Originally Posted by RevBuddy
(Post 371499)
I agree with your statement in principle.
I believe I understand your point - it's about discontented brethren with an unattainable churchview of an absolute Church living ABSOLUTELY. If the early church is any example, and I believe it definitely is, there is nothing absolute about the church at all as it relates to personal and corporate behavior, at least in terms of individual and collective holiness. The writings of the Apostle Paul are fully of corrections and admonishments to these congregations. And, they in turn, were continually attempting to live a godly life in this present world.
The trouble with this unattainable churchview is that it mimics the Old Testament law, and in doing so, places an unrealistic performance level on those who attempt to conform to it. Israelites could not, in fact, live up to the Law. It was God's Law; it was His will, and it was perfect. But, real men and women were incapable (even given a sincere desire to obey) of meeting the Law's high standards.
The UC among us is often characterized by the inability to recognize the falibility of saints. I realize this is a generalization of the movement, and I'm willing to give and take as necessary, but GENERALLY, the final destination (heaven or hell) of entire congregations is based SOLELY on the individual's conformity and ABSOLUTE obedience to a given set of standards (laws, little "L"). In this case, it is NOT God's law; it is NOT His will and it is NOT perfect. Yes, the Holy Ghost is present to guide and empower the NT convert(at least, that is my assumption for this argument), but if the Holy Ghost is not "teaching" these man-made standards, then the individual will not be "led" to conform or obey. It will, then, be left to the enforcer of the standard to step in. This enforcer usually takes a step-by-step approach in "encouraging" compliance...
1. friendly persuation...encouraging the individual to reach for "more" of God..a great level of sacrifice...and greater dedication and intimacy with God
2. friendly intimidation...educating the individual on the negative aspects of noncompliance, i.e., ineligible for positions, leadership, use, etc. etc....
3. friendly pressure (always with a smile)...admonishing the indivual on the need for maintaining a standard of holiness...achieving a place with God that few others can't...
4. unfriendly pressure and intimidation...warning the individual of ungodliness and the dangers of loving the world and the things in the world...clearly intimating that noncompliance will result in separation of God and His love...
5. unfriendly separation, shunning and expulsion...judging the individual to be found wanting and unworthy of further effort...a lost cause.
There are no doubt other steps in between. However, if unbiblical standards are taught as "salvation issues," where is the Holy Ghost's role in perfecting saints? The Holy Ghost is circumvented by the "under-shepherd." Now the Law is rewritten by the "man of God." If the Word doesn't completely address the issue, the "under-shepherd" clarifies the missing Word with His word...and makes it critical by assigning it an ABSOLUTE value - conform and make heaven...do not conform and be assured of hell's fire.
This phenomena is much more serious than we can imagine - to institutionalize our convictions and write them in between the lines of His Word - is to risk hell's fire - not on the part of the saint, but on the part of the "new lawgiver!" It is a strange fire brought from "without the camp."
Enough of my brilliance...
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