Life as Opposed to Theories

Life as Opposed to Theories

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10.

Pilate asked, “What is truth?” And we may ask, “What is life?” Moses explains it quite simply: “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil.” Deut. 30:15.

Good things gather. Life makes for fellowship. The evil separates us, just as death does. “For the desire of the flesh is death, but the desire of the Spirit is life and peace.” Rom. 8:6. In Galatians 5:19-21 we read about the works of the flesh. All these works divide us. In verse 22 we read about the fruits of the Spirit, which all lead to life and peace. They melt us together. Jesus came that we may have life, and life more abundantly. That means an abundance of the fruits of the Spirit, which are the virtues of Christ. There can never be divisions in verse 22.

Why, then, are Christians divided into many denominations, seeing that Jesus came that we may have life, and life is fellowship? Quite simply, it is because they have been deceived. They have been led away from seeking life to arguing about doctrinal questions. They believe they have life in the doctrines instead of coming to Jesus.

When a flock has been saved from the world and has received life, it doesn’t take long before the leaders begin to argue for their various opinions about different things, and thus life—fellowship—is broken down, and death proceeds to do its work. They divide up into various groups. Their opinions and doctrines break down the bond of perfection, which is love. Col. 3:14. They value their theories concerning baptism and the Lord’s Supper, the Millennium, the beast, the Antichrist, the order of the church, etc., more than life. They form denominations on the basis of their theories, and they take new names in which they shall gather instead of in Jesus’ name. We can clearly see that the following words of Paul are being fulfilled: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers . . . .” 2 Tim. 4:3.

The apostolic seriousness of exhorting with tears has vanished. Acts 20:31. You cannot hear this care: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling . . . .” “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine . . . .” “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue . . . .” “What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness . . . .” etc. People call this bondage. They do not seek life; therefore death is at work. They believe in Jesus’ return and argue about their opinions, but they do not exhort each other to purify themselves so they can keep themselves unspotted from the world. It is difficult for them to bear with each other, which is far from an abundance of life—love; but they do speak about meeting Jesus in the clouds. The spirit of Antichrist has worked intensely during all these years, with the result that death is ruling.

In the days of the apostles they could write to the church in Ephesus, Smyrna, Philadelphia, etc. There was only one church in town, but which of all the various churches in a town should receive the letter now? When we consider this development we also see how believers have been led away from the fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer: “That they may be one.”

In our days there is also not more than one church in a town, if there is one at all. For the body of Christ is not divided. 1 Cor. 1:13. All these religious denominations are not the church. Neither are they members of the body of Christ. They have all been built up on various theories.

Their lives are almost identical; only their theories are different.

Before they built the Tower of Babel, people spoke one language, but God confused their language to scatter them abroad over the face of all the earth. The bride of Christ has been elected from among all these nations. On the cross He makes them into one new man. Eph. 2:15-16. Then this Word is fulfilled: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation . . . who once were not a people but are now the people of God.” 1 Pet. 2:9-10. By them Jesus’ prayer is being fulfilled. This is the New Jerusalem. Rev. 21:2.

Just as in the days of the Tower of Babel when they were spread abroad according to their various languages, so these religious people, down through the years, have split up along the lines of their various theories and have called themselves by different names. All those who are along in gathering to these various theories and names are building on the Tower of Babel. However, the voice from heaven calls out: “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.” Rev. 18:4. All those who go out from her and proclaim Christ’s virtues gather to Christ; they are building the New Jerusalem. 1 Pet. 2:9.

See to it that you come out of Babel! See to it that you do not engage in arguments so that love disappears. Let all your words be unto edification. Be diligent to add virtue to your faith and you will never stumble. 2 Pet. 1:10. Then you will be ready to meet Jesus.