Ecumenicalism

Introduction

As we become a more morally fractured nation, we will increasingly hear calls for peace among those who believe in a single moral foundation.

The idea will be that with such huge issues before us, how can we divide over such relatively small matters.

This will be a compelling argument and more compelling if persecution becomes intense.

There are lots of problems as the argument is presented and we will address much of that in a later lessons.

But for now, I just want to talk about the concept and the basic approach of promoting ecumenicalism and then our basic response to the idea.

The Appeal

Ecumenicalism - movement that promotes cooperation and better understanding among different religious denominations: aimed at universal Christian unity

We ought to be characterized by love and not division (Jn. 13:35).

Division is what the epistles spend the most time writing against (1 Cor. 1:10-17).

There should only be one church (Eph. 4:4-6).

The Tactics

Ignore passages that demand division (Matt. 10:34-39).

Define false doctrine as that which causes division (1 Tim. 6:3-4).

Pretend issues not explicitly mentioned in Scripture are not vital (Matt. 23:23-24).

Even some issues that ARE explicitly mentioned are sidelined by some.

They might say these issues are worth talking about, they just aren’t worth dividing over.

This is where the battle of CENI really rages. Do you believe we can stand firmly on inferences or must we only stand on explicit commands?

Use poorly defined language to describe fellow Christians.

Those who have called on the name of Jesus.

All believers.

Everyone who believes Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Criticize labels that describe beliefs.

The Truth

The Bible labels various beliefs and doctrines (Gal. 2:12; Rev. 2:15).

Not all labels are helpful in all contexts.

Not all labels are fair.

But they do aid conversation.

The label “sound” means “healthy and whole” or another word means “good and right.”

Many labels are adopted by the ones we are describing.

Calling on the name of Jesus means more than saying His name (Matt. 7:21-23; cf. Jas. 2:19).

Relatively few things are explicitly stated in Scripture (Gal. 5:19-21).

Child molestation is not explicitly mentioned in Scripture.

"Do a concordance search for”…heroin.

Division is inevitable (Gal. 1:6-10).

Conclusion

It is no good saying lets ignore our differences if they are distinctions God has made.

We must stand where He stands and do no other.

We will not ultimately be judged by holding fast to any group but by holding fast first to God. Our group is made up of those who are also clinging to Him.