on the right lines

October 2004 index

At the time of writing news has reached us of a devastating fire in a Paraguayan supermarket resulting in the tragic deaths of more than 400 people. Along with the massive grief caused by this very preventable tragedy come memories of my time in that country. I remember the difference between the ‘supers’ there and those on visits to Britain. The Paraguayan ones were sparsely stocked. Usually there was only one brand available and that went quickly. By contrast in Britain the choice of products and brands was bewildering. Sadly one soon becomes used to this huge range. 

Basis of the Society Article 6

Belief that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only Priest and Mediator between God and man, and that the direct access of the soul to God is through His precious Blood without the intervention of any sacrificial priesthood.

 

 

Choice is a buzzword in the UK today, with promises that we may choose everything from service providers to schools. This attitude has infected the religious scene as well and claims for exclusive allegiance are viewed with suspicion at best, and often hostility. I am not only referring to the majority non-Christian population but also to many ‘Christians’. In 2002 a Church of England survey* found that only 51% of clergy could affirm without question that Jesus Christ is the only way to be saved. This is the context in which the principles of Article 6 still apply. Like the previous Article it refers to the uniqueness of Christ in salvation. There is only one way: “No one comes to the Father except by me” (John 14:6). No other intervention is needed. We need no gurus or mediums or special priests because the blood of Jesus poured out once for all gives us all we need to have direct and confident access to God. 

The implications for mission are simple but unpopular: 

  • No one else can give us access to the Father so we must refute anyone or anything that purports to fulfil this role.

  • We must affirm the role of all Christians – lay or ordained, men and women, young and old – in carrying out God’s mission in his world. 

  • To know the Father, all need Christ; and yet 70% of the world does not know him.

So we must pray for more labourers. There are many openings for Crosslinks to place workers. 

Serbian Orthodox screen which divides the sanctuary and priest from a passive, spectator congregation.

Note: The Basis of the Society, originally written when BCMS (now Crosslinks) was founded is still the Basis of Crosslinks. However, a modernised ‘Statement of Faith’ was adopted by the Annual Meeting of Members on 19th April 1986 to run alongside the Basis. If you would like to consider becoming a Crosslinks member you can see the Basis of the Society and Statement of Faith online or send for a copy by contacting Suzy Wakefield on 020 8691 6111.

 

* “Believe it or not – What Church of England clergy actually believe” (Christian Research)

Copies are available from FiF UK at a cost of 50 pence each plus postage.

 

Crosslinks magazine October 2004 index