Why “Liberal” And “Conservative” Churches Of Christ?

Robert Harkrider

During the past two decades many have asked this question. Some sincere brethren who have been caught up in one stream or the other never fully understood, and many who were too young before have now grown into adulthood wondering why. It is therefore a good question worthy of repeated investigation. Labels of "liberal" and "conservative" have been used by some as a prejudicial tool to halt further investigation. Labels used as prejudicial clubs are to be condemned; yet the terms "liberal" and "conservative" are proper when used as adjectives to describe a difference in attitude toward authority, and consequently, a difference in practices.

As the years go by the attitude underlying the division become more apparent. We are not separated because of jealousy and envy. We have divided over a basic attitude toward the Bible: (1) A "liberal" attitude justifies any activity that seems to be a "good work" under the concept, "We do a lot of things for which we have no authority." (2) A "conservative" attitude makes a plea to have Bible authority (either generic or specific) for all we do -- therefore we refrain from involving the church in activities alien to that of the church in the New Testament.

Briefly, the walls of innovations, which have divided us, are built in three areas:

Who?

Who is to do the work of the church? The church or a human institution? The church has a God-given work to do, and the Lord made the church sufficient to do its own work. Within the framework of elders and deacons, a local church is the only organization necessary to fulfill its mission of evangelism, edification and benevolence (Eph. 3:10-11; 4:11-16; 1 Tim. 3:15). However, a wedge was driven when some brethren began to reason that the church may build and maintain a separate institution -- a different WHO -- to do the work of the church. This separate institution is human in origin and control. It is not a church nor governed by the church; yet it receives financial maintenance from the church. Human institutions so arranged (such as benevolent homes, hospitals, colleges or missionary societies) may be doing a good work; but when they become leeches on the church, they deny its independence and all-sufficiency and make a "fund raising house" of this God planned institution.

How?

How is the work of the church to be overseen? On a local basis with separate, autonomous congregations? Or may several local churches work as a unit through a "sponsoring eldership?" The organization of the New Testament church is local in nature, with elders limited to oversight of the work of the flock among them (Acts 14:23; 1 Peter 5:2). We are divided by those who promote "brotherhood" works through a plan of intercongregational effort with centralized oversight, which is an unscriptural HOW.

What?

What is the mission of the church? Spiritual or also social? It is in this area that the loose attitude toward the scripture is becoming more apparent. Though wholesome activities are needed for all, the Lord died for a higher and holier mission than fun, food and frolic. Let the church be kept free to spend its energy and resources (Rom. 14:17; 1 Peter 2:5), and let the home be busy in providing social needs (1 Cor. 11:22, 34). -(THE CAPROCK MESSENGER)

Assignments: September 27, 1998

Announcements: Clarence Gardner Opening Prayer: Clarence Gardner / Willie Golightly

Closing Prayer: Terry Haith / Charles Fair Song Leader: Dan Head / Rick Holt

Scripture Reading: Jason Holt / Wesley Holt Lord’s Supper: Rusty McGrew / Morris Bass / Ray Hollister

Building Cleanup: Price

T HE SPIRIT’S SWORD

“And take...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17)

The Northside church of Christ

Meeting at the North Bellingham Grange Hall · 5201 Northwest Road · Bellingham, WA

Visit our Web Site on the Internet: http:// www.davisinet.com/northsidecofc

Volume II, No. 32 September 27, 1998

FORGETTING GOD

No man can be without his god. If he have not the true God to bless and sustain him, he will have some false god to delude and to betray him. The Psalmist knew this, and therefore he joined so closely forgetting the name of our God and holding up our hands to some strange god. For every man has something in which he hopes, on which he leans, to which he retreats and retires, with which he fills up his thoughts in empty space of time; when he is alone, when he lies sleepless on his bed, when he is not pressed with other thoughts; to which he betakes himself in sorrow or trouble, as that from which he shall draw comfort and strength -- his fortress, his citadel, his defence; and has not this god the right to be called his god? Man was made to lean on the Crea­tor; but if not on Him, then he leans on the crea­ture in one shape or another. The ivy cannot grow alone; it must twine round some support or other; round any dead stick whatever, rather than have no stay nor support at all. It is even so with the heart and affections of man; if they do not twine around God, they must twine around some meaner thing.

-Trench, Leaves of Gold

WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION

Joe R. Price

In Philippians 2:12-13, the apostle Paul exhorted the saints:

“So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.”

This passage must send chills down the spine of those who deny that any “work” on the part of man effects salvation! Not withstanding the false doctrines of men, the Bible clearly teaches that man must be active in his salvation -- Not to earn (merit) it, but to meet the God-given conditions of receiving it. Christians are here taught to be laboring vigorously in their lives, always doing the Lord's will. Such labor is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58).

Others apparently see in this passage a “do your own thing” mental­ity. They appeal to this verse to endorse whatever they have chosen in their spiritual life, and woe be to the person who shows its lack of Biblical approval. They apply this passage in a subjective fashion, believing it sanctions their conduct regardless of its lack of Biblical authority. Such use is a twisting of the scriptures and leads to the destruction of souls (2 Pet. 3:16).

Having briefly noted a denial and misuse of this passage, let us proceed to gain some positive instruction from it. This passage charges us with bringing our salvation to a full or complete accomplishment or conclusion. How do we do this, and why should we?

HOW DO WE WORK OUT OUR OWN SALVATION?

1. THROUGH PERSONAL OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST. Paul said to work out your “own” salvation. No one can do that for you. And, you cannot do it for someone else. We are called upon to exercise personal faith in Christ by obeying His will in our lives. Jesus said that our love for Him is seen in our obedience to Him (Jno. 14:15). Faith is alive and saving only when it "works" (is active through obedience), James 2:14-26. Without works of faith (obedience), faith is “of no profit...dead...bar­ren....” No wonder James said, “Ye see that by works a man is justi­fied, and not only by faith” (2:24). If you want salvation in Christ, you must express your faith through personally obeying the gospel of Christ! (Rom. 6:17-18; Heb. 5:8-9; Mk. 16:15-16).

2. BY OBEYING WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING. Reverence is the companion of our obedience to God (Eccl. 12:13). Without it, man's obedience will not be acceptable (Acts 10:34-35). Please notice the intensified treatment of our reverential obedience by the use of the word “trembling” in verse 12. This word signifies a “quaking” (such as that experienced by the women at the empty tomb, Mark 16:8). Thayer comments that the word (TROMOS) is “used to describe the anxiety of one who distrusts his ability completely to meet all requirements, but religiously does his utmost to fulfill his duty” (p. 630). Therefore, we conclude that reverential obedience ("working out our own salvation with fear and trembling") demands a complete recognition of our own inadequacies as we obey. We are “unprofitable servants” only doing our duty (Lk. 17:10). We must maintain a wholesome dread of displeasing God (whether by neglect, disobedience and/or rebellion). We must rely upon God, not ourselves, as we obey His gospel. So, we must continually avoid self-righteousness and multiply humility as we practice obedience. There is no question that God accepts reverent, humble obedience. In fact, He demands it of His people (Lk. 6:46; Matt. 7:21-23).

WHY SHOULD WE WORK OUT OUR SALVATION?

1. BECAUSE OF THE PERSONAL NATURE OF FAITH. As previously stated, only you can participate in your salvation in Christ. Somebody else's faith will not save you. Christianity is individual in nature. It is giving oneself to a way of life, not joining a club in which others do the work for us! For instance, 2 Peter 1:5-11 teaches us the attributes we each must develop in our lives if we are to be mature Christians, bearing fruit and avoiding sin. Important­ly, the passage says that by diligent­ly adding these graces into your life, you will "make your calling and election sure." This is essentially the same as "work out your own salvation." Only you can add to your faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love (v. 5-7). Are you working, or hoping another's work will be applied to your faith?

2. BECAUSE OF THE PERSONAL NATURE OF JUDGMENT. Our works will be judged in the last day (Rom. 2:6). Just as none can work out our salvation for us, none will be judged in our place. Each will stand before Christ's judgment seat and give answer to Him (2 Cor. 5:10). This motivates humble, reverential obedience as we anticipate that day.

3. BECAUSE GOD WANTS TO WORK IN AND THROUGH EACH CHRISTIAN. As we do our work of obeying God (v. 12), God is working in us to achieve His purposes (v. 13; cf. Heb. 13:21). What a glorious thought, to be an instrument of God in this life! God's power is at work in the life of the dedicat­ed Christian (Eph. 3:20-21). We are God's instruments for good in a sin-filled world (Phil. 2:14-16). God's power is in obedience!

Let God use you for His purposes. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.