Biblical Separation Defended - Far Eastern Bible College

Discipline, to the Protestant Fathers, was as much a mark ofthe Church as the preaching of the Word and the administrationof the Sacraments. But we know very little about discipline. It isthe result of this flabby, sentimental notion that you must notjudge, and which asks, “Who are you to express judgement?”But the Scripture exhorts us to do so.This question of judging applies, also, in the matter ofdoctrine. Here is this question of false prophets to which ourLord calls attention. We are supposed to detect them and to avoidthem. But that is impossible without a knowledge of doctrine,and the exercise of that knowledge in judgement. . . . In writingto Titus he [Paul] says, “A man that is an heretic after the firstand second admonition reject.” How do you know whether a manis a heretic or not if your view is that, as long as a man callshimself a Christian, he must be a Christian, and you do not carewhat he believes? Then go on to John’s epistles, John “theapostle of love.” . . . If a man comes to you who does not holdthe true doctrine, you must not receive him into your house, youmust not bid him God speed and provide him with money topreach his false doctrine. But today it would be said that that is alack of charity, that it is being over-punctilious and censorious.This modern idea, however, is a direct contradiction of theScripture teaching with regard to judging. 8Thus it is seen that the Lord did not forbid the evaluating of thedoctrinal orthodoxy of men and churches, but by such admonition as,“Beware of false prophets” (Matt. 7:15), there is laid down an absolutebiblical imperative for such evaluation of those who would callthemselves “prophets.” Thus Dr. Ferm’s interpretation of the Scripturalcommand of the Lord in relation to judging is incorrect, and has beenthought to have been incorrect by Protestant commentators from Calvinto Lloyd-Jones.Furthermore, when Christ commanded Peter in John 21:15, “Feedmy lambs,” He implied the universal duty of all Christians, who inGod’s providence obtain positions in which they have a part inproviding for younger Christians, to do everything possible for thespiritual health and welfare of Christ’s lambs. This assuredly includesthe concept of protection. If the evangelist who by the Holy Spirit leadsthe lambs into either a saving knowledge of Christ or into a desire of56