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First Christians—Loyal and True
31
Two Classes in the Church
There have ever been two classes among those who profess to
follow Christ. While one class study the Saviour’s life and earnestly
seek to correct their defects and conform to the Pattern, the other
class shun the plain, practical truths which expose their errors. Even
in her best state the church was not composed wholly of the true and
sincere. Judas was connected with the disciples, that through the
instruction and example of Christ he might be led to see his errors.
But by indulgence in sin he invited the temptations of Satan. He
became angry when his faults were reproved and thus was led to
betray his Master. See
Mark 14:10, 11
.
Ananias and Sapphira pretended to make an entire sacrifice for
God when covetously withholding a portion for themselves. The
Spirit of truth revealed to the apostles the real character of these
pretenders, and the judgments of God rid the church of the foul
blot upon its purity. See
Acts 5:1-11
. As persecution came upon
Christ’s followers, those only who were willing to forsake all for
truth desired to become His disciples. But as persecution ceased,
converts were added who were less sincere, and the way was open
for Satan to obtain a foothold.
When Christians consented to unite with those who were half
converted from paganism, Satan exulted. He then inspired them to
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persecute those who remained true to God. These apostate Chris-
tians, uniting with half-pagan companions, directed their warfare
against the most essential features of the doctrine of Christ. It re-
quired a desperate struggle to stand firm against deceptions and
abominations introduced into the church. The Bible was not ac-
cepted as the standard of faith. The doctrine of religious freedom
was termed heresy, and its upholders were proscribed.
After long conflict, the faithful saw that separation was an ab-
solute necessity. They dared not tolerate errors fatal to their own
souls and imperil the faith of their children and children’s children.
They felt that peace would be too dearly purchased at the sacrifice
of principle. If unity could be secured only by the compromise of
truth, then let there be difference, and even war.
The early Christians were indeed a peculiar people. Few in
numbers, without wealth, position, or honorary titles, they were