God - Psa 51:4 “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.” Also, one is sorry for the price GOD must pay to have our sins removed. In “godly sorrow”, one is more concerned with GOD than self! “Worldly sorrow” produces regret; “godly sorrow” suffers loss in nothing. “Worldly sorrow” produces death; “godly sorrow” produces repentance to salvation.
If “godly sorrow” leads to repentance, how is it best to produce this “godly sorrow” in others? Let’s look at some examples of producing “godly sorrow” that lead to repentance. In Nathan’s rebuke to David in 2 Sam 12:7-12 provides some insight. He made an appeal to God’s love (7-8) “Nathan said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. And I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more.” He revealed the sin (9) “Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.” He warned of the consequences (10-12) “Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.' Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.'"
The Gospel of Christ, when properly taught, is designed to so produce “godly sorrow”, and in turn, repentance. It appeals to God’s love as a basis for repentance - Ro 2:4 “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” It reveals our sin - Ro 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”. It warns of the consequences - Ro 2:5-11. Our best hope for producing repentance in others that leads to salvation is to proclaim the gospel in its entirety. Not just the “commands” (believe, repent, be baptized). Nor just the “promises” (remission of sins, eternal life, gift of the Holy Spirit). But also the “facts” (man’s sin, God’s love, the coming judgment) If people are not responding to the “commands” of the gospel, perhaps we need to consider whether we are providing proper emphasis to the “facts” of the gospel.
Finally, consider the indications of “True Repentance”. Our text (2 Co 7:11) mentions several. “diligence” (KJV, carefulness). This can be defined as “earnestness, zeal, sometimes with haste accompanying it”. In other words, being quick to do what is right! Examples of conversion in ACTS demonstrate this diligence in that every case described in detail shows people obeying the gospel after just one lesson! “clearing of yourselves”. To clear one’s self of blame, quick to stop doing what is wrong, if such is the case, quick to respond to the offer of forgiveness when one realizes their guilt. “indignation”. This involves a sort of anger, or moral outrage, toward the SIN which required the repentance. “fear”. Lest the sin should be repeated. Lest the sin should not be entirely removed. “vehement desire”. A fervent wish. Especially to be right in God’s eyes. “zeal”. This involves an “eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something”. In this case, to turn from sin and turn to God. “vindication” (KJV, revenge). As the NIV puts it, “what readiness to see justice done”, to do the right thing!
Such are the “signs” of true repentance. Not apathy, not halfhearted service. But, a desire to do “works befitting repentance” - Ac 26:20 “but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.” Is this indicative of our repentance? Can we look at our lives and see signs that we have really had “a change of mind”. That we have truly made “a decision to turn from sin and to turn to God”? If we have not yet obeyed the gospel ...we have not repented! If we have become slack in our service...we are in need of repentance! If so, then we are in need of a healthy dose of “godly sorrow”, brought about by realizing God’s love for us, the fact we have all sinned and the consequences if we do not repent!
May the love of God and the reality of the coming judgment move us all to “True Repentance”! The blessings for those who do repent are wonderful... - Ac 2:38-39 “And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." ; 3:19 “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out,”
If you need assistance in obeying the gospel or wish to further discuss this matter please contact me at jimnewy@classicnet.net
This material is from ExecutableOutlines.com, a web site containing sermon outlines
and Bible studies by Mark A. Copeland. Visit the web site to browse or download
additional material for church or personal use.
The outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel.
Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To
God be the glory!
Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001
2 Corinthians 7:9-11
A prominent theme in the preaching of the Gospel is the call to repent. Jesus wanted it to be preached in His name to all nations - Lk 24:46-47 “and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” Peter proclaimed the call to repent in his first two sermons - Ac 2:36-38 “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”; 3:19 “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out,”. Paul spoke of repentance to philosophers and kings - Ac 17:30-31 “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."; 26:19-20 "Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.”
However, the call to repentance is often neglected in modern day preaching, by some who preach “faith only” and by some who in reaction stress “baptism”. One cannot truly preach the gospel of Christ without the call to repent; and yet. What is repentance? How is it produced? What are some indications that repentance has occurred? Perhaps the most elaborate discussion on repentance is found in 2 Co 7:9-11, which serves as the text for this lesson entitled “True Repentance”.
Let’s begin by defining “True Repentance”. First, let’s look at some misconceptions of repentance. One such misconception is that repentance is “sorrow”. 2 Co 7:9-10 (“As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”) shows that repentance is an outcome of sorrow. Sorrow leads to repentance; sorrow itself is not repentance. Another misconception is that repentance is “a changed life”. Some understand that repentance is a converted life, but Ac 3:19 (see above) shows that repentance and conversion are two separate things. Peter says “Repent therefore and be converted”. If repentance is the same as conversion, then Peter is being redundant. As we shall see, the order is actually this:
1) First, sorrow.
2) Then, repentance.
3) Finally, a changed life.
W. E. Vine’s definition of a proper repentance is a “change of mind”; “involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God”. So think of repentance as simply “a change of mind” in which we decide to “turn from sin and turn to God”, which is preceded by sorrow and is followed by a changed life. Repentance is therefore a decision of the mind in which one decides to change their life; but what prompts one to make such decision?
In order to produce true repentance it is preceded by “godly sorrow”. This we glean from our text (2 Co 7:9-10); but note carefully that it is not simply “sorrow”, but sorrow that is “godly”. For there is a sorrow that is “of the world”. Note the difference between “godly sorrow” and “worldly sorrow”. “Worldly sorrow” is a selfish kind of sorrow. For example, when one is sorry because they got caught, or when one is sorry because what someone did made them look bad. In “worldly sorrow”, one is more concerned about SELF! “Godly sorrow” is sorrow directed toward God (“godly” is lit. “according to God”). In other words, one is sorry because their actions are sins against a Holy God - Psa 51:4 “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.” Also, one is sorry for the price GOD must pay to have our sins removed. In “godly sorrow”, one is more concerned with GOD than self! “Worldly sorrow” produces regret; “godly sorrow” suffers loss in nothing. “Worldly sorrow” produces death; “godly sorrow” produces repentance to salvation.
If “godly sorrow” leads to repentance, how is it best to produce this “godly sorrow” in others? Let’s look at some examples of producing “godly sorrow” that lead to repentance. In Nathan’s rebuke to David in 2 Sam 12:7-12 provides some insight. He made an appeal to God’s love (7-8) “Nathan said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. And I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more.” He revealed the sin (9) “Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.” He warned of the consequences (10-12) “Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.' Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.'"
The Gospel of Christ, when properly taught, is designed to so produce “godly sorrow”, and in turn, repentance. It appeals to God’s love as a basis for repentance - Ro 2:4 “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” It reveals our sin - Ro 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”. It warns of the consequences - Ro 2:5-11. Our best hope for producing repentance in others that leads to salvation is to proclaim the gospel in its entirety. Not just the “commands” (believe, repent, be baptized). Nor just the “promises” (remission of sins, eternal life, gift of the Holy Spirit). But also the “facts” (man’s sin, God’s love, the coming judgment) If people are not responding to the “commands” of the gospel, perhaps we need to consider whether we are providing proper emphasis to the “facts” of the gospel.
Finally, consider the indications of “True Repentance”. Our text (2 Co 7:11) mentions several. “diligence” (KJV, carefulness). This can be defined as “earnestness, zeal, sometimes with haste accompanying it”. In other words, being quick to do what is right! Examples of conversion in ACTS demonstrate this diligence in that every case described in detail shows people obeying the gospel after just one lesson! “clearing of yourselves”. To clear one’s self of blame, quick to stop doing what is wrong, if such is the case, quick to respond to the offer of forgiveness when one realizes their guilt. “indignation”. This involves a sort of anger, or moral outrage, toward the SIN which required the repentance. “fear”. Lest the sin should be repeated. Lest the sin should not be entirely removed. “vehement desire”. A fervent wish. Especially to be right in God’s eyes. “zeal”. This involves an “eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something”. In this case, to turn from sin and turn to God. “vindication” (KJV, revenge). As the NIV puts it, “what readiness to see justice done”, to do the right thing!
Such are the “signs” of true repentance. Not apathy, not halfhearted service. But, a desire to do “works befitting repentance” - Ac 26:20 “but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.” Is this indicative of our repentance? Can we look at our lives and see signs that we have really had “a change of mind”. That we have truly made “a decision to turn from sin and to turn to God”? If we have not yet obeyed the gospel ...we have not repented! If we have become slack in our service...we are in need of repentance! If so, then we are in need of a healthy dose of “godly sorrow”, brought about by realizing God’s love for us, the fact we have all sinned and the consequences if we do not repent!
May the love of God and the reality of the coming judgment move us all to “True Repentance”! The blessings for those who do repent are wonderful... - Ac 2:38-39 “And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." ; 3:19 “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out,”
If you need assistance in obeying the gospel or wish to further discuss this matter please contact me at jimnewy@classicnet.net
This material is from ExecutableOutlines.com, a web site containing sermon outlines
and Bible studies by Mark A. Copeland. Visit the web site to browse or download
additional material for church or personal use.
The outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel.
Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To
God be the glory!
Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001
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