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Ecumenism
Posted by: Admin on Monday, January 27, 2003 - 01:55 AM |
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Written by C.F. Smith
"I marvel that you so soon are being moved away from Him who called you into the grace of Christ, to another gospel, which is not another, but some are troubling you, and desiring to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from Heaven preach a gospel to you beside what we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we said before, and now I say again, If anyone preaches a gospel to you beside what you have received, let him be accursed. For now do I persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I would not be a servant of Christ". Galatians 1: 6-10 (NKJV).
Introduction
A disturbing trend has been emerging in Christianity over recent years, a trend known as ecumenism, or the ecumenical movement. Ecumenism is the coming together of various 'Christian' denominations, based on unity in Christ, for dialogue and evangelism. This concept is flawed from the outset as Roman Catholicism denies many of the biblical teachings regarding salvation etc, liberals such as Bishop John Spong (Episcopalian) deny the virgin birth, miracles etc. Therefore any unity with those preaching 'another gospel' is wrong. The Anglican bishop J.C. Ryle said, "there can be no unity without truth". Yet it is this unity without truth that is promoted as being biblical today. Another gospel lies at the heart of the modern ecumenical movement.
Dispelling the Catholic myth
One point that needs to be raised is the misconception in the Church today that Roman Catholicism is a Christian faith. Churches in New Zealand especially need to research their roots, and find out the facts behind the Reformation, why it occurred and understand the difference between Biblical Christianity and false religion that masquerades as the real thing. The Roman Catholic Church is full of unsaved souls who have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Ecumenism and Evangelicals
One of the most telling documents to emerge out of ecumenism in America is the 1994 document entitled "Evangelicals and Catholics Together". This document was drafted by evangelical Charles Colson and Roman Catholic Richard John Neuhaus (and signed by many others). It sets out the 'unity' between Protestants and Catholics based on a so-called common belief in Christ, and how this can be used to propel us together into the third millennium. One of the most disturbing aspects of this document, is a clause where Evangelical Christians agreed not to evangelise Roman Catholics, which in effect nullifies the work of the Reformers with a stroke of a pen.
The document also lists a whole range of points that the two groups disagree over, such as basics of salvation, sacraments, etc. This disagreement in a supposed 'agreement' undermines the integrity of the whole document. There has been significant concern expressed by many Christians, who believe that the document is a sell out, and those who have signed it as compromising the truths of bible doctrine, reclaimed by the reformers. (See John F. MacAthur Jr's critique in The Masters Seminary Journal, Spring 1995). An additional statement was produced in 1997 by Charles Colson and others to 'clarify' certain ambiguous statements in the 1994 statement. Once again this statement does not resolve key doctrinal issues.
Jesus spoke in Matthew 4:17 saying: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (NKJV).
Repentance is a word not often heard in Christian circles today. Yet without true repentance and a true understanding of the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, there is no salvation, only hollow religiosity. The Roman Catholic Church says the sacrifice of Christ on the cross is not enough, so institutes the Mass where Christ is crucified over and over again. This same church teaches infant baptism, purgatory, prayer to saints and other rituals and dogma not found or taught in the Holy Bible.
How does a Bible believing, born again Christian join together in unity with those who oppose what the Bible says? Is the good news, the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, up for debate? Is the doctrine of salvation amongst other key doctrines negotiable? We agree with the teachings in the Bible clearly taught by Jesus and the apostles and say NO!
Romans 16:17 says: "Now I urge you brethren, note those who cause divisions and offences, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them." (NKJV).
Avoid them, don't march down the street with them, pray for peace with them, or give a watered down, compromised version of the Christian faith with them to others.
2 Corinthians 6:14,15 says: "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?" (NKJV).
Ecumenism in New Zealand
In New Zealand we have the Conference of Churches in Aotearoa New Zealand, an ecumenical group comprising Quakers, the Liberal Catholic Church, Salvation Army and others (www.ccanz.godzone.net.nz). This blend of religious groups is astonishing. The Quakers have a list of FAQ's on their website link to the aforementioned web page. Under the question 'what books or other writings do you follow?' the answer would surely be the Bible as the only authoritative and infallible book wouldn't it? Wrong! Let's have a look at the answer:
"One section of 'Questions and Counsel' in our Book of Discipline urges us to be 'open to new light from whatever source it may come'…But we do not see the Bible as the only source of religious authority, to be accepted in a literal and fundamentalist way."
This is a staggering statement (among others) that you will find associated with this ecumenical group. How these vast differences in theology are acceptable under 'Christian unity' is a mystery! It would appear that some of these groups would not be Christian at all!
Monotheism and Ecumenism
The self-esteem guru Dr Robert Schuller, came to New Zealand recently and spoke at the Victory Christian Church in Auckland (late 2002). Truth Watch appealed to the Pastor of the Victory Christian Centre Max Legg, about Schuller's visit to New Zealand, but no reply was received.
Schuller runs the Crystal Cathedral in America, and is vocal in his belief that all paths lead to God. He is ignorant of passages in the Bible where Jesus Himself clearly states that He alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life and no man comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). Schuller advocates a union between Catholics, Protestants, Muslims and Jews because he believes they all worship the same God.
With Schuller in this deception is Pope John Paul, a man who supposedly represents Christ on earth. The Pope has kissed the Koran, a book that denies that the Father has a Son (amongst other blasphemies and hatred). If the Pope were a true representative of our Lord Jesus Christ would he kiss this book? As Bible believing Christians at Truth Watch we say NO! It is also interesting to note that the Roman Catholic Church does not have official representation in ecumenical groups. It seems the Catholics are waiting for Christians and other faiths to join in union with Rome to set up the final one world religion.
One path to True Unity
True unity is based on doctrine found in the Bible, not in the traditions of men, compromising documents or false religious systems. The ecumenical movement would have us believe that we can put aside doctrine, and replace it with unity based on understanding and compromise. This however goes against the explicit commands of Christ.
John 8:31 says: "If you abide in My word you are my disciples indeed." (NKJV).
There are many more examples world wide of ecumenical compromise. It gets even worse and more deceptive when the ecumenism becomes interfaith dialogue, and in some instances interfaith worship. The Lord wants those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth, not in the flesh and error. The Lord desires that we hold fast to His truth. Compromise cannot be an option. The opening verses heading this article provide a stern warning to those who would meddle with the Word of God. Our prayer at Truth Watch is that you will recognise ecumenical compromise in whatever form it takes, and to separate yourself, your family, friends and loved ones from it.
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