Do Not Be Surprised has a powerful note on J.C. Ryle that seemed relevant given our recent studies here.
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In the second volume of his commentary on Luke, in addressing Luke 12:49-53, J.C. Ryle writes:
Let us beware of unscriptural expectations. If we expect to see people of one heart and one mind, before they are converted, we shall continually be disappointed. Thousands of well-meaning persons now-a-days are continually crying out for more "unity" among Christians. To attain this they are ready to sacrifice almost anything, and to throw overboard even sound doctrine, if, by so doing, they can secure peace. Such people would do well to remember that even gold may be bought too dear, and that peace is useless if purchased at the expense of truth. Surely they have forgotten the words of Christ, "I came not to send peace, but division."
Similarly, in his commentary on Matthew 10:34-42, Ryle notes:
Many talk vaguely about "unity," and "harmony," and "peace" in the Church of Christ, as if they were things that we ought always to expect, and for the sake of which everything ought to be sacrificed! Such persons would do well to remember the words of our Lord. No doubt unity and peace are mighty blessings; we ought to seek them, pray for them, and give up everything in order to obtain them, excepting truth and a good conscience: but it is an idle dream to suppose that the Churches of Christ will enjoy much of unity and peace before the millennium comes (emphasis added).
Ryle's words could have been written yesterday, for they are just as timely and applicable today as when they were first penned. Indeed, some days it seems as though it won't be long until a "Christianized" version of the "COEXIST" bumper sticker is created and distributed among today's professing Christians.
In a time of "Evangelicals and Catholics Together," and pachyderm-esque gatherings, we must be ever-vigilant that the truth of God's Word and that the Gospel of Jesus Christ are never compromised at the expense of fleeting unity.
How many have been deceived all the way to Hell with the cry of "peace" and "unity" on their lips! Stand firm, then, on the only thing which we can know to be true: the Word of God.
1 Comments:
As long as Satan is unbound and our sin nature remains intact, any form of real or perceived unity will be tainted by the evil one. Unity will only be realized upon Jesus's return and He takes the crown as the King of kings over the faithful. Until then, we must keep to the word and keep fishing for lost souls. Blessings to you Jeff.
Hopeful_warrior
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