Brothers, How Should We Convince the World that We're Truly One in Christ Despite Our Differences?

In my desire to formalize an evangelical organization to empower evangelism on our campus, I anticipated that there is a need to educate the members on how to explain the evangelical faith to the world.

To define what evangelicalism is or where evangelicals unite, I think, is relatively easier: the scriptural gospel! (for further explanation: click here and here). To explain our differences is harder (think of all the denominations—plus unions and splits!). But to justify our differences is the hardest! How can we, Evangelicals, claim to be 'united' and still disagree on many things? And how shall we convince the world that we're truly Christians despite our differences and disagreements?

The following (largely based on John Piper's book: 'Contending For Our All') is my attempt to do so:

I. Verbal Explanation

1. Why We Are United

True Christian unity is not primarily doctrinal but spiritual. It is not chiefly because of the true gospel but because of the Person (Christ) of the true gospel that made them "one in Spirit". (Eph.4:3) Evangelical unity is grounded upon the belief that all evangelicals embrace this true gospel which sufficiently reveals Christ unto salvation. Evangelicals unite in what's essential for someone to be a Christian. (here's a good example) Brothers, though having differences, are still brothers and belong to one family.

2. Why We Are Divided (Yet Still United!)

But why should Christians who are one in Spirit still have different beliefs? And why can't everybody just cease disagreeing and vote for one teaching for the sake of full unity?

My answer to the first question is this: though the church is being guided by the Spirit in "all truth" vital for our salvation (Jn. 16:13) [there's our unity], the universal church is not an infallible, all-knowing institution; therefore, visible churches have differences and disagreements [there's our disunity].

For the second question, Francis Schaeffer (1912-1984), founder of L'Abri Fellowship, explained it this way:

"The Christian really has a double task. He has to practice both God's holiness and God's love. The Christian is to exhibit that God exists as the infinite-personal God; and then he is to exhibit simultaneously God's character of holiness and love. Not His holiness without his love: this is only harshness. Not His love without His holiness: that is only compromise. Anything that an individual Christian or Christian group does that fail to show the simultaneous balance of the holiness of God an the love of God presents to a watching world not a demonstration of the God who exists but a caricature of the God who exists."

This teaches us that: 

(a) Evangelicals are divided because Christians are finite men who strive to know an infinite and holy God. We have such a holy God so we disagree when we think his holiness is at stake. We dare not try electing Popes of Protestantism because we believe that will diminish the glory of our holy God, who alone is infallible. We dare not disregard doctrines because we believe that doctrine is essential for holy living (2 Tim.3:16) and that a true Christian will "watch [his] life and doctrine closely". (1 Tim. 4:16)

(b) Evangelicals are still united because Christians are redeemed men who express unifying love for the redeemed community, the universal church. We have such a loving God so we still embrace each other. We dare not say, "You will go to hell" to those who disagree with us but still embrace the gospel because we do not think that is sufficient ground to make someone "accursed". (Gal. 1:8,9; 1 Cor. 16:22)

(c) This balance of purity and love is necessary to truly demonstrate "to a watching world" the biblical God in such an imperfect yet understandable way.

3. What We Really Want

Evangelicals often say that, in matters not essential for salvation, we agree to disagree. We, however, should clarify that we do want unity (Psa. 133:1) and peace (1 Pet. 3:11; Rom. 14:19) in all things, and be "of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind". (Phil. 2:2). But we believe that unity is achieved only through the truth (Jn. 17:17; cf. 2 Pet. 1:3,5,12). And peace is a by-product of a commitment to what's true and right (Heb. 12:11; 2 Tim. 2:22). Hence, we publicly express our beliefs (in books, sermons, debates, etc.), trying to convince each other so that, by God's grace, we may all be fully one in truth.

As John Piper explained:

"Faithful Christians do not love controversy; they love peace. They love their brothers and sisters who disagree with them. They long for a common mind for the cause of Christ. But they are bound by their conscience and by the Word of God, for this very reason, [they] try to persuade the church concerning the fullness of the truth and beauty of God's word."

That is how I would explain verbally why we have doctrinal differences. (Here's also another one) 

II. Non-verbal Explanation

However, it should be acknowledged that:

"You cannot expect the world to understand doctrinal differences, especially in our day when the existence of truth and absolutes are considered unthinkable even as concepts.

We cannot expect the world to understand that on the basis of the holiness of God we are having a different kind of difference, because we are dealing with God's absolutes."

Therefore, 

"Before a watching world, an observable love in the midst of difference will show a difference between Christians' differences and other people's differences. The world may not understand what the Christians are disagreeing about, but they will very quickly understand the difference of our differences from the world's differences if they see us having our differences in an open and observable love on a practical level." (Schaeffer, emphasis mine)

It echoes back what Jesus said to his disciples: 

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35, NIV)

Though the doctrine of the church (ecclesiology) is important for us to make known to others that we're Christians, Love that is rooted in the gospel is still the greatest mark of a Christian and of a true church. May Evangelicals, in their disputes and disagreement (in pursuit of unity in the truth) in front of "a watching world", still never forget to demonstrate Christian, catholic love. Let us show the world that our differences are different from theirs through brotherly love! O may God forgive us for always failing to do so.

Let us never forget this old saying:

"IN ESSENTIALS UNITY, IN NON-ESSENTIALS LIBERTY, IN ALL THINGS CHARITY."

Genuine Christianity Makes Good Friday Everyday

Yesterday was a good Friday. Many different religious groups who profess Christianity here in the Philippines maintained certain religious practices so devotedly. Some were genuine, some were not. Some were plausible, some were ludicrous. My claim is that we can determine genuine Christians among them. Essentially, the difference is that genuine Christianity worships God in spirit and in truth while fake ones don't. But how do you know if a certain person or a certain religious group worships God in spirit and truth? Aside from the soundness of doctrines and practices, the evident manifestation is in religious passion or desires. The following are some religious desires wherein genuine and false Christianity differ:

1. Desire to make the day God-glorifying

On Good Friday, many people desire to be godly. They want to talk about God or dedicate some of their time to God on this day. Genuine Christianity, on the other hand, glorifies God every day and every hour and in everything: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Cor. 10:31, NIV) A genuine Christian is someone whom the world observes and remarks: "this man cares so much about God".

2. Desire to make the day Christ-centered

On Good Friday, many people desire to talk about Christ and go to church. They will temporarily set aside their worldly stuff for the Nazarene who once died in this world. On the other hand, Genuine Christianity believes that "to live is Christ" (Phil. 1:21) A true Christian daily aims for a "fruitful labor" (vv. 22, 24) for and like the Lord. He lives daily for Christ alone. His words and actions are Christ-centered.

3. Desire to make the day Cross-exalting

On Good Friday, many people lend some time thinking about Jesus' cross in the Calvary. Some to repay Him, some to thank Him. Genuine Christianity on the other hand is constant, daily cross-exaltation. "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:2) A genuine Christian daily manifests his great indebtedness to what Jesus did for him. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

4. Desire to make the day Sin-mortifying

The term "mortify" means to kill. On Good Friday, many people do their best to keep themselves from sinning. They pray, they read the Bible, they listen to sermons, and they cease their vices. In short, they do religious actions they don't usually do. Genuine Christianity, however, declares a lifetime war with sin. "For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live" (Rom. 8:13) "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry." (Col. 3:5)

Some say that Christianity is not a religion but a relationship with God, as if religion cannot be a good thing. I say Christianity is a relationship with God that essentially worships God in spirit and in truth and inevitably manifests in a daily passion for a God-glorifying, Christ-centered, cross-exalting, and sin-mortifying religion.

Genuine Christianity, guided by truth and the Spirit, makes Good Friday every day. Are we then genuine Christians?

The Dung and The Treasure

"Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as dung, in order that I may gain Christ" (Philippians 3:8)

Though the title is ugly, I love the message of this parody. Its message is based on Philippians 3:4-12. It was desiringGod's Sermon Jam entitled "Treasuring Him" (click here for the video) that inspired me to write this.

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Dung

(A Parody of "Numb" by Linkin Park)

I.

I, Paul, have been circumcised the eight day

Benjamite descent of our Hebraic race

And in law, was a strict Pharisee

Zealous persecutor, In righteousness was pure

(All that I have gain for Christ now I deem as loss, though)

Indeed I count all things loss for Christ's surpassing value

(For me to know my Lord, I suffered the loss of all)

Chorus 1:

All things I count as dung

That Christ I may gain

And in Him be found

So that I might wear

Not my righteousness

Which is from the law

But which is through faith

In Christ, my treasure

II.

I have seen I was gladdened easily

Holding too tightly on pitiful pleasures

Cause the One Being who can satisfy me

Is none else than Christ, Him we must pursue 

(Don't think I abandon all things for a vacuum)

What I do is a trade for a superior pleasure

(And don't think to ignore won't bring danger to your soul)

Cause to price Him less than things is to waste life itself!

Chorus 2:

All things I count as dung

That I may know Him

His resurrection's power

And His sufferings' share

Conformed to His death

I'd then be raised too

And enjoy being

with Christ, my treasure

Bridge:

And I know I'm not yet that perfect too

But I go pressing on to lay hold what Christ laid hold for me also

Chorus 3:

All things I count as dung

When to Him compared

Money, house, foods, jobs,

Clothes, looks, toys, talents,

Sex, friends, families

All God gave us to

In a way make plain

They're not our treasures

All things are just dung

Christ is priceless Jewel

The only Being worthy of all glory

All things are just dung

Christ is priceless Jewel

The only Being who can satisfy me


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"How does Paul make Christ look great? Answer: By experiencing Christ as a treasure that everything else in his life is as nothing by comparison. I count everything... as loss in comparison with the treasure that Christ has become for me. ... The way we display the supreme worth of Jesus is by treasuring Him above all things and then making choices which make the joy we have in His supreme worth manifest. Get It. Get It. And if He is not that for you tonight, if He is not treasure for you, pray all night if you have to, that your heart would be so changed that you would now treasure Jesus above everything in your life." (John Piper)

The Godly Torments His Soul Over Ungodliness

“For as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard…” (2 Peter 2:8, ESV)

The verse above is actually just a side comment of Peter in establishing his point that “the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment” (v. 9), Lot being an example who is under trial because he “was greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked” (v.7) The whole story of deliverance is found in Genesis 19. We shall first review it briefly.

Lot was Abraham’s nephew. Together with his uncle (and his aunt Sarah) they obeyed God when Abraham was commanded to depart from Haran to Canaan (Gen.  12). There came a point when Abraham and Lot’s herdsmen were quarreling so they decided to separate from each other (Gen. 13). Abraham settled in Canaan and Lot dwelt at Sodom (13:12). Few chapters after that we see what kind of people the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah were. In the 18th chapter, God announced to Abraham his plan to confirm and destroy their wickedness, saying, “…the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave…” (18:20) In the next chapter we see God’s two angels in human form visiting at Lot’s house (19:1-3). Then all the men (“both young and old, all the people to the last man”, v.4) surrounded the house, wanting to rape the angels so determinedly (v.5ff). So God through the two angels saved Lot and his two daughters (vv. 15-23), then, destroyed the whole Sodom and Gomorrah with “sulfur and fire… out of heaven.” (v.24)

Now, Lot’s situation before the punitive destruction was revealed by the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. Lot, while dwelling among the Sodomites and Gomorrah, was said to be “tormenting his righteous soul day after day over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard” (2 Pet.2:8). And this is where he got his great distress (v.7). The inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah are satisfying their lustful passions daily. Day after day Lot saw and heard his neighbors talking about and doing sexual immorality and perversity without any human authority’s restraint. It was the normal practice of society. And their immorality is probably worse than other pagan nations.

Every Christian will agree that being put in the same circumstance was indeed so grief-striking, and even so appalling. But why did Peter mention it in his epistle? Were there homosexual maniacs by his time too? The context says no. What was there and what will be there were “false prophets” and “false teachers” from among the church herself (v.1) who will “follow their sensuality” (v.2), against whom he warned them not to be “carried away with the error of lawless people and lose [their] own stability.” (3:17) Peter drew out the story of Lot’s deliverance as an example of why the church should trust that God will rescue them from these false teachers’ schemes. He even seems to push the similarity of their grievous situation in 2:20. That is, just as Lot among the Sodomites was so also Christians live among false teachers day after day, tormenting their righteous souls over the false teachers’ lawless deeds that they see and hear. In both cases, the same principle applies: godly persons feel great distress over all forms of ungodliness: heresies or unrighteous deeds. And they feel that day after day, as long as the sin stays. This is not a new concept. Isaac felt it towards Esau’s wives. David testified of it many times. (Psa. 6:7; 31:9ff, etc.) Jeremiah, who is known as the weeping prophet, is perhaps the greatest example (Jer. 8:18). The apostles, Paul and Christ Himself will likewise confirm the same principle. (Lk. 21:12; Jn. 15:20; 1 Pet. 4:13; Rom. 8:36; etc.) And this principle must be applied in many scenarios of Christians’ lives today.

In democratic countries like the Philippines, where religious freedom is exercised, Christian denominations – Catholic, Evangelical, or cultic - are too numerous. And although Evangelicals do not (and ought not to) force anyone to believe the gospel, many have become so indifferently tolerant of the present diversity as if we are not in spiritual warfare. On the other hand, some intellectuals just make fun of the cults, having neither sincere sorrow over their error nor desire to win them to Christ. I have observed this in campus ministries and in online Christian forums.

Likewise, among evangelical churches, members (even clergies) are becoming more interested and conversant about each other’s opinions and experiences than what the Bible teaches. And in Bible studies, the context is less cherished than one’s personal interpretation. You can quickly see that in their small groups’ topics, in the books they read, and in the songs they sing. One can rightly observe that churches are following the trend of postmodernism. Opinions and experiences are valued over truth and doctrines. Toleration is preferred over faithfulness.

As I write this I can’t help myself from thinking of my own church. A few hours from now it will be conducting a concert where secular songs will be sung, aiming for the construction of a new church building. I can boldly say they are destroying the church for the sake of a mere church building! But you might be thinking that I’m just being too dogmatic. And that our church council maybe had carefully evaluated the message of the secular songs as to whether it could be adapted for spirituality without betrayal to the soundness of any doctrine. Well, nobody dared to do so. It saddens me even more that they are willing to tolerate the gospel-offensive message of the song “Greatest Love of All”! Compromise - which they don’t recognize that it is - is being welcomed so long as the building will be finished. O may reformation come indeed upon this pitiful church! I do long and labor to see that day.

Now, since all this ungodliness, unrighteousness and immaturity exist for several years, should Christians get used to them? Should we be indifferent toward them? Applying the aforementioned principle, we should say NO. True believers can never get used to sin! They won’t tolerate it in others just as they won’t tolerate it in themselves. No close eyes, no deaf ears. They, like watchdogs, will be guarding, barking, and biting day after day for the glory of their holy, holy, holy God.

Having zeal against ungodliness, should we burn then the cultic churches? Destroy forcibly all idols in all houses of Roman Catholics? Never mingle with homosexuals? Legalize Christianity as the sole religion accepted in our country? Compel others to live according to our standards? I believe the answer is “no” to all those questions but I have to admit that they require serious explanation which is beyond the scope of this post. I shall however provide some biblical guidelines for the cultivation and application of godly grief or sorrow over ungodliness.

1.  Do not neglect ungodliness but do expect it.  As a kind of trial, Christians should not be surprised by the rising of many evils while we live in this world. That is true. (1 Pet.  4:12 cf. 2 Pet. 2:9) They also should not neglect its evilness to the point of becoming indifferent. If they don’t expect people’s ungodliness as trials, they may be having a wrong view of Christianity. If they do neglect it, they are not practicing Christianity. Christianity is a war. Christians are Christ’s soldiers. And we should expect but never neglect the attacks of the enemies. In addition, we should not only expect trials in the form of ungodly persons but also rejoice in them. (1 Peter 4:12-14) I’m not saying that we should rejoice in the ungodliness (that would contradict what I previously said) but that we should rejoice in the trial in view of sharing “Christ’s sufferings”. Nonetheless, our joy despite ungodly people is found in God just as our grief over ungodly people is from God. Therefore, while we joyfully entrust God with our distress over expected ungodliness, we should not grow weary in fighting it.


2. Fight it in God’s way. If we ever desire to promote godliness and, out of godly distress, fight against ungodliness we should fight according to God’s rules (even according to God’s intention, 2 Cor. 10:31). So we should make sure that our reproof or correction is based on the word of God. (2 Tim. 3:16) Zeal must always be guided by knowledge. (see Rom. 10:2) So we should make sure that both our convictions and our actions are scripture-based. God’s word is powerful. (Rom. 1:16; Heb. 4:12) If we truly stand to defend the truth of God by the truth, we shall later find the truth of God defending itself by us. It is important to note that all the questions I have raised before should be answered through the word of God. It is only through this that we can rightly claim that our fight is for godliness and against ungodliness. And not only will it be our weapon in the fight, but it shall also be our source of strength. (Psa. 119:28)


3. Do not exclude your flesh in the fight. Paul indeed talked about “distress” primarily from unbelievers (1 Cor. 7:26; Rom. 8:35) but he also noted that we have an enemy within us (see Rom. 7; Gal. 5:16-17) so we should discipline ourselves too lest we be disqualified. (1 Cor. 9:27) Even Jesus taught the need for self-examination before judging others. (Mt. 7:3) To exclude ourselves in our fight against ungodliness is Pharisaic hypocrisy. (see Mt. 23:23-28)


4. Do not love pain itself. Enjoy the things God provided for you to enjoy. (1 Tim. 4:4) To keep oneself from legitimate joy (like intentional fasting) out of godly convictions is one thing. To keep oneself from joy out of a belief that they’re unlawful is another. God has provided food, marriage, and other enjoyable, lawful blessings for us to enjoy. I don’t think God became angry at Lot when he continues to eat his daily bread and enjoy the company of his wife while being surrounded by ungodly neighbors. The point I’m making is not to prefer sorrow over happiness. God is not sadistic. We are not commanded to be a masochist. The point is that God is the only all-satisfying Treasure. So we glorify Him whether in joy or in pain.

5. Do not lose heart. (2 Cor. 4:16 cf. vv. 4-12) Finally, we should not be discouraged when ungodly people surround us – in society or in the church. Grieve. Mourn. Be distressed. Torment your righteous soul. But never be disheartened to the point of giving up the fight or giving in to their ungodly passions. Hope in God and call upon His name. (see 2 Sam. 22:7) Remember His past mercies. Delight in His present blessings. Hope in His promises. Never forget that "for those who love God all things work together for good." (Rom. 8:28)

With these five points and others that I may have failed to include, Christians can glorify God with their distress over ungodliness. May we indeed never grow weary in tormenting our souls over ungodly thoughts, words, or actions day after day until Christ appears to make all things perfect, vindicate all godly persons and punish all ungodly ones. And may we have the desire to be grieved when the “Blessed forever” is offended by any sin proceeding from anything.

Why 'Watchdog of God'?

Even though the Bible makes no mention of a Christian being a dog (in fact, in 2 Peter 2:22 it refers to false teachers!), there are certain characteristics of a watchdog that I would like myself to be associated with.

My Shepherd’s Advocate
 

I am simultaneously a sheep and a watchdog. I am a sheep because I also once wandered astray and was sought by Christ my Shepherd, because He laid down His life for me, because I don’t follow strangers, and because He leads me with His loving rod.¹ On the other hand, I am a watchdog because I am my Shepherd’s advocate, seeking nothing but intimacy with him, desiring nothing but his pleasure, wanting nothing but to bravely defend my Triune God and His cause from anyone who belittles Him or anything that diminishes his perfect glory. I am His servant, His advocate, His watchdog. I love borrowing these words of the great reformer and theologian John Calvin, “A dog barks when it sees that its master is being attacked. I would be a real coward if I saw God’s truth being attacked and remained quiet without making a sound.”²

As Dumb as a Dog

As a watchdog I am intimate with my Shepherd but never will I be arrogant to say that I completely know my Master. In view of God’s transcendence³, I am as dumb as a dog! I do pursue knowing Him deeper. I promote communion with Him in His Word, prayer and assiduous meditation. Yet I am just a finite, sinful (but redeemed) being trying to understand the infinite, sovereign, self-sufficient Being who created the whole cosmic universe with all its immensity and complexity. Therefore, after every theological pursuit, I can only exclaim with Paul: “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?”⁴ and like the disabled Mephibosheth to king David, I can also say to God: "What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?”⁵

A Guardian of the Sheep

Nevertheless, this transcendent God has given me a new heart and has made me like a docile canine. That’s why I love the church of God!⁶ I do my best to be a guardian of the sheep, keeping them from going astray and from being touched by the enemies⁷. And I will do it as long as I live. Semper Reformanda⁸ is the principle, always promoting reformation by the word because Christian life and church life are constant conformity to the image of the Son⁹. Let me clarify that I am not alone here. All genuine sheep are watchdogs. And all true woollies bark just all spiritual watchdogs bleat. They have great zeal for the purity of the church because they know that she is the Bride of the Holy One¹⁰. Hence, they are watchful and courageous. And, if they should, they are ready to bark even if they would be chased away.

Barking at Wolves and the Roaring Lion

Admittedly, I may not only be barking at sheep wandering off. I may also be barking at wolves (false teachers) and the roaring lion that is ready to devour (Satan)¹¹. They are stronger than I am in craftiness and power. So to bark is to risk. But my Shepherd makes no risk because He is Omniscient. Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords.¹² Therefore, I am unafraid to bark. For nothing can separate a lover of Christ from the love of Christ. In fact, all things work together for his good.¹³ So to bark at all costs because of my love for this great God is a joyful privilege¹⁴, not a burden.

To Guard, Bark, Bite for the Glory of God

And, actually, this blog is designed specifically for that. One may call this just religious jargon. I call this my spiritual warcry! That means that I believe there’s no middle ground. It’s only either you’re a pro-Shepherd or an anti-Shepherd. Either you’re in the pasture or not. Either you’re a watchdog like me or a non-watchdog (that is, a goat or a wolf). And please make no mistake of my intention in saying that I am a watchdog of God. I am a mere watchdog! The one deserving of any praise in this blog is the very Treasure I desire to guard, the One who is supreme in all things – God alone. My single desire is to guard, bark, bite and even crunch for the glory of God. May my barks indeed please him, not dishonor him. And may every woolly watchdog like me never be silent!

***ROARING***

___________________________________

Notes:

1. See Psalm 23 and John 10:7-18.

2. As cited by Herman Selderhuis in his biographical book John Calvin: A Pilgrim’s Life, p.31.

3. God’s transcendence refers to His being uniquely above and beyond the being of the world. (see Isaiah 40:25; 55:8,9)

4. Romans 11:33-34.

5. 2 Samuel 9:8.

6. I refer to the universal church throughout the world, composed of all authentic believers.

7. As all elders are instructed to guard the flock (1 Peter 5:2) and all Christians to be watchful (1 Peter 5:8; 1 Corinthians 16:13).

8. Latin for “always reforming”, used by some Protestant Reformers.

9. See Romans 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18.

10. See Ephesians 5:23-27; Revelation 19:7, 8.

11. Matthew 7:15 and 1 Peter 5:8.

12. Revelation 5:5; 1 Tim. 6:15.

13. See Rom. 8:28, 38-39.

14. Paul even described it as “gain” in Philippians 1:21.