Biblical Separation Defended - Far Eastern Bible College

state positively upon what verse or verses he has arrived at hisconclusion; however, Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, that ye be not judged,”and its immediate context is most likely the bulwark upon which hiscase rests. This verse during recent years has been the one cast into theteeth of countless separatists as the verse which condemns them fordenouncing the modernists for their unbelief.Despite Dr. Ferm’s remark concerning proof texts used by theseparatists, in which he declares, “It is evident that such verses are not tobe found in great abundance, for the same few are used repeatedly,” 4 itis realized by the writer of this study that if this single text, or any singletext, stands upon a sound textual basis and teaches a doctrine,admonition, or fact clearly and plainly in the light of sound historicalgrammatical and contextual exegetical interpretation, then that teachingmust stand regardless if no other verse in the Bible reiterates its preciseemphasis.Dr. Ferm’s words, “. . . to sit in judgment on other Christians[italics mine],” would indicate that he has concluded the known andoutspoken liberals, who are the target of the judging of which he speaks,to be in the company of those called “Christians.” 5 Their being such inname cannot be denied, but their unbelief in the essential historicdoctrines would remove them from the category of “other,” i.e., fellow,“Christians,” and more accurately place them in an ethical societywhich, while rejecting the historic truths of Scripture, claims to acceptmany of its moral admonitions.Dr. Ferm has also obviously concluded that a local committeecannot possibly decide which churches desiring to participate in a largecrusade are sound and which are unsound; and that the evangelist canwith good conscience send those who have come forward to anyparticipating church, even if it be liberal, depending on the Holy Spiritto take care of the one who inquired about his soul.Thus Dr. Ferm has concluded that judging the doctrinal orthodoxyof men and churches is forbidden, impossible under city-wide crusadecircumstances, and unnecessary!He has also concluded that any minister, including a known liberalwho teaches unbelief from his pulpit, by the mere virtue of his53