8. Gospel: it is not the diverse views but denying the unity of the community

WESLEY:

But there seems to be one considerable objection against the supposing heresy and schism to mean the same thing. It is said in 2 Peter 2. It takes the word Heresies in a quite different sense. His words are, (verse 1,) "There shall be among you false teachers, who will bring in damnable," or destructive, "heresies, denying the Lord that bought them." It does by no means appear that St. Peter here takes the word Heresies in any other sense that St. Paul does. Even in this passage it does not appear to have any reference to opinions, good or bad. Rather it means, They will "bring in" or occasion, destructive parties or sects, (so it is rendered in the common French translation,) who "deny the Lord that bought them:" Such sects now swarm throughout the Christian world.

PRAYER:

Psalm 133:1-3 - How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!... Yes, that’s where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life.

REFLECTION:

The wisdom of Wesley shines with his observation of “sects who deny” the Lord’s plan for diversity. Pause and digest Peter’s words “the Lord that bought them”.  Wesley is asking everyone to be careful with labeling any one’s view as “heresy” – when they are just expressing their conscience. You ask what about being true to the Scriptures. Consider, we know each other,   We have praised, worshiped, served and prayed side-by-side.  We are a community that “gets along” reflecting God’s glory when we avoid classifying sects within our community.  Thank you God for raising these differences among us.   That in getting along, in spite of our differences, we may bring glory to you Lord.

NEXT: 9. Justifying “schism” has been employed to little purpose