Scarcely had the voice of inspiration become silent in the Church, than we hear the voice of the new teachers crying loudly and earnestly for the highest honors to be paid to the Bishop and a supreme place being given to him (specially Ignatius in AD 107).
“Apostolical Fathers” were formed quickly. Clement having been made Pope in about A.D. 88, martyred in about A.D. 97, Polycarp, and Ignatius were the immediate followers of the inspired Apostles. Ignatius introduced the word Catholic.
They had listened to the Apostles, to their instructions, labored with them in the gospel, and probably had been familiarly acquainted with them.
But, notwithstanding the high privileges which they enjoyed as scholars of the Apostles, they very soon departed from the doctrines which had been committed to them, specially as to Church government.
They seemed to have completely forgotten, judging from the epistles which bear their names, the great New Testament truth of the Presence of the Lord Jesus in, and as Head of the assembly.
From the 2nd Century, when the “Dark Ages” began, no doubt there were bright lights which shone in the darkness, such as Bernard of Clairvaux (1090? – 1153). “His holiness, intellect, and eloquence, made him one of the most powerful figures of his day. His writings exerted a profound influence on spirituality of his time.” How often we’ve enjoyed singing his Hymn, No. 119 in our L.F. Hymn Book ... “O Head once full of... .”
But darkness continued throughout the Western world until the Reformation burst out in A.D. 1517, when it was revealed to Martin Luther that justification was not by works, but by grace. The Roman Catholic Church was rocked to its foundations. The free Gospel through Christ’s finished work, brought myriads to salvation.
Once more Satan entered, and though the truth of salvation was faithfully preached, there was absolutely no restoration of the vital truth and doctrine of the Assembly proclaimed.
But what resulted? The formation of many different denominations. From then to today, there has been a steady proliferation of doctrinal ideas of men, world-wide.
The Reformation brought much evangelical activity which continued for a long time.
Then in the 1830’s, a stirring of the Holy Spirit started among ministers around Dublin, Ireland, studying prophecy [Gathered Treasure comment: perhaps referring to the meetings held at the Powerscourt House.]. But quickly their conscience was stirred as to everything being through man’s organization, which led to calling only on the Lord as to how they should gather. So in 1832 [Gathered Treasure comment: The date is questionable but does not affect the intent of N. B.’s account. 1827 seems to be accepted for Dublin, the apparent location of the movement’s original force.] a few followed the Scriptures and met around a table with a loaf of bread and a glass of wine. What peace and joy filled their heart by this utmost simplicity.
The Spirit worked in many similarly and so they were drawn into one fellowship—truth of I Cor. 5, the unity of the Spirit on the ground of the one body with no other Name than the Lord’s, spread rapidly.
But the enemy again attacked. Sixteen years later, (1848), in the English City of Plymouth, a brother began teaching evil doctrine concerning Christ’s Person. This caused grave concern elsewhere. Some from that Assembly visited a nearby Assembly, (Bristol), wishing to break bread there.
The question arose, should they be received. Opinions were divided as to whether breaking bread with these brethren holding evil doctrine, contaminated a person, even though he himself didn’t hold this doctrine.
This vital point caused the first rift among these happy brethren. Those who felt fellowship at the Lord’s Table with those holding that teaching were not contaminated, later became known as the “Open brethren.”
Later, a number of further divisions took place. (Details may be obtained elsewhere). This went on till 1926, when an even worse condition started. These many groups, with the unjudged evils which had originally precipitated a separation, began to amalgamate. This is still continuing.
Is there still one Scriptural position to be found?
Scripture answers—I Cor. 11:26 “Till He come.” Yes.
