In Luke 9, some of the apostles tell Jesus they tried to stop someone who was driving out demons in his name, yet Jesus told them not to stop them, because "whoever is not against you is for you." Where do we draw the line between disputable matters (Romans 14) and refuting false doctrine in other religious groups? If I meet someone who, by my best reckoning, has a saved relationship with God, should I follow Jesus' advice ("Do not stop them...")? -- Abram Guerra
As for the exorcist of Luke 9, here was a man in all likelihood right with God under the old covenant. In time, he would hook up with the Jesus movement. He already recognized the power of Jesus' name. We simply do not have any other information about him--not enough to be dogmatic. (But remember, driving out demons does not necessarily mean someone is saved, as we see in Matthew 7:22, Acts 19, and other passages.)
You are right that there are both matters of opinion (Romans 14:1) and central biblical doctrines--which do not fall into the opinion category, but are matters of truth on which there can be no compromise (1 Timothy 1:3). Surely our thrust as a movement must be positive, the proclamation of the gospel, more than negative--criticizing others. In principle, anyone who holds to the Word and teaches others to do the same is right with God (John 8:31), yet as we all know it is a "narrow road" (Matthew 7:13-14)! The modern, "politically correct" spirit of non-judgmentalism can be taken too far.
Two non-negotiable issues which separate true disciples from all others are (1) conversion and (2) commitment. Has the person truly obeyed the gospel (Romans 1:5, 16:26; 2 Thessalonians 1:8), doing what the apostles taught was necessary for salvation? And having believed, repented, and been baptized, is he now holding to the teaching (Acts 2:42), and calling others to do the same (Colossians 1:18-2:1)?
There are groups that teach the truth about conversion but are far from the spirit of Christ when it comes to their commitment. And there are others who are highly devoted, yet live in error concerning the basics of the gospel. We must watch both our life and our doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16).
In my experience, committed members of various religious groups, when taught the way of God more accurately, are eager to join with the movement of disciples--and many have so done. So keep preaching the Word, leaving it to God to change people's hearts and convict them of the truth. The more you share your own faith, Abram, the more you will cherish God's grace; appreciate the narrowness of the road we walk; understand how far from the truth most religious groups have drifted through the course of church history; and be able to walk the sometimes fine line between "disputable matters" (Romans 14:1) and the first principles of the gospel.
Let us follow the wise direction of Rupertus Meldenius:
In essentials, unity
in non-essentials, liberty
in all things, charity.
For more, see the DVD set Friend or Foe (September 2007).
This article is copyrighted and is for private use and study only. © 2003. Reprints or public distribution is prohibited without the express consent of Douglas Jacoby.
