Ecumenism is in religious terms, differing denominations or religions putting aside their differences to work together on the things they agree upon. In theory, this sounds good. Why should we not come together as peoples of the world to fight world hunger, AIDS, or in aid when natural disasters strike somewhere? Basically, why can't we all just get along, and agree to disagree on some things? Why can't we work together for the common good of mankind? Well, the question we must answer is this: is our home and kingdom of this world, or is our citizenship in heaven?
What is the harm in joining together with Muslims or Mormons? What is the problem with yoking ourselves with liberal Christianity who deny the person of Christ in the bible, the Jesus of the bible, to serve those in need? Well, the problem lies in lending credibility to those false and apostate religions that hurt, deny or distort the cause of the gospel and Christ. What good does it do for an AIDS patient to live another 40 years, if they do not receive the truth about Jesus and die lost and go to hell? What good does it do to cure cancer, yet have that person hear a false gospel, and be deceived into receiving a sentence of eternal death? Does the bible tell us to be more focused on the here and now, or on eternity? What is more important for the person, receiving aid or a cure, life here on earth, or eternal life with God in heaven?
Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:8-11, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light(for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them." You see, any person or organization who denies Jesus Christ as God, as Lord and Savior of this world, as the only way to the Father and heaven, is in darkness. And no amount of good works can change that. While the decision is sure to bring ridicule and scorn, we must stand on the word of God, and as Christians remain focused on the the eternal soul, and not just the life here on earth.
Does this mean we are not to offer aid to those in need? Of course not, but what we must do is join together with those of a like mind regarding Jesus, the gospel, salvation, to work together to not only meet needs here on earth, but also the spiritual need of the path to eternal life through Jesus alone. We can disagree on many things, but we cannot disagree on who Jesus is. And you know what, this should not be difficult. Experts estimate that their are around 1 billion people on earth who proclaim the Jesus of the bible. Folks, that's plenty of people we can claim as brothers in Christ to serve those in need, but also present the life saving message of the gospel. You see, good works apart from the good news, is meaningless in the grand picture of eternity. The biblical salvation of a person is to be the top priority of the church. As Jesus said, "man does not live by bread alone." Without the spiritual manna from heaven, death will surely come. And not just physical death, but eternal spiritual death.
The mission of the church is not to cure disease, or win elections. It is not to just give those in need food for their bellies, but food for their souls. Our mission is to win the lost and instruct them in the ways of God so that they can become disciples who also make disciples. How can we accomplish this biblical mission by joining together with darkness, those who deny Jesus Christ?
So can we have ecumenism? Yes, to a certain extent. As a Baptist, I can join to together with any Christian denomination that preaches and proclaims, follows and fosters fellowship with the Jesus of the bible. And that is a large number of fellow servants here on earth to team up with. But as one who believes in the literal word of God, I cannot in sound faith join together with those who deny Christ, and practice darkness. To do so is to empower Satan, and his message that leads to eternal destruction.
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