COMMENTARY

Don Atkin

HOLD ONTO THE BABY!

Yes, there is a lot of bath water that needs to be thrown out as we continue to be washed by the water of the Word! But, we need to be careful to not throw out the baby with the bath water.

The current move toward a more relational form of Christianity is a move in the right direction, necessary for the church to grow up and fulfill our destiny in God’s purpose.

There is no problem with giving up (washing away) unbiblical distinctives, such as:

Institutional/denominational structures

Hierarchal authority structures

Program/entertainment based emphasis

Etc.

However, there is a problem when we wash away biblically legitimate truths about:

Being set in the body by God (I Corinthians 12:18)

Not neglecting gathering for fellowship (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24-25)

Elders/Deacons (I Timothy 3:1-13; 5:17)

Fivefold Ministry Gifts (Ephesians 4:11)

Legitimate Spiritual Authority (Hebrews 13:17)

Etc.

We will not, cannot, come into the fulness of God’s Divine Intention so long as we remain mere self-serving and independent individuals who have not been formed into a family, body, army, bride. God has no ultimate plan for individuals. Our maturity and purpose will be discovered within the context of an honest, Spirit-directed growing up in all aspects into a mature man. (Ephesians 4:13).

Creation cries for the manifestation of the sons of God (Romans 8:19) who will move governmentally to bring His kingdom and will on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).

Don’t throw out the baby with the bath water!

Keep the pendulum swinging within proper boundaries and balance.