Comment by McElchap

Entered on: 12/16/2009 11:51:02 AM

 Dear Bro. Dixon,

You are one of my champions among Christian clergymen. You have stood strong and tall among those of the Baptist distinction, and paid some heavy prices.

I too, am a Christian of Baptist persuasion, and understand and sympathize with your contentions in your apprehension of the "Manhattan Declaration". I also had some reservations about this joint Protestant/Catholic/Orthodox gesture.

But I signed it. It was to support basic freedom of conscience regarding religion and supporting some basic tenets held by everyone claiming allegiance to Christ, regardless of their denomination's teaching of theology being correct or not. I signed to affirm certain principles of practice in the real world, such as opposing abortion, a pastor exercising freedom of biblical speech in the church pulpit, etc. I think I can stand for these basic principles regardless of who else might also be standing for them.

Yes, many religious institutions are either in error or wanton rebellion regarding the Word of God. But it is those individuals who look to Christ as Lord who find salvation in faith, regardless of their perhaps being misled by false teachers. It is up to us to "sharpen" one another in fellowship, to help the misguided to find the Truth, the Way, and the Life. We should support what is right and good even when we find others not of our persuasion also supporting such things. Institutions all fail, Christ will prevail. It is not good that those claiming Him as Lord be seen making war with others who also claim Him...even if they are in error. Let us agree where we can agree...and admonish on the issues where we find the Bible leading us to preach the Word boldly.

I am wary of the dangers of ecumenical efforts, the Vatican's overtures to bring the Protestant community into unity with the Roman Catholic heresies, but could this Manhattan Declaration be a tool to bring true Christians closer together...and educate those who wish to be? How might you respond, Brother Greg?

David McElroy

Comment by Greg J. Dixon

Entered on: 12/16/2009 10:26:44 PM

Bro. McElroy, My answer would be, why would there have ever been a Protestant Reformation in the first place. The great Reformers that caught their fire from the Ana-Baptists and at a great cost broke from the Roman Catholic Church paid a fearful price for those two great truths, Sola-Scruptura and Sola-Fide. Are we to just pitch the whole thing to the four winds today and say lets have just one big One World Church? Besides the "gospel" that the MD calls for is "another gospel" and not the Saving gospel of Christ. 

Amos said long ago,

Amos 3:3 "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"  And Paul said,   2 Cor 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.   Sincerely in Christ,
Dr. Greg Dixon

Comment by Greg J. Dixon

Entered on: 12/17/2009 5:06:12 PM

Bro. McElroy, I have searched in vain trying to find you on the internet. Your kind words toward me are greatly appreciated. You bring up a very important subject that I would like to discuss with you more in detail in person by phone. Will you be so kind as to contact me at drgregdixon@earthlink.net so that I can set up a time for such a conversation. It was very late last night when I answered you in the last post. I didn't convey totally what was on my heart concerning this matter.

Bro. Greg