A Broader Unity?

      I had already completed my response to Wednesday’s front page article in the Tennessean and copied it onto a blog site when someone forwarded me an essay correcting the misleading article. I had started my response saying I know statements can be taken out of context and misconstrued in the newspaper and I hoped that was what happened with this article. I am glad to learn my cautionary statement was correct and Lee Camp, Lipscomb professor, is not as willing to open the doors of heaven to those who do not believe in Jesus as the article made him appear. I am glad to learn he doesn’t question the Lordship of Jesus or His authority.

      I still have some questions. However, I was glad to learn more about his question, “…we say we believe in the Lordship of Jesus. But, if we claim that, how can a Muslim or Jew trust us, if we say Jesus is the Lord of all Lords?” He didn’t leave that open ended, but provided an answer for how we can be trusted by those who disagree with our view of Jesus’ lordship.

      I was also glad to learn Camp repudiates the use of violence to spread the gospel but does think we should spread the message that salvation is only through Jesus. I was glad to learn he doesn’t think we should sweep differences under the rug, but should have peaceable dialogue to discuss and overcome our differences.

      However, I am now left wondering why anyone would twist his real message into Wednesday’s front page article. I am glad to learn Camp wasn’t saying Christians, Jews and Muslims can find common ground and should not try to convert each other even though they believe they have the soul saving message. But somebody was trying to say that. I am glad Camp was not saying we should cease to try to spread the message of Christianity all over the world. But somebody was saying that. I am glad Camp was not saying we should pursue an outward peace with those whom we believe are in error while neglecting to make peace between them and God. But somebody was saying that.

      Perhaps it was a complete misunderstanding of the lectures. Perhaps the article was merely a slip up. However, I fear even if Camp was not saying these things, this was the message the article wanted to propagate. A correcting essay came a day late and a dollar short for keeping that message under wraps.

      For years we have heard from the divided denominations that we should overlook the divisions by looking for common ground. “As long as Jesus is Lord,” we were told, “all is ok.” Don’t be surprised to see more people opening this door wider for the sake of supposed unity and peace even with those who don’t call Jesus Lord.

      As much as it depends on us, we are to be at peace with all men (Romans 12:18). But peace means bringing men to peace with God through Jesus. Some will refuse that peace. Remember, the same Jesus who called us to be peacemakers said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth I did not come to bring peace, but a sword…He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me…” (Matthew 10:34, 37). When we want peace at the expense of Christ’s way, we love men more than Christ. Be prepared for men to open this can of peaceful worms. Be also prepared to stand on the authority of Christ and preach salvation through Him alone. That is the only loving approach we can take.

Edwin L. Crozier