Christian Unity, Part 3

I just finished reading Mike Cope's blog. Mike is a minister for a congregation in Abilene, Texas. He is a graduate of Harding University, but has been banned by the university from speaking at any event connected with the school. The reason for the banishment is his views on baptism.

What is interesting is that Mike's views seem to line up with Scripture. In fact, his views are seem to be parallel with Harding's views. The problem appears to be that Mike will not consign to hell those who think differently regarding baptism.

Oh, there's the rub. One cannot think highly of baptism and still believe there are others who think differently who will enter heaven. The rationale of some people is that one must have a low view of baptism in order to reach such a conclusion. As Mike argues, one can have a high view of baptism and still maintain that there are others who do not share this view that are in favor with God. Why can't there be a tension between the two? Why does it have to be an "either-or" situation?

I find it interesting (and sad) that we do not divide over doctrine on which we agree. We divide over our opinions (e.g. interpretations) of Scripture.

How can we do such a thing? How can we elevate our opinions to the level of God's commands? How can we "speak where the Scriptures are silent" and expect others to acquiesce to our conclusions? This is uniformity, not unity! Jesus did not pray for our uniformity, He prayed for our unity!

When it comes to salvation, God does not need our help to determine who is "in" and who is "out."

I leave you with this quote from Carl Ketcherside, written in 1967:

A considerable number of our brethren have been suffering from a Messiah complex, and they are anxious to save God from any undue worry, by taking care of as much of the final judgment as possible in advance. Every factional leader on earth begins by giving Jesus a shove and squeezing down in the throne as his authorized mouthpiece and representative. It is no problem to push the brethren around after you have shoved Jesus to one side. It will be a great day when all of us learn that Jesus has no prime ministers!