Ecumenical movements desire unity based on similarities. They long to emphasize their similarities and ignore their differences. They want to focus on the good others are doing and forget about what's deficient (which may not scripturally be done; Jas. 2:9-12). They are built on the idea that since we all believe in one God, Jesus as the Son of God, and that the Bible teaches that there is one body (church), we should have fellowship together on that basis, and not worry about our differences.

However, the truth is: Jesus Christ the Son of God and Satan himself have similarities (i.e. both spiritual beings; both involved with the souls of mankind; etc.)! Can you imagine the Lord and the Devil agreeing to join hands because of their similarities (an idea the evil one would love)? The fact of the matter is, it's their differences that cause them to be at odds with one another. Opponents cannot ignore their differences without being hypocrites. It is also the discrepancies between the faithful and the disobedient which separate them from one another as well (Eph. 5:6-11; I P. 2:5-9).

The only time there can be a scriptural ecumenical movement is when everyone agrees upon Amos 3:3. If everyone followed only the word of God, there wouldn't be any dissimilarities, and different groups (I Cor. 1:10). Nor would it be necessary for all the diverse entities within the ecumenical movement to claim one body. One body, reigned by one head does not "walk" in different directions!

It is imperative for the sake of our souls, that the children of the Most High desire friendship with Him more than friendship with the world (Jn. 15:14: Jas. 4:4; I Jn. 2:15-17). We must also know where the line is to be drawn (I Jn. 2:3-4; 3:7-10).

Jeffrey H Belknap