Eileen Beckett reflects on her separation from a twenty-year church affiliation due to doctrinal differences, grounding her decision in Philippians 3:13-14's call to press forward toward Christ's prize. She contends that fear of institutional disapproval prevents believers from stewarding God's truth faithfully and argues that sins against truth are particularly grave because they obscure God's character, while true Christian friendship transcends denominational bonds and exists only in shared faith in Christ. Her testimony emphasizes the doctrine of God's providential sovereignty and the priesthood of all believers as biblical grounds for speaking convictions honestly rather than remaining silent from fear of man.
What does the Bible say about pressing on in faith?
The Bible encourages believers to forget the past and press toward the goal of Christ's calling (Philippians 3:13-14).
The act of pressing on is particularly crucial when faced with trials, doctrinal disagreements, or emotional turmoil, as evidenced in the author's personal journey of leaving a church due to significant doctrinal differences. Despite the challenges and unclear paths, trusting in God's sovereignty and promises enables believers to move forward with confidence and integrity, knowing that God's plans for us are good (Jeremiah 29:11). This pursuit is not merely about personal achievement but about a faithful response to God's call in our lives.
Philippians 3:13-14, Jeremiah 29:11
How do we know God is in control of our circumstances?
Scripture assures us that God is sovereign over all events, including our personal trials (Romans 8:28).
This theological understanding provides not only comfort but also empowers believers to face trials with resilience. When we recognize that God is actively working in our lives, it alleviates fears we may have about man's opinions or institutional pressures. Instead, we are prompted to explore and embrace the truth we are convicted of without fear. Keeping this perspective allows for a richer experience of God's love and faithfulness as we navigate our complexities in faith.
Romans 8:28
Why is speaking the truth important for Christians?
Speaking the truth is vital for Christians as it reflects God's character and our commitment to integrity (Ephesians 4:15).
The author articulates a profound concern for the 'irrational fear' that grips many believers, preventing them from standing firm in the convictions they hold. This fear can lead to a detrimental silence about significant truths that God has placed on their hearts. When Christians shy away from discussing doctrinal differences and speaking candidly about their faith, they not only miss the opportunity to fulfill their calling but may also contribute to a culture of fear within the church. Therefore, embracing and proclaiming truth is not optional; it is integral to authentic Christian living and community.
Ephesians 4:15
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:13-14
Most who read here know that I recently came out of the membership of a church I had been affiliated with for 20 years. I have remained silent, not out of fear, but out of respect and I hope to always remain respectful. There were many things still unresolved, decisions to be made, etc. and I think that has all taken place. So for me, I believe it is finally settled and over and I can press on!
I came out of membership in good conscience, in integrity and honesty due to doctrinal differences for the most part. I struggled for several years to reach that point but in the end could not make a different decision and I’m thankful. My name was erased judicially (under discipline) and although I disagree with that erasure, believing it should have been an administrative erasure, I will bear that decision even though I don’t understand it. I bear it because I believe that God is in full control over men’s thoughts and actions and I trust this will work for my good. Remember, He has promised that it would and we know God always keeps His promises.
I believe there is a great ‘fear’ among men to speak the truth that they believe, truth that they are convicted of. It is a fear of what man can do unto you and what the ‘institutional church’ can do unto you and totally negates the priesthood of every believer. That fear is like a cancer that slowly kills the spirit, men are running scared and they go to their grave confessing one thing out loud and yet believing another. I spoke with a brother on this very issue and this was his response to me, thank you Bob and I fully agree.
It is IRRATIONAL fear; one that I'm convinced the Lord is calling us to dispense with! If we don't make use of the few precious years we have in this world, in His strength alone, to take a stand for and share the truth we are convicted of as best we can--we have wasted a tremendous God-given opportunity and not been proper stewards of His truth. The Lord is jealous for His Word and running from the truth or being silent about it is not a sin that can be dismissed lightly as 'fleeing intellectual arrogance!' A sin against truth is greater than a sin against moral law; it hides God's true face more earnestly.
I’ve shed many a tear, knowing that others have shed just as many in their own trials during this same time. I continued to pray for each of you. If you were my friend in denominational ties or social ties only then we weren’t true friends. However, if you were my friend in Christ Jesus, in His Gospel, then you are my friend still as I am still in Christ. My hope and prayer for you:
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge. That ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:18-19
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