A coalition of 150 Catholic, Orthodox and evangelical leaders, united "as Christians", are calling for everyone to take a stand against abortion, same-sex marriage and anything that betrays their religious beliefs. On November 20th, a 4,700-word document called the Manhattan Declaration: A Call of Christian Conscience was released ( http://manhattandeclaration.org/ ) . The document was drafted by Chuck Colson and Princeton University professor Robert P. George, a Roman Catholic. This is clearly another attempt to bring ecumenical unity to all of professing Christianity and blur the lines that separate apostates from true Christians.
Why are evangelicals putting their signatures on another accord drafted
by Colson, who has stated that the following differences should not
divide Catholics and Evangelicals as "brothers and sisters in Christ" -
baptismal regeneration, the Eucharist, sacramental grace, justification
by works, purgatory, indulgences, the role of Mary and the saints in
salvation, and salvation for those not evangelized? (1997 ECT II).
Many of the signers of Colson's Evangelicals and Catholics Together Accord have given their name to this accord as well. Purposefully, the Gospel is never defined, explained or presented in the Manhattan Declaration. This is because of the contradictory and opposing views on the issue of justification and salvation that are held by the signatories. The implication throughout the document is that Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant Evangelicals share a common faith. There is nothing that could be further from the truth. Evangelicals and Catholics submit to a different authority, read a different Bible, worship a different Jesus, believe a different Gospel, have a different view of sin, declare a different order of salvation and are on a different path to eternity. Furthermore we disagree on the necessity, sufficiency and efficacy of our Lord Jesus Christ in the salvation of sinners. There can be never be unity between true Christianity and apostate or counterfeit Christianity, between believers and unbelievers or between light and darkness (2 Cor. 6:14-18). The apostle Paul never signed unity accords with people who perverted the Gospel of Jesus Christ; he condemned them with anathema (Gal. 1:6-9). It was Paul's great fear that, just as the serpent deceived Eve, we would put up with counterfeit Christians who preach another Jesus and another gospel (2 Cor. 11:4). He warned us that these false apostles and deceitful workers, who disguise themselves as our brothers in Christ, would corrupt our minds and lead us astray (2 Cor. 11:13).
Whereas it is good to unite as co-belligerents with a united voice to fight moral and political issues, any accord that attempts to overlook, dismiss, nullify or compromise the Gospel is antithetical to the command for all Christians to earnestly contend for the faith. We can never deny the profound importance of protecting the life of every baby and the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman. We must earnestly contend against those who seek to destroy both. However, we must remember that this is a spiritual battle which can only be won through fervent prayer and the proclamation of the true Gospel, a Gospel that is denied by every Catholic priest when he offers the Eucharistic Christ upon his altar for the forgiveness of sins. If Evangelicals must put their names on accords, why not draft our own accord that, first and foremost starts with a God-honoring, Christ-exalting unity in the one and only Gospel of grace?
Charles Spurgeon said "To pursue union at the expense of truth is treason to the Lord Jesus". Since we have been sanctified by the truth, we must remain separate for God's glory and purpose. Let us pray to our sovereign Lord, proclaim His glorious Gospel and contend earnestly for the faith.
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