Close Communion
James Dodson
There are several theories advanced for defining the limits and extent of that Church fellowship, or ecclesiastical communion, demanded by the Christian faith: 1. The Latitudinarian Theory. This theory admits to sealing ordinances (i.e.,particularly the sacrament of the Lord’s supper), at their own option, all who will...
There are several notions upon which every refinement of manners is built and improved, especially under the influence of grace: 1. There is a certain instinctive tendency in mankind to entertain a common regard to one another. Even the heathens know that malice, envy, malignity, lack of natural...
We should understand that the church has everything essential to society, in common with societies of any kind. It is not enough to contradict this by asserting that the church, as Christ’s kingdom, is not of this world, John 18:36. Just because the principle of the church is from above, does not deny its real earthly...
The Word of God is the alone infallible rule to direct us how to glorify and enjoy God and none other foundation can establish the faith, obedience and fellowship of the Christian church, 1 Cor. 3:11. The design of the Holy Ghost is this place is to represent Christ as the foundation of the communion of saints in...
If Christians view the terms upon which religious society exists a burden, it is to be observed that restrictions appear in every social connection of life, Rom. 14:7. The governing ends and purposes of society daily interfere with the narrow views and wishes of men in every relation, Ps. 68:6. Inflexibility in opinion...
Even the wildest enthusiasts admit the need for some kind of order and discipline in their assemblies. This universal practice is founded on several unerring (i.e., undeceiving) principles: 1.) The present condition of human nature requires it, Rom. 8:7; 1 Pet. 2:13, 14. Because man is endued with reason...
There are several objections that are brought which have an appearance of plausibility often because of the use of Scripture. First, there are those objections based upon supposed Scriptural inferences which, they say, demonstrate the kingdom of God consists only in a spiritual disposition and a religious...
Before we discuss the principles which enjoin us to separate, we should be very careful to recognize that separation is the last resort of a desperate cause—one wherein communion cannot be held together with a good conscience, 1 Tim. 1:19. To withdraw for slight causes, which do not affect the conscience, is always...
If all the principles discussed hold, then it ought to appear highly reasonable and consonant to those principles that everyone admitted into church-communion, should be required to satisfy the church, previous to admission, concerning a soundness in the faith. Revealed truth is the very foundation of the...
These principles should lead to the conclusion that all who hold to the same religious connection should engage themselves in a labor of love toward one another, 1 Pet. 1:22. The true principles of church-communion ought to have a most direct and powerful influence to see the character of saints completed...
The first direction is that Christians ought to be cautious in forming religious connections because: 1.) Christians are to strive not to live single and unconnected from religious society, Heb. 10:25. They are to press into the kingdom of heaven, Luke 16:16. Even by going forth by the footsteps of the flock, Song 1:7, 8...
The third direction is that Christians ought to be diligent in improving religious connections, Eccl. 9:10. Which implies two things: 1.) That the duties of religious communion should be made our great business, Jer. 29:13. We should be always ready and watchful to embrace every opportunity to attend on the...
Anything, whether of greater or lesser importance, regardless of whether or not it is still controverted amongst Christians, if it is really sinful and acknowledged by the church to be so, must be considered by that body to be opposite to those truths and duties professed, Rom. 14:22, 23. When the church...
While it is acceptable for us to invite men to our own table, this is the table of a friend, John 15:15. We must await the command of a friend to make invitation to his table, Luke 14:15-17. We must allow that the table of the Lord is to be regulated by what may be acceptable to Him. Luke 14:24. Those who assert that...