The Christadelphian Bible Journal
December 2003 Volume 1 Number 12
In recent years, much has been written in other groups upon the subject of Biblical fellowship. Most of this has been quite imbalanced to say the least: usually favoring the humanist side of things, as is the fashion of the present evil day. However, of all that has been written, there is none more balanced than that from the pen of brother Roberts. Our pioneer brother wrote many articles dealing with this vital doctrine, of which the following, authored in February, 1891, is an excellent example.
"There is such a thing as 'the Truth.' There is such a thing as 'coming out from among' and 'having no fellowship with' the indifference and error and evil that prevail, however many may have become insensible to the obligation.
"It is the recognition of these that leads to division, and not any insensibility to the advantages of union. The many are indifferent; a few are faithful. Hence the fermentation. It was Christ's understanding of men, and his foresight of the working of things among them that led him to say: 'From henceforth there shall be division' (Luke 12:51-52).
"The result is inevitable in an evil world, so long as there's any faithfulness left. It is insinuated that withdrawal from errorists is an evil thing. This is a fashionable sentiment, but it is not in accord with the mind of Christ as expressed through the apostles. Love and union are beautiful. They are the most exquisite manifestations of intelligent life possible upon earth, and the earth will yet see their universal triumph when the purpose of God is finished.
"But meanwhile, there are other duties. The loving John says concerning those who 'bring not the doctrine of Christ' that the faithful are to 'receive them not into their house' (2 John 10). And Jesus, in his message through the same John, commends one ecclesia for acting on this discrimination, and condemns one for not: 'Thou (Ephesus) CANST NOT BEAR them that are evil, but have tried them that say they are apostles, and hast found them liars' (Rev. 2:2). 'Thou (Thyatira) sufferest that woman Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce my servants...' (Rev. 2:20).
"Schism is the result of acting out these principles, and it is a good thing, if intelligently and faithfully done. It is a painful and apparently unfriendly process: but there is no choice with those who would be friendly to God first.
"The Truth has been an obscure and weak thing from the beginning. From its nature it cannot become popular, because it runs counter to human feeling in so many practical ways not seen at first. Its true friends know this, and they are not working to obtain public success, or even public notice. They are simply carrying out orders. Christ calls for the exhibition of the Light, and they exhibit it. "
For more of brother Roberts' thoughts on Biblical fellowship, please click on the "fellowship" link provided below.
-- Bob Widding
The Nature and Sacrifice of Christ (Clean flesh and partial-atonement refuted though Biblical teaching.)
The Berean Christadelphian Magazine (A monthly magazine devoted to the Truth.)
Brethren Thomas and Roberts on Fellowship (An objective and thorough examination of Biblical Fellowship.)
Why The Bereans? A History. (The original Christadelphian fellowship is defined exclusively by the Biblical beliefs of its members.)
Berean Restatement (A restatement of original Christadelphian doctrines.)
Original 1851 Elpis Israel (As issued by Dr. Thomas prior to his revisions of 1866.)
The Roberts/Andrew debate (Brother Roberts capably defends the Biblical teaching concerning resurrectional responsibility against the teachings of J.J. Andrew.)
The Hope of Israel: An Overview (An outreach site.)
Where to Find Berean Christadelphians (North America, Europe, Australia, Africa.)