1.05.2008

Frame on the difference of church and denominations

The difference between the church and the denominations is indicated by this fact: that the birth of a denomination is always attended by sin, but the birth of the church was attended by rejoicing among the angels of heaven. (Evangelical Reunion, pg. 38)

7 comments:

Jason Nota said...

Like that. True too!

Anonymous said...

Depends what he means by 'attended by sin'. If it just means that sinners are involved, then of course. But it seems a bit wrong to describe, for example, the formation of the Church of Scotland (following centuries of spiritual darkness under Roman Catholicism) as sinful in some way.

James McCullough said...

I see what you mean Stephen but this quote really imply that all splits are a sin on behalf of the party which leaves? I think rather it must mean that a split is always a result of sin which can either be the sin of the part of the church which breaks away or as in the case of the Scottish Reformation and the Reformation throughout Europe a result of the sin of the initial body which then requires a split to preserve the truth.

James McCullough said...

Sorry the first sentence should read "but does this quote really imply..." rather than "but this quote...". My apologies.

Robbie Schmidtberger said...

James got it. While Luther and Calvin did not sin in standing on Biblical truth, it was certainly a sin for the Medieval Catholic church not to. So the reformation was attended by sin.

There is a biblical doctrine of separation... we are to be separate from false prophets and anti-christs.

Jason Nota said...

Maybe I should read the book before I start putting my 2 cents in.

Robbie Schmidtberger said...

Frame's book is, so far, excellent. I am constantly please by his clarity and scholarship. This work is more of a Bible study, he is questioning the validity of denominations, yet remaining fiercely committed to his convictions. Frame is a professor at RTS Orlando, and is in the Presbyterian Church of America (PCA). You can listen to his lectures on itunesU, and read multiple chapters of his works on his website (see my links).

Ill keep the quotes and gems coming. And I'll throw a flag up if there is a need.