Dear Bro John,
I would like to add some additional comments with respect to the article on the “Hope, Resurrection” in The Tidings February 2016 issue.
The central subject of this article is the resurrection — clearly, a first principle subject. The subject is resurrection, but some confusion is introduced by a listing of resurrections as recorded in the Scriptures; all of which, other than that of our Lord, resulted in a returning to corruption. These should not to be confused with the “resurrection at the last day” of which we all have a particular and vital interest (John 10:27-28), hoping to be participants in a successful outcome.
Bro L. G. Sargent, editor of “The Christadelphian” once wrote:
“The real question is not simply, “Who will be raised to judgment, and how and when?” It is, “What is the basis of relationship to God which renders men subject to judgment?” One view, that has led to continued controversy, was a legal interpretation of man’s relationship to God, which stated that only those in the covenant relationship would be raised for judgment, and discussion has centered on the consequence rather than on the principle which led to it.”
To write about resurrection and not address, in a doctrinal section of the magazine, the subject of the basis of resurrection, and the subject of judgment is to water down the purpose of the magazine.
I have lived all my 49 years in the Truth within a divided community in North America. I spent several years serving on the Pacific Coast Amended Reunion Committee. We are blessed with a successful effort on the Pacific Coast and pray that other efforts are likewise successful. However, for that to happen there must be clarity on what are clearly first principle subjects.
Our desire is to be in fellowship with God and His Son and to be part of that united community that is patiently waiting the return of the Master to establish his kingdom. We begin to realize our hope of eternal life when we are called to His Truth through the teachings of the Scriptures, and God’s calling to us to repent and submit to His will.
After a long time of separation, it is reasonable that assurances be provided between brethren, to put to rest any residual concerns and to dispel any myths that may have developed over time. This was true in the UK with the Final Statement, in Australia with the Carter Cooper Addendum and on the West Coast. In writing about the California unity effort, The Christadelphian Magazine, after a visit by three representatives of the CMPA to Pasadena, recorded this:
“The letter of assurance from the Unamended brethren which accompanies the proposals and will form a permanent part of any reunion agreement states that ‘We believe that God holds a person liable to resurrectional judgement based upon his knowledge and understanding of God’s revealed will when his circumstances are such as to leave him without excuse’.”1
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