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W.H. Griffith Thomas
William Henry Griffith Thomas (1861–1924). Born on January 2, 1861, in Oswestry, Shropshire, England, W.H. Griffith Thomas was an Anglican clergyman, scholar, and author influential in evangelical theology. Orphaned young, he worked as a clerk before studying at King’s College London and Christ Church, Oxford, earning a BA in 1895 and a DD in 1906. Ordained in 1885, he served as a curate in London and vicar of St. Paul’s, Portman Square, gaining renown for expository preaching. A key figure in the Keswick Convention, he emphasized holiness and biblical authority. In 1905, he became principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, training clergy, and in 1910, he moved to Canada to teach at Wycliffe College, Toronto. Co-founding Dallas Theological Seminary in 1919, he shaped its dispensationalist ethos. His books, like The Principles of Theology and The Catholic Faith, clarified Anglican doctrine. Married to Alice Monk, he had one daughter and died on June 2, 1924, in Philadelphia. Thomas said, “The Bible is not merely a book to be read, but a voice to be obeyed.”
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W.H. Griffith Thomas emphasizes the importance of unity among Christians, highlighting the strength that comes from being joined together in love. He warns against the dangers of disunion, as it can weaken the cause of Christ and provide an opening for the enemy to attack. Thomas stresses that love is the key to binding Christians together, even if they have differences in beliefs or practices, as God's love unites us to Him and to one another.
Christians United in Love
"That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding..." (Col. 2:2). He prayed that these Christians might be joined together, knit together, and kept together. Solitary Christians are apt to be weak Christians, for in this sphere as in all others "union is strength." If Christian people are not truly knit together, the cause of Christ may suffer, for through the severances caused by division the enemy can keep thrusting his darts which must be parried alone. That is why the apostle elsewhere urges believers earnestly to strive "to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3). One of the greatest powers that Satan wields today is due to disunion among the genuine people of God. It is true alike of the Christian home, congregation, and denomination that this wedge of discord can become one of the enemy's most powerful weapons. On the other hand, where the brethren are able to "dwell together in unity," there the Lord commands His blessing (Ps. 13 3:3). This unity, however, is only possible "in love." It is the love of God to us that unites us to Him and it will be the love of God in us that unites us to our brethren. Indeed, there is no power like love to bind Christians together. We may not see eye to eye on all aspects of the truth we hold; we may not all use the same methods of worship and service; but if we love one another God dwells in us and among us, and He can add His own seal of blessing to the work done for Him. Let every evangelical Christian be fully assured that, in so far as he is striving, praying, and laboring for the union of God's people in love, he will be doing one of the most influential and blessed pieces of work for his Master and, at the same time, one of the greatest possible pieces of disservice to the kingdom of Satan. Contrariwise, the Christian man or Christian church practicing separateness and exclusiveness because of non-essential differences of opinion or policy is one of the best allies of Satan and one of his most effective workers.
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William Henry Griffith Thomas (1861–1924). Born on January 2, 1861, in Oswestry, Shropshire, England, W.H. Griffith Thomas was an Anglican clergyman, scholar, and author influential in evangelical theology. Orphaned young, he worked as a clerk before studying at King’s College London and Christ Church, Oxford, earning a BA in 1895 and a DD in 1906. Ordained in 1885, he served as a curate in London and vicar of St. Paul’s, Portman Square, gaining renown for expository preaching. A key figure in the Keswick Convention, he emphasized holiness and biblical authority. In 1905, he became principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, training clergy, and in 1910, he moved to Canada to teach at Wycliffe College, Toronto. Co-founding Dallas Theological Seminary in 1919, he shaped its dispensationalist ethos. His books, like The Principles of Theology and The Catholic Faith, clarified Anglican doctrine. Married to Alice Monk, he had one daughter and died on June 2, 1924, in Philadelphia. Thomas said, “The Bible is not merely a book to be read, but a voice to be obeyed.”