Tolerance vs. Intolerance — {i.e. “security vs. insecurity”}
Unfortunately, Pastor Furse has had a few pastors break off fellowship with him, and he has been denied fellowship in other groups, simply because of his disagreement with their unprovable “doctrine of imminency”. Sadly, many today have deemed sound men of God as “heretics”, simply for not adhering to their “Pre-Trib” position! What they think can be found in the Scriptures, is really just a theory that is found mainly in the notes, commentaries, and systematic theologies— of mere, mortal men!
“I can’t speak for others, but I have never had a ministry relationship with a preacher who denies the Pre-tribulation Rapture, and I have no intention of having such a relationship today… I consider this a very important doctrine, and if a man does not hold to it, I will not preach at his church, I will not preach together with him in a conference, I will not participate in the ordination of such a man, I will not allow such a man to preach in our church, and I will not recommend that anyone join his church…” [1] (David Cloud – February 2020)
Compare David Cloud’s attitude [above] with these godly men [below]…
“… I consider this [the timing of Rapture] to be peripheral theology—what binds the body of Christ together is NOT when Jesus is coming again—what binds the body of Christ together is THAT He is coming again. And, that we are supposed to be His witnesses until He arrives… Ministers… should not be penalized for taking, in the minds of some, an unpopular position…” [2] (Dr. Walter Martin)
Just a little over a century ago, Baptist brethren did not consider Eschatology to be a major question of fellowship!
Baptist Brethren & Authors = J.M. Carroll & B.H. Carroll
“I know of no part of the Word of God, except that relating to the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ, of greater interest to the Bible student. In discussing this great prophecy [Olivet Discourse – Matthew 24-25; Mark 13; Luke 21] I know that I shall, in my interpretations, run counter to the views of many good brethren, but not upon a point which raises a question of fellowship. Always among the Baptists, and indeed other denominations, variant views as to the final advent of our Lord have not been allowed to raise a question of fellowship. A man may be an unquestioned member of the church, whether he be premillennialist or post-millennialist.” [3] (B. H. Carroll)
Of course, B.H. Carroll wrote the above in 1913. He’d be astounded at the division, and non-fellowship, amongst the Baptists, and other denominations, today! What changed all of this? …The advent of the Scofield Reference Bible, and the permeation of Dispensational-Pre-Tribulation-Eschatology within our seminaries, pulpits, and churches, over the last one hundred years.
Today, it is easier for an immoral, scandal-ridden leader to maintain fellowship and social status within the denominational circles of their churches and pastor friends— than it is for a moral, upright, and godly man, who just so happens to believe in a different Eschatology than the majority!
Sad times we are in, for sure!
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! …Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!”
~ Isaiah 5:20-21,23
“He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.”
~ Proverbs 17:15
[1] https://www.wayoflife.org/reports/fundamental_doctrine_of_the_pre-tribulatino_rapture.php (Cloud – Fundamental Doctrine of the Pre-Trib Rapture)
[2] The Tribulation and the Rapture – Dr. Walter Martin (Historic Premillennial) [first 3 minutes]
[3] An Interpretation of the English Bible Four Gospels-part 2 [p 260] Baker
