This is what needs to be clearly established. What beliefs are considered minor and could be overlooked for the sake of finding a meeting ground of common interests for all churches? What beliefs are absolutely OFF the table for discussion as they will never change. Period. Exactly what do we have left that brings some kind of harmony with each other?
wmfights, I think you and I have very similar beliefs. I would like you to read this post and think about these questions and get back to me with what you believe about "sowing discord among brethren" and 'unity among believers'. I will do the same and I BET our results will match within one or two words.
If you have the time and inclination to attemp this. I'm just curious about how close people think we are in beliefs for unity's sake, as oppossed to how far apart we actually are. Also the 'sowing discord among brethren" comment. It sounds like a bad thing. But just how brethren like are we really?
It's not enough to recognize the Trinitarian God, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. You must believe The Gospel of Grace to be a Christian. If a church adds a "but", "maybe", or "and" it ceases to be The Gospel and they are preaching a different gospel.
For the sake of clarity I'm referring to Faith Alone in the death, burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ (ICor.15:1-4).
I would like you to read this post and think about these questions and get back to me with what you believe about "sowing discord among brethren" and 'unity among believers'. I will do the same and I BET our results will match within one or two words.
Great question, I'm interested in your thoughts.
I believe "sowing discord among brethren" would be trying to cause believers of The Gospel of Grace to believe it's insufficient. On these forums it's pretty easy to spot.
"unity of believers" is by the indwelling Holy Spirit that makes us members of the Body of Christ. It's also pretty easy to spot on these forums. For example, I can argue at great length with our Reformed Brothers and Sisters about a wide variety of things, but we both hold to The Gospel and are standing on the side of the Cross that is empty because "it is finished". We are not constantly working to be saved, or to keep our salvation.
Are RC's our brethren?
They preach a different Gospel. They seem to be stuck in the Judaic model that existed prior to the Resurrection and they vehemently reject the sufficiency of The Gospel of Grace that Jesus Christ revealed to Paul when He converted him. So I guess the long answer is RC's are not our brethren now, I pray that changes.