Make it your aim to be one in the Spirit, and you will be bound together in peace. There is one Body and one Spirit, just as it was to one hope you were called. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is the one over all, the one working through all and the one living in all. (Eph. 4:2-6 Phillips)
There is an interesting event that has been going on in my life recently. I have been reading a book by G.H. Lang about the life of Anthony Norris Groves. This book is both a biography on Groves and a history of the early Brethren movement in Ireland and England in the 1800’s. I definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn the history of Christians who walked outside of organized Christianity.
The interesting thing about the Brethren (sometimes called the Plymouth Brethren) is that they set out to meet outside the religious system in a biblical way and one of their strongest founding principles was that of unity and acceptance of all true believers. However, later on in the movement, the Brethren became the most divided movement among all the groups outside the system. How could this happen? I have become determined to find out. I believe it is very important to learn from their mistakes.
The other interesting thing that is going on in my life to coincide with the book is that there have been several believers who have come to me recently who have either left or considered leaving their groups because of doctrinal differences. Hmmm . . . very interesting! Historical lessons being learned in the fires of current dilemmas. So, for me, this has brought up the question (again and again) of when and/or if Christians should ever separate from one another. So I will be quoting from the above mentioned book and the scriptures to share some of my thoughts with you.
What is the Source of Our Unity?
In the very beginning of the Brethren movement, unity was of the utmost importance. Later on in the movement, when John Darby was separating from certain brothers, Anthony Groves wrote him a letter. In 1845 Groves wrote:
One point only is fixed on my mind; to receive all, as Christ receives them, to the glory of God the Father. More than twenty years this point has been deepening in my mind; and all I hear and see makes it more precious: indeed amidst so much weakness and infirmity, with such partial and imperfect views of truth, I see no other way but committing all judgment to the Son, to whom the Father hath committed it.
One common slogan among the Brethren at the time was “life not light is the basis of union.” This makes perfect sense to me. If I make light (or revelation) the basis of union then I would need to separate from all Christians who do not have the same revelation of truth as I have. That would be a lot of separating! But if life is the basis of union then I would receive all those who have the life of Christ within them. But how will I know who has this life and who doesn’t? Usually we can sense these things. However, I really don’t know, so if someone professes to have His life then I must receive him because I am leaving all judgment to the Son. He who has the Son has the life. So, if life is our basis, then it’s all about the Son.
A Difference of Opinion
In 1848 problems arose within the Brethren assemblies in Plymouth and Bristol. Some leaders in Plymouth were accused of erroneous teachings and others rose up to stop them. This problem was not dealt with scripturally and some others traveled to Bristol and spread the controversies to that assembly. This “virus” continued to spread and divided the assemblies into two camps; the Exclusive Brethren and the Open Brethren. The Exclusive groups would only fellowship with those who agreed with their doctrines, and Open groups would receive all believers. These two “camps” still exist to this day. Ironically, many divisions have since occurred within Brethren groups over the issue of light or life. Do we receive believers based upon the light they have or the life they have?
In 1932 eight believers from Exclusive Brethren groups in England, Australia, and the U.S. went to visit the assembly in Shanghai, China and other places. These were some of the churches that Watchman Nee and his associates had raised up. The Brethren invited Nee to come and visit them overseas the next year which Nee did. However, on his trip, he also visited several other groups of Christians not of the Exclusive Brethren circle. This action by brother Nee was deemed by these Exclusive Brethren as having compromised his fellowship with them. The brothers in China wrote them a long letter about their position on this matter. Basically, it was a plea for open fellowship among all the saints everywhere. This, however, was unacceptable to these Exclusive Brethren and later that year it was decided that they would break off all fellowship with the saints in China.
To me, it is unbelievable and inconceivable that believers would treat one another like this. Here is an excerpt from the letter that the Chinese brothers sent to the Exclusive Brethren:
The Scriptures plainly show us that the basis of our receiving one another is “even as Christ also received you” (Rom. 15:7). The reason why we receive anyone is because “God hath received him” (Rom. 14:3). Hence the command of God to us is: “him that is weak in faith receive ye” (Rom. 14:1). This command is explicit, distinctive and irrevocable. It is a sin to refuse acceptance of him whom God has received, however weak or lacking in light he may be.
I must stand with these brothers from China and say a hearty “Amen!” We cannot reject or separate from our fellow believers because of doctrinal, structural, or theological differences. I like the way that Augustine put it:
In the essentials – unity
In the non-essentials – freedom
In all things – love
I would say that the “essentials” are the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostles Creed is a good basic guideline. However, someone could mentally agree on the basic tenets of the Apostles Creed and still not possess the life of Christ. Here again, it comes down to a matter of life. The early Brethren had it right! However, when they began to divide it was over matters of light. They didn’t all agree on their eschatology (study of end times). And this is definitely one of those non-essentials!
The Dilemma of Disagreement
I personally know of Christians who have separated from other believers because of their views on tongues, gifts, prophecy, end times, baptism, spiritual warfare, evangelism, leadership, hell and heaven, social action, tithing, ad infinitum. Yet all of these things are merely our own opinions of what the Bible teaches. And yet we are willing to take a knife and chop up the living Body of Jesus Christ for these opinions!
You see, herein lies the problem: We don’t believe they are opinions, we think they are facts! Our line of reasoning goes something like this: My view is fact; your view is opinion. My view is correct, you view is incorrect. And since your view is incorrect, that makes it erroneous. Therefore, I cannot fellowship with someone who is in such obvious error.
This was the line of reasoning used by some in the Brethren movement in the 19th century and that is why it became the most divided group of believers outside of institutional Christianity.
Life or Knowledge
Do you see this for what it really is? There were two trees in the middle of the Garden. One contained the knowledge of good and evil, right and wrong, truth and error. And the other contained God’s very own life. We chose to become judges over good and evil and it has brought us death ever since. Yet the Lord is calling to us and beckoning us to come to Him and partake of His abundant life.
I work with many groups of believers who want to experience organic church life. They want to live and function as the Body of Christ as did the early church. Most of them have been in the institutional church for many years. Some have been in various kinds of house churches. But they all have many opinions! More than once I have found myself sitting in a living room with half fundamentalists and half charismatics. How will this ever work? How can these people ever live as a community under the headship of Christ? There is really only one way.
They must lay down all of their opinions at the foot of the cross. They must present their bodies as a living sacrifice to God. They must be transformed by the renewal of their minds (See Rom. 12:1, 2).
Notice with me that Paul only recommended the separation of believers in two instances. One case was the brother in Corinth involved in extreme unrepentant immorality (I Cor. 5: 9-13). The reason for the separation was to bring the brother to repentance and restoration with the church. Paul also told the believers not to associate with those who cause divisions (Rom. 16:17). But nowhere does he tell anyone to separate from other believers because they have different opinions!
Dear reader, how will you ever find a group of people who agree one hundred percent with everything you believe? That will never happen. You see our oneness is based upon a Person. You and I are one with all of those who possess His life. We have not been made one in our opinions. We have been made one in Christ! He is our oneness. He is our unity. He is our life.
The believers in churches that Paul worked with all had many opinions. And then there were the opinions of those brought into these churches from the outside. In Galatia it was the opinions of the Judaizers bringing in rules and regulations. In Corinth it was the idolatry of the city and differing opinions of Christian workers. All of these opinions brought confusion and division into the churches. But what was Paul’s answer to all of this attention to opinion?
In the same way, my brothers, when I came to proclaim to you God’s secret purpose, I did not come equipped with any brilliance of speech or intellect. You may as well know now that it was my secret determination to concentrate entirely on Jesus Christ himself and the fact of his death upon the cross. (I Cor. 2:1, 2 Phillips)
Brian said:
Milt,
Thanks for such a great post. This message is key to the unity we all seek in Him.
Brian
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Michael William Smith said:
Great piece Milt! Thank you brother. Nice new look on the blog as well!
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Brenda said:
Good to hear these words! Thank you for putting this out here! This is the life my family desires after having left the IC.
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mark said:
Wonderful article, Milt. Thank you!
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Daniel Zuraikat said:
‘Life not light is the basis of unity’. I will always remember this. How needed is this message among believers! Thank you Milt.
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Jason said:
It really is simple. Amazing that it’s all right there in the scriptures yet we christians have such a hard time living it out. Thanks for this article Milt. Great to be reminded that we come together with different opinions and backgrounds but we are still one in Him.
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carrie said:
This topic is a of great interest to me also. The idea of meeting in a organic way is newer to me, about 2yrs or so. My husband and I are not currently apart of a group. We attended the organic meeting in Orlando. I can notice God calling all these people out of inst.church (it is amazing) and they are not sure of what to do next.
I understand the concept of light and life in what you have talked about. The question that came to mind is, if life is our unity and not light why leave the inst. church in the first place? Is that a question of light and life too or am I missing the point. Or,do both call us out? If we are only to separte because unrepentant immorality or from those who cause divisions then can we really leave the inst. church. I guess we are leaving the inst. not the people,right? Just trying to work this out in my head.
I have had an overwhelming desire to help those who are being called out. I hope to someday help them understand who they are and how to function. I understand I need to experience this first. so, praying that God will make that happen here where we are or move, whatever it takes. Thanks for your posting.
Side note, off topic, Sons of Korah, a group from Austrila, they have put music to the Psalms. They have done about 40-50 Psalms, like 95, 137, 80,67,139, and 99. I have been listening to 80 and 137 lately. They are great!
Thanks
carrie
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Wayne M said:
Great post Milt. I thoroughly enjoyed it and agree. One question though. What if you are in a church that teaches a doctrine that you believe is not Biblical and they will not allow you to express what you believe the Bible teaches without the threat of church discipline because they think you are being divisive when you express your views? They consider it discord and rebellion against authority. How can you stay in a church atmosphere like that? Wouldn’t it be better to find a place of more acceptance even if you disagree on some points of doctrine?
Wayne
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miltrodriguez said:
Hi Carrie,
You answered your own question in your post.
“I have had an overwhelming desire to help those who are being called out.”
The key there is God’s calling. I believe that you must be “called out” by the Lord. You should not leave the institutional church for any other reason than God has called you out. And He calls us out to stand for the unity of the body, not to start another sect. We receive all of those whom He has received. This is a call to return to the oneness of the body.
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miltrodriguez said:
Wayne,
Thanks for your post.
I don’t see that scenario as a matter of a disagreement over doctrines. I see it as a matter of freedom. If one cannot voice his opinions than that is a matter of no freedom and that is a God given right and privilege to every believer.
However, it should also be noted that the purpose of the church is not to sit around and voice opinions about doctrine. The purpose of the church is to display and live out the eternal purpose of God. Paul tells us that His purpose is that all things would be summed up in Christ (see Eph. chapters 1 & 3). So the purpose of the church is to experience and express our glorious Lord. When a group of people center on Christ and allow Him to be the Head, then all of those other things (i.e. doctrines) begin to fade into the background.
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Arlene said:
Milt I love your articles & book .
Do you have an article on the One New Man – this phrase is always coming up & I would certainly love to read about it.
Thanks. Arlene Zanatta
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Marcy said:
Thank you, Milt, for making the distinction between “light” and “life”. This article was very encouraging to me. God bless!
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Chad said:
Wonderful post, thank you!
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Patti Blount said:
As far as opinions go, should we even want to have them, meaning isn’t it God’s perspective and truth we are searching for, which is true light? What I think, apart from God, is merely carnal,which the Word describes as “evil, sensual, and devilish.” It’s part of us that needs to die, or be renewed. Our opinions, or the way we see things, is actually against Christ, and so they are against light and life. Shouldn’t we then, ask God by His Spirit to put these to death in us, so that His pure truth (the mind of Christ) can arise in us? Then, we will be on the same page, because it will be His page. It’s all a matter of agreeing for Him to take us to the cross, so that we, like He, might die there, and let Him come alive in us. Most of the disagreements are from not being able to see through the eyes of Christ, because we haven’t submitted our whole body, soul, and MIND to God’s dealings. So many misperceptions, that we call opinions, evolve from this resistance of “not Your will, God, but mine be done,” the opposite of what Jesus came to in Gethsemane.
Then, there is the problem of “doctrines of demons” in the latter days. We surely are supposed to seperate ourselves from those. And we only can recognize them by the discernment the Lord gives us by His Spirit of truth within.
I understand where you are coming from, but I also understand that if we judge Life, and not true Light (truth according to God) we will end up with the big group of the world church and the new world order, which the Anti-Christ will eventually be head of.
Then, let’s not forget in Revelations, “Come out from among them, and be seperate,” says the Lord, and ask Him what He means by that.
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miltrodriguez said:
Patti,
Thank you for the comment!
Actually the end of your comment proved my point about opinions. You mentioned “the big group world church and the new world order, which the Anti-Christ will eventually be head of.” That’s an opinion about the end times based upon a particular interpretation of the scriptures. And that’s fine. You are entitled to your view of the end times.
But my point in the article is that we all have opinions. I don’t believe that having an opinion is a fleshly or carnal thing. But it’s what you do with that opinion that really counts. If you make it an agenda and a point of fellowship with other true believers then it becomes a carnal thing. Then, you have become sectarian which is definitely carnal as we can read about in the beginning of the letter to the Corinthians.
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Patti Blount said:
O.K., possibly my view of the endtimes is an opinion. If it is, and it’s not according to the truth as God sees it, than it is not worthy to have. If, however, it is aligned with the prophecy of God, and is true, and will happen, than it is worthy, because it comes from His heart, not mine. End times stuff is easy to say it’s either opinion or not, because it hasn’t been manifested yet.
I guess the point I’m making in response to your points is that all opinions should be measured by the truths in the Word, with enlightenment by His Spirit. If we, His Body, are wanting Truth, and not wanting to suppress it, than He will conform us to it, as we die to ourselves. We can’t just ignore our differences in how we see things, but we should desire to want to come into more and more clarity of that truth.
I could accept your premise of just accepting people on the Life (of Christ in them) if His Word didn’t define Him as “the Truth” also. I accept all who say they are following and have Him living in them, but if we see our brothers and sisters in error and God directs us to speak the truth in love to them, shouldn’t we? Afterall, there has been too much cheering each other on as they are falling in the ditch (according to His truth), and then calling that love.(Obviously, my opinion-please measure with the discernment God gives.) What has resulted is a spirit of relativism from the world which has robbed His Body of discernment. So, I’m not talking about disfellowing, but about operating with loving boldness to approach a brother or sister whose doctrine they are proclaiming is false and misleading others. The Lord has been leading me in that direction lately, and I’ll admit it has caused some problems. But, He asks us to love Him more than anything, and to forsake all to follow Him. He also reminds us that He came not to bring peace, but division, so we have to seek His truth and understanding on that, also. Add to that, our enemies will be those of our own households in the end, and brother will be against brother. There is so much to seek our Father about, for we have been programmed by the world, our own thoughts, and our institutions in what we thought was truth according to God only to find out it was false.
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miltrodriguez said:
Patti,
I agree with your main point here. Jesus Christ is Truth. Truth is only found in a Person – not in an idea, concept or opinion.
But I would add a word of caution. Something that is rarely mentioned in our individualistic mindsets is that Truth is found corporately. Paul said that “we have the mind of Christ’, not “I” have the mind of Christ. We discover Truth together because we discover Christ together. The “together” part is very important!
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Brenda said:
Thanks for posting this, Milt. I personally have subscribed to the ‘3 L’s’ when it comes to fellowship:
Life, Love, Liberty. ( I suppose I could add a 4th–Laughter!) If there is a general atmosphere of those three things in a fellowship I usually have no problem experiencing koinania. Legalism and control are huge red flags to me…
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James said:
Milt:
This blog was great. In fact, a little over a week ago I was having a discussion with a friend who has a summer home in Scotland. He has witnessed first hand the split between the Exlcusive and Open Brethren in the community they live in. Amazing!
Here is my question. I love and witness with the concept of our unity being in life rather than light. However, recently I have been agonizing over an issue that is affecting many brethren worldwide. It has to do with what began in the mid 90’s as what was known as the Toronto blessing. Subsequent “revivals” have followed in Fl and other areas. Many people have been drawn into this movement. From my perspective there is much strange fire associated with these streams and very questionable manifestations. I personally believe there is another spirit at work here, other than the Spirit of God. In light of admonitions to prove all things and Paul’s words in 2 Cor and 2 Thes regarding false apostles and lying signs and wonders, how would you advise a beleiver who is joined to others as members of the community of faith which embrace these things to proceed in light of your comments related to life and light? In this case the matter strikes very close to home as my daughter is wrapped up in all of this, as well as numerous others with whom we are in relationship.
Thanks,
James
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miltrodriguez said:
James,
I think it would be best to continue this discussion through email. You can email me here:
milt@therebuilders.org
thanks
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Teressa said:
Thank you for writing this article. You brought illumination to what had been a murky troubling issue.
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John Bullock said:
In fellowships in homes and in institutional churches in our area over the last few years we have found one issue that has lead some of us to agree to meet separately from each other on a regular basis- though we still fellowship with each other occasionally.
This one issue of which I speak is related to two diametrically opposed opinions as to how to interpret and apply “women should remain silent in the churches.” (1 Cor 14:34, NIV) Some interpreted this literally and universally, others not so. Well over half of the fellowship (we happen to have some large families with a significant majority of adult-age female children) was subjected to silence or a disapproving audience when they spoke.
What is your opinion of how this should be resolved? We might have an opportunity to redress this issue in the coming days with some of the more strongly opinioned folk and would appreciate your thoughts.
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miltrodriguez said:
For light on this subject I would refer you to a book:
Beyond Sex Roles
Gilbert Bilezikian
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John Bullock said:
A belated but big thanks, Milt.
An opportunity has come up in the last week where we might (finally!) be able to share with some friends who have a different opinion on this subject. It’s been three years of waiting and continuing to love through our differences in the Body – even when we couldn’t agree on this topic, we still maintained a friendship albeit minus “assembing” with them as we once had.
One of the adult-age daughters in one of our families is really struggling with self-acceptance because of years of lack of acceptance in the Body. The parents are now coming face-to-face with the consequences of what I believe has been their misunderstanding of Paul’s statements regarding “women… in the churches.”
Last Lord’s Day we had some landmark conversations with the parents and then later with the adult-age daughter. She is really struggling and we’ve yet to get everyone in family at the same room at the same time on this topic, but we are praying and loving and hope to see the all-conquering love of Christ break through.
So, it seems it may be time for us to use Dr. Bilezikian’s resource.
Thanks again!
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miltrodriguez said:
John,
Talk about belated! About 2 years so. Anyway, thanks for the comment and I am so glad to hear that things are progressing there. I would also suggest that you read some of Jon Zens material. Jon is a co-worker and close friend. You can find his website here:
http://www.searchingtogether.org
blessings
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