Ecumenical Warnings
As the canon of Scripture draws to a close the warnings regarding ecumenism also seem to intensify. First, what is Ecumenism? The online ‘Encyclopedia’ Wikipedia defines it as:
Ecumenism, also spelled oecumenism, is the concept and principle in which Christians who belong to different Christian denominations work together to develop closer relationships among their churches and promote Christian unity.[1]
That definition suggests that all ecumenism would be a very positive thing, since it declares that the goal of ecumenism is to “promote Christian unity.” The problem, though, is that if this “unity” demands doctrinal concessions for the “common accord,” it makes Truth subservient to so-called “unity.” Truth is not on the “unity chopping block” in the sight of God.
Buy the truth, and sell it not…[2]
The Bible is literally filled with warnings about holding low views of the Truth. The book of Revelation is no exception. These clear warnings in Revelation begin in the letters to the seven churches in chapters two and three. Consider this passage as an example.
13 I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.[3]
In addressing the church at Pergamos, the LORD commends them in verse 13 because they have “not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you.” Evidently this man Antipas was martyred for not embracing error with God’s Truth. Many of the saints at Pergamos stood fast in the Truth even during such demanding times. But the LORD is NOT pleased that this assembly permitted departure from the Truth through “them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.” Additionally, they embraced error by co-laboring with “them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes.”
These warnings continue all the way to emphatic admonitions such as that in Revelation 18:4-
‘And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.’
Such ecumenism is shown to be dangerous in all areas of life. It is dangerous politically, economically, ecclesiastically, socially and especially spiritually. Those who in practical terms are lining up with the Beast in any of these areas of their lives will encounter little personal difficulty taking the number of the beast when the time comes.
The great ecumenical drawing card of materialism will lose all of its power over men when the sovereign God institutes His policy of “no more at all,” as revealed in chapter 18. In that day only those who have by faith aligned themselves with the great Lamb of God, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, will find satisfaction and joy.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecumenism [2] Proverbs 23:23 [3] Revelation 2:13-16