Fellowship
By E. M. Zerr
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It has been claimed by the "restorationists" that having fellowship with another does not mean one is endorsing him. But it does. Let us see what Paul says in Ephesians 5:11. "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." Why does the apostle set reproving the works of darkness over against the act of having fellowship? A school boy would understand that one could not consistently reprove any group with which he was having fellowship. And if he reproves the other for his practice, he is not going to belie his pretended reproof by being with him while practicing the evil doings.
We have no right to encourage a man in unscriptural teaching or practice. Ezekiel 13:22 condemns strengthening the hands of the wicked by promising him life. When we associate with the denominations and call them "brother," we encourage them; that is just what the prophet condemns. As proof that such association has the effect of encouragement, let us consider our own attitudes. We may be engaged in a series of Biblical teaching, and notice certain persons of the denominational world start attending. We at once conclude (and rightly so) that such persons are becoming interested and at least are endorsing our work. We cannot avoid a like effect when actions are vice versa.
In Romans 16:17 Paul is referring to false teachers and commands the true disciples to "avoid" them. That does not mean to associate with them or to have
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Sometimes it is argued that we may meet with certain groups because of what they do that is right. A common point is made that "their worship seems just like ours." That same kind of remark could be made of a piece of counterfeit money. If a man were to attempt doing business at a public office with a false dollar he would get into trouble. The similarity between it and a genuine dollar would not protect him in his act. The wrong people made the dollar and hence it would be unlawful to use it. Likewise, only the true church of Christ has the right to put on the worship services. All other occasions would be counterfeit. Please read and ponder well Ephesians 3:21.
Much is being said about brotherly love; that regardless of what we say, we will be loved and called "brother." I want the love of those who are willing to abide in the doctrine of Christ. John says that "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments." (See 1 John 5:2.) If a man refuses to abide in the true doctrine but has fellowship with denominations, which Paul says to avoid, then he cannot correctly say he loves me, John being my authority. The prodigal said he was not worthy to be called a son, and Jesus endorsed the sentiment by his use of the case. Also Jesus taught (Mark 3:35) that only those who do the will of God are his brother or sister. The word "brother" has a moral and sentimental significance, as well as a technical or doctrinal one. This is plainly seen in the language of Jesus just cited, also his endorsement of the prodigal son. If a man is not willing to be guided by the doctrine of Christ, he is thus not doing the will of God. Such a man will not be recognized by the Lord as his brother, neither is he my brother in Christ. My brethren are those who are in the church of Christ, and who avoid and have no fellowship with the denominations.
Our aged brother deserves to be heard. We should not dismiss casually the words of a respected teacher. It is no pleasure to disagree with one for whom I entertain sincere regard, but honesty demands that I say the attitude of which our brother is a victim, is what has reduced the disciple brotherhood from a glorious and majestic position of spiritual leadership to the status of a narrow sectarian movement. In misunderstanding the import of "fellowship" as the word is used by the Holy Spirit, he is betrayed into certain obvious errors of reasoning. It is not necessary to refer to each point of the article. I mention but two items.
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It would be interesting to know what and where the "true church of Christ" is according to the definition of our good brother. The Roman Catholic Church claims to be "the true church of Christ." The same claim is made by nearly all of the more than two dozen factions into which the disciple brotherhood has been fractured, each of which as vigorously denies the claim of all the others, as it champions its own. I suspect "the true church of Christ" is an ideal, toward which, as weak and imperfect beings, we are all still striving. No single organization or party can point to itself and boastfully say, "We are the true church of Christ, and no one else is in it." That is why we should be kind, considerate and helpful to others who are struggling toward the ideal.
I am not interested in "brothering the denominations" for all such are works of the flesh, but I have brethren among many of them, for there are still people of God in Babylon. I love all of them. I pray for them, and respect them as brethren, although I cannot agree with all of them. I am sorry we are divided. I hope we can find the way to unity. To that end I will go among them, visit them, associate with them, and discuss with them in sincerity and love. If this be what is called "a goody goody attitude" then I must plead guilty to it. I rather imagine the Pharisees thought Jesus was guilty of that attitude in his dealing with the sick people whom he visited and sought to help.