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GDOP - Apostasy Ignored: Take a Stand – Actions

1 – Invest the time and research effort needed to understand the worldviews of those with whom you intend to fellowship, be they individuals, groups, churches or denominations.  And here, one is not speaking of social associations, alliances or relationships such as an enter-faith coalition for operating an efficient food bank or for running an effective thrift store in a pluralist neighborhood; nor are we referring to partnerships for effective coordination of a needed “religious” response to a government bill or a Supreme Court case.  Rather, we are speaking of true Christian fellowship – like prayer rallies (the GDOP for instance).  Scripture declares that Christian fellowship can only exist between regenerated members of the family of God, that is, only among true believers.  The Apostle Paul declares in II Corinthians 6: 14-16, that Christians cannot have fellowship with unbelievers, darkness and light do not mix.  Spiritual light is the real thing and spiritual darkness results from an absence of spiritual light; dark shadows are cast and black corners are illuminated by light, but never the reverse.  Paul declares in I Corinthians 10:20-22 that Christians must not participate in pagan rites and ceremonies.   And in his letter to the Ephesians (5:11-14), Paul counsels to have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, rather we should expose them.  In his letter to Timothy (5:22) Paul instructs us to not share in the sins of others.  What would Paul likely say about “fellowship” with a denomination that denies the divinity of Jesus Christ and that claims there are multiple paths to salvation?  The Apostle John advises that a Christian cannot have fellowship with God while walking in darkness (1 John 1:5-7).  Error and truth cannot coexist in the same fellowship.    Most applicable to the issue of fellowshipping with a United Church, the Apostle states in 2 John 7-11:
 

For many deceivers have entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh [is the divine Son].  This is a deceiver and an antichrist.  Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.  Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.  He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.  If there come any onto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
 

2 – In a small group, at church, or at denomination – level, draft a position paper on ecumenicalism and “fellowship” with others.  Include in this paper an sound assessment of other denominations and of existing ecumenical organizations.  Declare what scripture states on Christian “fellowship” and make this policy paper available for members and visitors to see.
 

3 – “Fellowships” like the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, need to declare a more detailed position on efforts like the Global Day of Prayer, involvement with United Churches, and association with proselytizers of religious liberalism.  If the ineffectual “status quo” witness within Canadian Christendom is to be breached, if our national and lower-level prayer efforts are to be more fruitful, the EFC and other Christian agencies must abandon their “status quo” relationship policies.  EFC attempts at fellowship or their endorsement of fellowship with churches like Dominion-Chalmers United Church should not continue.  Their participation with or endorsement of the theologically wide-open Canadian version of the GDOP (i.e. any belief system under the name of Christ goes) must end.  Canadian Christians deceive themselves, if they think they can continue with the same old relationship practices and this time achieve a different result.  The “status quo” Christian witness must go.