02.41. A Circle of Fellowship
"A Circle of Fellowship"
We have pointed out the unity that existed among the New Testament Assemblies in doctrine and in practice and we have seen that no trace of the theory of independent Assemblies is found anywhere in Scripture. The principle of the unity of Assemblies is what God’s Word clearly teaches. This is sometimes spoken of as the truth of "a circle of fellowship." By this term is meant a circle of Assemblies holding the same truths, acting on the same divine principles, maintaining corporate responsibilities, and walking together in practical fellowship and unity with each other in order to carry out the principles which bind them together.
All the Scriptures hitherto considered relating to the common life and order of the Assemblies justify the thought and teaching of a circle of Assemblies. While the term is not found in Scripture, it expresses a truth clearly taught in the Word. Of course, such a circle of fellowship primarily includes all saints not Scripturally excluded, but in the present state of ruin and confusion in the professing Church the circle of actual fellowship of Assemblies must be reduced to those who are subject to the truth of God governing His Assembly.
If we have Scriptural authority for a single Assembly gathered in separation from what is contrary to God’s Word, which we surely have, we have a circle of fellowship locally, and this circle would properly include all Assemblies likewise Scripturally gathered elsewhere.
Necessary for Order and Discipline A circle of fellowship is a necessity and we must own it and the discipline connected with it if we would be free from the charge of independency. How else can the order and discipline established through the apostle Paul for God’s house, the Assembly, be carried out? On the same principle that we recognize a local company of believers gathered in separation from evil, we must recognize a general company of believers-a circle of gatherings. This is not forming a confederacy or setting up a central governing body. In owning a circle of gatherings we make no terms with each other, but simply seek to walk together in obedience to the Word of God. A circle of fellowship is a practical oneness of fellowship which the Spirit of God produces through obedience to the Scriptures. It is the only practical representation of the Body of Christ. The only alternative is to recognize independent Assemblies which would be a denial of the truth of the one body of all believers. Of independency another has well said: "The principle of independent Assemblies leads to latitudinarianism, which allows of every one’s will and tries no one’s conscience."
Unsectarian Fellowship By many a clamor and cry is raised against the teaching of a circle of fellowship as being sectarian and not of God. But if Christians everywhere are owned as members of the Body of Christ and received into communion wherever a Scriptural hindrance to their reception does not exist, and no sectarian name or certain teaching is adapted as a party badge, but saints are gathered simply to Christ’s name alone, such an Assembly of believers is not a party or sect though refusing independency and owning a circle of Assemblies with which they fellowship.
Another has well written: "The more we lament and refuse the sectarianism which exists, the more we are compelled, and shall rejoice to own the Body of Christ wherever possible. And this circle of fellowship, while it is not the body, furnishes us with the means of owning this in a truthful and holy way, so far as the state of ruin in which the Church exists permits it to be done. With love to all Christ’s own - with an open door for the reception of all according to the conditions of truth and holiness - such a circle is not sectarian, but a protest against it, while the meeting that refuses connection with it is sectarian in fullest reality" (F. W. Grant).
We are to recognize the whole Body of Christ, but not the unscriptural associations of believers. In the interests of the Body of Christ, we refuse denominations as not of God, but in the same interests we are bound to accept the circle of unsectarian fellowship. Every Christian has a right to the Lord’s Table in a certain way, but he may not in every case be entitled to sit at it: his ways, his associations, or his state of soul may hinder it, for it is the table of the holy and true One. The breaking of bread together at the Lord’s Table is the fullest expression of fellowship and fellowship means community of interests and of judgment. Where these do not exist true fellowship is impossible. We cannot fellowship with those who oppose and make war upon the principles which God has given for our guidance. Fellowship can only be extended by an Assembly in one locality to Assemblies in other localities which take up their privileges and act upon their responsibilities according to God’s Word while walking in holiness, truth, and unity.
We have discussed the truth of a circle of fellowship and have contended for it as a Scriptural precept. That those who have sought to hold and practice this principle have greatly failed and broken up into various circles is sadly admitted and gives cause for humiliation and confession before God. But this does not prove that the principle of a circle of fellowship is wrong. Man’s failure to maintain God’s truth does not change divine principles or excuse us from upholding or practicing them. It is rather a reason for humbling ourselves before God in identification with all the ruin and the failure of our fathers and ourselves and should cause us to seek His face for grace and strength to keep His Word and to walk aright.
Those who practice independency of Assemblies and label the teaching of the unity of Assemblies as that which causes divisions have not fared any better - perhaps worse. The baneful fruits of independency are clearly seen.