Answers for a Friend – Troubling Doctrine
January 19, 2003
Dear Friends,
Like the question we dealt with last week, this week’s question is a matter of opinion – mine. The question is “What aspect of Christadelphian doctrine is the most troubling to you or you disagree with and why?” As I do not disagree with any major “mainstream” Christadelphian doctrine, I will address my answer towards a belief that is held by a smaller segment of the body at large – salvation by works.
In the spectrum of false doctrine on the subject, you have on the one extreme a fairly new doctrine which teaches “once saved, always saved.” This doctrine eliminates works from the process of salvation. On the other end of the spectrum, you have “salvation by works” which eliminates grace from the process of salvation. Of the two ends of the spectrum, a segment of Christadelphians tend to lean toward salvation by works. We will look at this doctrine’s impact from a doctrinal, moral and emotional perspective.
The doctrine was the greatest threat to the first century ecclesia. It was taught by a group that has become known as the Judaizers. The Apostle Paul wrote the letters, in whole or in part, to Corinth, Philippi, Colosse, Rome, Titus, Galatia, Ephesus and Thessalonica to combat this pernicious teaching. How important was it? The Apostle calls this teaching “another gospel.” He uses the strongest of language against the promoters of it. In short, in addition to preaching the Gospel, nothing consumed the Apostle’s time and energies than combating this doctrine. If combating “salvation by works” was that important to him and takes such a prominent role in the pages of the New Testament, it should be very important to us.
Another reason that this doctrine is so evil is the morality that is brings with it. Those who believe “once saved, always saved” tend to get involved in worldly sins such as sexual immorality, drunkenness, love of money and so forth. Those who believe in “salvation by works” have equal tendencies toward immorality, but it is a different sort. These adherents tend toward legalistic or Pharisaic sins such as hatred, pride, schisms, ecclesial politics and so forth. In fact, legalism (i.e. salvation by works) is the root cause of many of the other peripheral disagreements, schisms and contentions that affect the body of Christ.
Even after you take into account the tremendous moral and doctrinal damage that is caused by the “salvation by works” philosophy, you still have to account for the massive emotional damage that this teaching creates. Many brethren, burdened down with the weight of having to save themselves by works, are depressed, fearful or feeling helpless in their fight against the flesh. These feelings are contrary to the joy, thanksgiving and peace found in the believers in the New Testament. They can’t quite pinpoint why they feel the way they do nor can they unburden themselves as others heap more heavy burdens upon their shoulders. The resulting demoralization can be devastating on the faith of spiritual babes in Christ.
It is difficult to summarize these concepts in one page. At the moment, I am endeavoring to handle the topic in its breadth and depth in a book. Currently, the manuscript stands at 174 pages and there is more that needs to be written. It is neither simple nor easy to arrive at the truth concerning the relationship between faith, works and salvation. By God’s grace, though, we can arrive at the truth on the matter. As Jesus said “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)
Have a great week!
Comments»
No comments yet.