Must Christians agree to reach the World

[RonCorson]

 

I am often amazed at the things I read on Adventist Today. I don’t mean amazed in a good way but amazed at the poorly reasoned statements that are included in the articles. I am equally amazed that on Adventist Today’s Facebook comment page none of those good SDA’s even notice the absurd statements.  I suppose since they have purged most people who ever criticize or offer counter opinions to their articles they are left with not the brightest population to offer their comments but occasionally someone gets in there with a good comment.

 

In the article, Ecumenism Is Not a Bad Word Clarence Pamphile writes in his article of 27 June 2021 this statement:

 

“Christian unity is inevitable. It is of Christ’s and of God’s imposing, and that, for a reason: the world will not believe while Christians are criticizing, accusing, or denouncing one another.”

 

Really Christian complete unity ( I am assuming complete as I don't think there is such a thing as incomplete unity) is inevitable, the world will not believe while Christians don’t get along with each other perfectly. The world which at one time was changed by Christians even when they denounced other Christians and their beliefs or actions can do that no longer. The Adventist church can’t get along within itself. Maybe the SDA church should avoid dealing with other denominations until we are all in agreement. It is an absurd statement.  Now Christian unity may one day be inevitable likely after the second coming and then it will be God’s imposing but this idea that we must all get along now with no disagreement before the world can recognize God is placing too much responsibility on humans. I guess it would give the world a really good excuse to reject Christians and Christianity however. So if the goal is to promote Atheism then the statement might have a bit of power. But as a method to spread Christianity, it is worthless.

 

[GHansen]

True, that in certain respects it is absurd to assume that people will be not converted while there is conflict in the church. Many were converted during the Reformation era. Severe conflict existed over the Lord's supper, the use of images, the Pope, confession, the mass and many other areas There was also  conflict over the doctrine of justification, baptism,  and the nature of Christ. Among evangelicals people did agree, more or less, on the futility of works and the the necessity of faith. These conflicts were not only between Protestants and Rome, they existed amongst the Protestants themselves.  EGW quoted D'Aubigne saying that the day of the Augsburg Confession was the greatest day of the Reformation. Article IX "On Baptism" actually contains a condemnation of the Anabaptists, evincing conflict. Article X rejects those [Zwingle, et al] who teach otherwise than the Confession [Luther/Melanchthon] on the Lord's Supper. Article XVII "Of Christ's Return to Judgment," again specifically condemns the Anabaptists. This particular item contains sentiments condemned by the Confession that SDA hold in common with Anabaptists contra  other Reformers. A bit ironic that the Confession, esteemed by EGW as the greatest in Christian history, condemns views held by the denomination she represents. 

 

[JoeMo]

Even though it is highly unlikely that "all" who claim to be Christians will unite, I believe (maybe hope is a better word) that most "born again Christians will unite.  I'm not talking "uniformity" (everyone agreeing on all things); but unity in our love of God and His divine Son.  The world is in the process of uniting against us.  Criticism od believers (also called soft persecution) will eventually evolve into hard persecution and prison, concentration camps, or execution.

Many differences between denominations are over non-salvational issues (like what consists correct worship, charismatic vs. orderly liturgy, the authority of clergy, diet, spiritual gifts, etc.)

Just my opinion, but I don't believe we will have a theology test prior to entering the Kingdom.  If we simply believe that God is who He says He is and has done what He says He has done; and put our full trust and dependence on him, we will be in the Kingdom; and we will have an eternal opportunity to learn and practice correct theology directly from the source.