Church Federation by L. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Dec 21, 1905

Church Federation

By L. A. S.

THE leading religious bodies in this country are seeking to realize by federation a union which they have sought but failed to attain by a breaking down of denominational dividing lines. The Christian idea of unity, set forth in the prayer of Christ for his followers, is that of a complete oneness in belief, desire, and aims, even as Christ is one with his Father. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one Holy Spirit, hence there is no provision made for any disunion or division of any sort among true Christians. Christ is not divided, and true Christians being only those whose life is that of Christ in them, only perfect unity among them can exist. If this unity is not seen, it is because the human and selfish have not all been replaced by the divine.

Self is a dividing element. The religious divisions that exist are due to self; they are not due to any fault in the revelation that has been given of God's will to man, or in the agencies by which the divine plans are wrought out.

Having failed of a union in which all selfishness would be eliminated, a union is now proposed in which the elimination of self will not be necessary.

There is the same difference between Christian unity and church federation that there is between humility and pride. Humility is necessary to union with God. God dwells not with the proud, but with him “that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” In justification by faith all the glory of man is laid in the dust. By this surrender of all human glory and pride men are brought into unity with Christ and with one another.

Federation, on the other hand, calls for no such surrender. With federation comes the sense of power, and with this comes pride. There is glory and power in a great federation, but they are not of God. The divine purpose of the church of Christ can not be realized through this means.

L. A. S.