ONE of the saddest pictures constantly present before the eyes of the devout Christian is the condition of disunion and confusion in Christendom, whose creeds are as countless as her lofty spires. We have not alone the division lines between and among different denominations, but among churches of the same denomination, and oftentimes between members of the same church.
"Liberalism" sometimes tells us that this is good, as it gives so many men of varied belief opportunity to find a "Christian" home; but the devoted child of God can not see this. He knows that division is weakness instead of strength. He knows that this division oftentimes stands not for conviction of mind or heart, but for infidelity and disloyalty to the Bible. He knows, further, that this is not a type of Biblical Christianity, but that it is confusion, and brings confusion to the earnest seekers without the churches and the honest doubters within.
The Scriptures call, and ever call, to unity. The longest prayer recorded of Jesus, the one preeminently the Lord's prayer, is one earnest, agonizing plea for unity. Listen: "Holy Father, keep them in Thy name which Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as we are. . . . Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on Me through their word [believers in all subsequent times]; that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me. And the glory which Thou hast given Me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as We are one; I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that Thou didst send Me, and lovedest them, even as Thou lovedst Me." John 17: 11-23.
The very oneness for which Christ prayed would convince the world of the truth of Christ's mission and the wonderful love of God to His people. That this unity did not consist in mere sentiment is shown by other Scriptures, of which the following must suffice:—
"Now I beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions [schisms] among you; but that ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment." 1 Cor. 1:10.
Surely this includes not only union of heart, but union of belief and purpose, the Scriptures of truth the one creed, Jesus Christ the one Saviour, the one Example, the church the one army of God, the world the one great field. How grand, how broad, how illimitable the outlook!
And in the fulness of the blessing of the outpouring of the "early rain" of the Spirit, this condition was manifest, and continued for a time, until, failing to heed the warning, that which was predicted by the apostle came to pass:—
"Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departing grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them." Acts 20:28-30.
And the wolves came in, bringing worldliness and pagan philosophy, and poisoned the church; and ambitious men with vain theories divided the church and drew the disciples, not to Christ, but to themselves, till in a short time the united church became a babylon, and the mystery of God gave way to the mystery of iniquity. Then followed 2 Thess. 2:3, 4, 7, and the Dark Ages. The mystery of godliness gave way to the mystery of iniquity.
Out of the fallen Babylon of the Dark Ages the Reformation brought the church of Christ a little way; but in its later phases it stamped the trademark of the old mother upon them by the formation of creeds and State churches, thereby setting aside the Bible, raising human standards, and so perpetuating and sowing anew confusion and strife.
The Reformation churches were the best representatives of the church of Christ in the earth. His people were among them and in them. Some of these churches had made no union with the civil government. Very dear to His heart of love was this Babylon in which His people were, but her wounds were great and grievous. Yet He could not leave her, and in the language of the ancient prophet this longing is expressed, "We would have healed Babylon." Jer. 51:9.
That is what God has always desired to do—to heal His people. "I am Jehovah that healeth thee" was His message to Israel when they came from plague-stricken Egypt; and as truly would God heal His people from the diseases and divisions contracted in the confusions and errors of Babylon.
This healing message is thus set forth:—
"And I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, having eternal good tidings to proclaim unto them that dwell on the earth, and unto every nation and tribe and tongue and people; and he saith with a great voice, Fear God, and give Him glory; for the hour of His judgment is come; and worship Him that made the heaven and the earth and sea and fountains of waters." Rev. 14:6, 7.
There are certain characteristics of this message which clearly indicate that it is for the last days. Let us note some of its prominent features:—
1. As at the first advent, angels, heavenly messengers, are connected with its proclamation. God's work in heaven corresponds with His work in the earth. When a message is to be given to the world, God's celestial messengers are called to co-operate with His church here. The angels therefore indicate the holiness of God's work and also are symbolical of man's work in connection with them. The message is from heaven, and the messengers, whether heavenly or earthly, are sent of God.
2. It proclaims the one only Gospel of Jesus Christ, the eternal, age-lasting Gospel to earth's remotest bounds, to the end of the age.
3. It calls from the fear of man, from the fear of consequences, the fear of loss of property or prestige or reputation,—from all carnal fear to the fear of the great God, the Creator of the heaven and the earth. How such a controlling element in the life would break the power of human creeds and vain theories and philosophies over the soul!
4. The message calls us from the exaltation of the creature to the glory and honor of the Creator; from the worship of man to the worship of God. Never was there a time when it was more needed. Never was there a time when men were honoring men, worshiping men, exalting men, as they are at the present, and God and His honor, His word, and His worship are forgotten.
5. That message calls to all those in view of a judgment, not that is "to come," as Paul preached, but of "the hour of God's judgment" that "is come." It is pending. The Gospel work is closing up with the great assize. Men will soon have to appear in His presence. God would have each one do it now, that sins may be put away, and the soul stand justified.
How a reception of this message would sweep away the webs of error, and sin, and human creed in which the church of Christ is ensnared and enmeshed! How it would bring the oneness for which the Master prayed!