It Is Lawful To Separate From A Church Which Has Degenerated And Become Corrupt In Doctrine And Worship
View PDF | Print View
by: John Anderson
Total views: 5
Word Count: 499
Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2011 Time: 5:44 AM
If there be no lawful refusing of sacramental communion, with a particular church, then there can be no lawful separation from it, till it be unchurched. But the latter is absurd; and therefore the former.
It is unreasonable to suppose that it is unlawful to separate from a particular church in spite of corruptions in doctrine, worship, discipline and government, until it has ceased to be a church. If this were true, it would mean that even though Christ Himself established a method of preserving His church from the danger arising from the offences of one or a small number of members, He did not furnish any means for her preservation from the danger posed by a corrupting of the majority of the members.
When such a majority is found incorrigibly obstinate in their opposition to any steps towards a thorough reformation, it is evident, that there is no remedy but secession.
One great end of church communion, which is, that the truths and institutions of the Lord Jesus may be preserved pure and entire, is avowedly and obstinately opposed by such a majority. In such a case, the words of 2 Corinthians 6:17, "Come out from among them, and be ye separate," apply to God's people.
A number of people say that the call for separation only applies to Pagan and Roman Catholic communions.
In reality, it is necessary to separate from any group, even those bearing the name of Christians, of Protestants and Presbyterians, who, in their united capacity, or as a professing body, are going on in obstinate opposition to any of the truths and institutions of Jesus Christ. All become involved in the guilt of such a group's sin if they continue in its fellowship.
From such combinations Christ is calling his people to separate.
It is not meant, however, that degenerate Protestants and Presbyterians are upon a level with Heathens and Papists; for there may be a just cause of separation from the former, though not so great as from the latter. (This article has been adapted from the book "Alexander and Rufus" by John Anderson.)
About the Author
For further information about church unity, Reformation history and doctrine, please visit PuritanDownloads.com. There are many orthodox Protestant theology resources at that site.
Rating: Not yet rated
