Imperfect Churches

Imperfect Churches

The church designed in the mind of God, purchased by the blood of His Son and established in Jerusalem was perfect in all its particulars. Of all the people who have been part of that church, none were perfect save Christ the head (Rom. 3:23). This being the case, no congregation, which is a band of those imperfect Christian that meets together on a regular basis, can claim perfection. This is such an obvious fact that you might think we need not discuss it, but such is not the case. There are three categories of people who need to be reminded of this fact.

There are those members of the church who are deficient in their knowledge of Scripture or novices in the faith, whose experience in the church has been wonderful thus far. In their naivete they might conclude that indeed they have found a perfect church. Unfortunately, along the way they are bound to encounter imperfect Christians who will disappoint them. Better for them to know up front that no one is perfect nor is any congregation, lest they be discouraged and disheartened when they discover this by experience.

There are some, who because of a mistaken approach to serving God and a flaw in their interpretation of God's Word, imagine themselves and their congregations to be all that God wants them to be. This mistaken approach is called legalism. They spend much of their time and energy in examining other Christians and churches and noting the flaws in them. Lest they be found equally flawed, they pretend that they have risen above all such weaknesses and failures. They study the Bible to find what is wrong with others, but are ever able to explain away any verse that seems to condemn their actions or attitudes (II Cor. 10:12). While few of these brethren will openly make a claim to perfection, those who observe them closely will get that impression from them. False pride, arrogance and presumption are common markers of this approach to serving Christ. They make it very difficult to admit sin and failure.

There are some who make no claim to perfection. They don't even make it their goal to please Christ to the best of their ability. Their approach to Christianity is called liberalism. They deny Christ has given us a pattern to be followed. They reason that God's grace makes obedience optional. They do not view the New Testament of Christ as the law of his kingdom. You might wonder then why I include them in this discussion? It is because when they are challenged regarding their innovations they commonly defend themselves by asking their accusers, "Are you perfect? Is your congregation perfect?" Their twisted logic being, if you and your congregation are imperfect how dare you to question them? The difference is clear. The one acknowledges the law of the Lord is perfect (Ps. 19:7) and strives to measure up to it to the best of his ability. The other denies there is such a law as does as he pleases. The one sees recognizes the divine pattern (II Tim. 1:13) and endeavors to reproduce it in his life. The other denounces the idea of a sacred pattern. The one freely acknowledges his failure and with penitence resolves to do better. The other seeks to justify his errant conduct. The one is imperfect because he tried and failed, the other by design.

So before God and men we freely confess that we as individuals and as congregations have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). With Paul we admit ourselves to be chief among sinners (I Tim. 1:15). We stand justified only by his grace (Eph. 2:5). Still, we recognize and honor the perfect church revealed in God's Word. We strive to measure up to the scriptural standard. We take note of those who go onward and abide not in the teaching of Christ (II John 9). We warn everyone, night and day with tears of false teachers who to advance their own agenda seek to draw away disciples after themselves (Acts 20:30-31).

Sincerely,

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