Christadelphian Articles
The items in this section have been taken from The Christadelphian magazine, and reproduced here as examples of the beliefs of Christadelphian brethren of earlier generations. These items demonstrate that currently accepted belief and practice of the doctrine of fellowship have evolved and are no longer in accordance with scriptural principles.
A Declaration of Fellowship
from "The Christadelphian" November, 1873
The following letter, sent through the post, to all the brethren and sisters in Birmingham will best explain the crisis just at maturity there.
To the Brethren and Sisters of the Lord Jesus Christ (collectively and individually) assembling in Temperance Hall, Temple Street, Birmingham, from Robert Roberts, a fellow-partaker of the holy calling, and partner in the tribulation of the present evil world, to which the saints are subjected in hope.
Read more: A Declaration of Fellowship
- © The Christadelphian Magazine & Publishing Association, Birmingham.
Ecclesial Fellowship
The article has been reproduced here as the discussion has a very current bearing on belief and practice of fellowship in the Christadelphian community, with widely varying views. The majority belief, based on observation and personal communications, is that a brother or sister who attends memorial meetings only at ecclesias where there is no known false doctrine is obedient to the demands of scriptural fellowship. There is a smaller number who will break bread at any ecclesia regardless of there being members holding first principle doctrinal error.
It is hoped that by highlighting the opposing views in the following discussion will result in brethren and sisters re-examining their own views in the light of the scriptural quotations used by F. The apostle Paul pleads with us to "be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.). If we fellowship those with unscriptural ideas and practices then Paul's pleading is falling on deaf ears, and we are being transformed by the ways of the world which are soon to perish. May we all be obedient to our Heavenly Father's Word so that we do not perish with the world but reign as kings and priests with our Lord and Master.
The following article first appeared as two separate entries in consecutive issues of "The Christadelphian" magazine, and is reproduced here with minor adjustments to the formatting only. The arguments presented by F. in the article may surprise some brethren and sisters, but nonetheless, they are scriptural as will be seen. The implications of the conclusions that will be drawn by the reader who understands the arguments may surprise some, that fellowship is a serious matter and deserves attention and subsequent action to firstly reinstate and then maintain the holiness of our fellowship.
As a follow-up to this discussion see "The Need to Withdraw from those who walk Disorderly".
Read more: Ecclesial Fellowship
- © The Christadelphian Magazine & Publishing Association, Birmingham.