Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 1, 1991 TAG: 9103010706
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: TOMMY L. BLEWETT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
However, changing their name was not all Northside Christian Church did. Its leaders publicly cast reproach on the Church of Christ, and this demands a response.
Dr. and Mrs. Glenn Tabor have specifically charged the Church of Christ with "strict doctrinal legalism," being "out of touch with reality," and "answering questions no one is asking." In addition, by implication they have charged that the Church of Christ is not "a loving, caring community" and is "hung up on man's title" for the church, instead of "love and ministering"; that its members serve because they "have to," not because they "want to" and because they "love God."
Concerning our "strict doctrinal legalism," the Bible teaches that "by grace are ye saved through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). If one is saved, it is by the grace of God and is the result of faith in God.
But the Bible also says, "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" (II John 9). Therefore, the Bible also teaches that we must obey the doctrine of Christ. If requiring obedience to this doctrine is "strict doctrinal legalism," then we are guilty. But so are the apostles, and so is Christ.
The apostles expressed confidence that Christians "will do the things which we command you" (II Thessalonians 3:4). Paul expressed the importance of "keeping the commandments of God"(I Corinthians 7:19). Likewise, Jesus said, "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you" (John 15:14).
We realize that God rejects the person who is proud of his obedience and expects to earn salvation through works (Luke 18:9-14). But God has always commended the person who faithfully obeys him (Hebrews 5:9). The difference between the two is the attitude of the person, something only God can determine. These charges of "legalism" are simply efforts to justify their own disobedience.
The charge of being "out of touch with reality" and "answering questions no one is asking" could be leveled at Noah as well. Peter described him as "... a preacher of righteousness ..." (II Peter 2:5). For more than 100 years he was busy obeying God (Genesis 6), even though the world had no interest in the ark or the coming flood.
In reality, they perished because they weren't asking the right questions. While "an unmarried pregnant girl is not concerned about whether we use a piano in church," if she happens to hear a sermon on that subject and learns the importance of obeying God concerning worship, she may learn the importance of obeying God concerning abortion.
Furthermore, the love and care found in the Church of Christ is evident to anyone who bothers to inquire. Unfortunately, the only thing held before the public recently is what does not meet with public approval. And, no, we aren't "hung up on man's title for the church." Its name gives glory to Christ who built it (Matthew 16:18), paid for it (Acts 20:28), and reigns with total supremacy over it (Ephesians 1:22). The Church of Christ wears that name because it was given that title by God, not man (Romans 16:16).
For some reason, the Tabors have the idea that love and obedience are contradictory terms. Their definition of love simply allows them to accept the parts of God's word that pleases them, such as "abortion is wrong" and "baptism should be by immersion," and reject other parts that do not please them, such as worship and withdrawing fellowship.
In contrast, the Bible definition of love allows for, and even demands, obedience. Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15).
by CNB