The soul-searching question which has prevailed upon my heart from the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic is in connection with the instructions and recommendations proposed by the various governing bodies in the U.K. and elsewhere in the world. It is not so much whether there have been degrees of wisdom expended in their discussions, but the failure of believers to look away from the foolishness of the "wisdom of this world," i.e "mans' wisdom, and to look to the Lord Jesus for His wisdom; "who has been made to us wisdom from God." 1 Corinthians 1:10,20.
When do we begin to say "if it be righteous before God to listen to you rather than to God, judge ye." Please notice this was addressed by believers to the "powers that be" appointed by God at that time. In addition, Peter stated, "God must be obeyed rather than men." Acts 4:19; 5:29. These expressions were used in the earliest days of the Assembly, while a pristine state prevailed far more than today.
I have read the various counter-arguments to my submission here, but although biblical quotations they have lacked any authority when compared with the above Scriptures. The scriptures quoted by those who seek to dilute the practices of the Assembly gatherings have the divine command in the right context and situations that prevail, for we believers must be "subject to the authorities that are above us."Romans 13:1. [incidentaly this is the only scripture that seems to be quoted by those who hold the different view referred to]. But as forceful are the words of Peter, "Be in subjection to[therefore] to every human institution for the Lords' sake; while Paul exhorts Titus to "put them in mind to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient to rule; and not neglecting the apostles' exhortation to Timothy, "I exhort therefore, first of all, that ...prayers...be made ...for kings." These are each and all verily the Word of God! 1 Peter 2:13; Titus 3:1; 1Timothy 2:1. I dare not diminish their divine origin, perfect compositions of the Holy Spirit Himself. But when these scriptures are used in collision with other scriptures by the failure to see them in the light of the entire subject, what is the outcome here in dealing with the State's interference in the worship and service of Christ's Assembly? We are "rendering unto Caeser what is Caeser's," and far more than is his due, and without hesitation, while we fail to "render to God the things that are God's."
I say with the utmost respect and sincere love for my fellow believers in the Lord Jesus, that some of the suggestions as to how we "break bread" are almost farcical, being a caricature of what the Saviour longed for in instituting this "feast of love divine," and nothing resembling the direct revelation received by the apostle Paul as to its celebration.
Matthew 26:26-50; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.
