Christadelphian Unamended Resolution of Ecclesias

(Proposed)

We hereby resolve to abide by the spirit and truth of the Christadelphian Unamended Statement of Faith as our exclusive basis for inter-ecclesial fellowship. It is our conviction that this Statement is sound in its Scriptural affirmations and doctrines to be rejected, and that any other Statements are either departures from the One Faith or unnecessary modifications. We are fully satisfied that the findings and conclusions of the Continental Reunion Committees, both Amended and Unamended, of the past decade are accurate and correct in determining that insoluble and vital differences in doctrine make it unfeasible and unworkable for mutual fellowship to be developed or maintained between the two groups. In declaring our exclusive basis it is implicit that the Amended Statement of Faith is not acceptable for use or acquiescence, nor are the members of the Amended fellowship suitable as to their doctrines to be fellowshipped in our meeting. This fellowship extends to cooperative speakers taking part in our meeting or fraternal meetings with other Unamended ecclesias. The esteem we have for truth and unity and for our mutual brethren is to take precedence over personal interests in the Amended community. We hold no animosity toward the Amended, but recognize the necessity, as do most of them, of preserving our beliefs in singleness of thought and clear, forthright declaration.

We affirm and resolve to proclaim, (1) that all mankind is alienated from God by birth as a result of the condemnation inherited from Adam and Eve (Rom. 5:12), (2) that this Adamic condemnation, or sentence of eternal death, is removed at one's baptism (Rom. 8:1-2) as are one's personal sins committed prior to baptism, (3) that resurrection is an adjunct of the everlasting or Abrahamic covenant, (4) that previous to baptism one does not have any relation to Christ or resurrection—that we are not to teach our children that they may be subject to resurrection without baptism, (5) that Christ was born into the Adamic family, inheriting the same condemnation common to all mankind, and (6) that Christ's sacrificial death was necessary to redeem himself as well as others. We categorically reject and deplore the notion that enlightenment, as opposed to baptism, is either a means or the means of achieving resurrection to Christ's judgment seat or any other judgment.

The purpose of this resolution is to bring together in true unity those who genuinely affirm the Christadelphian Unamended Statement of Faith as their exclusive basis of belief and fellowship. Those desiring alternative Statements of Faith declare by their striving that the Unamended Statement is either incomplete or erroneous. Those who insist on reunion pursuits with the Amended do not come under the spirit of this resolution. The position of this resolution is that any reunion is to be solely on the Unamended Statement of Faith and a rejection of the "enlightened rejector theory." The spirit of this resolution is to encourage an affirmation to continue in the beliefs and traditions of our brethren of 100 years ago. We are not in doubt as to what they believed, nor do we believe that Truth changes and needs amending. Therefore, those who desire dual fellowship with the Amended or some other segment of the Christadelphians or Abrahamic Faith people are not in agreement with the spirit of this resolution.

We break bread on the basis of honoring and upholding the truths of Scripture as enunciated in the Christadelphian Unamended Statement of Faith exclusively and desire to have fellowship with others sharing the same doctrinal beliefs and who are willing to recognize error and take a stand against it. We encourage other ecclesias to declare this resolution as their position so that we may have peace and unity in our pursuit of truth and the coming Kingdom.

Ecclesias, conferences, foundations, operations, Bible Schools and individuals not willing to affirm their unyielding fidelity to the Christadelphian Unamended Statement of Faith are, by such unwillingness, not in agreement with the Unamended body. Those engaged in promoting dual fellowship practices, by which much discord is sown, will be asked to discontinue such practices if they are to be included in the spirit of this resolution.

Dated: September 16, 1987

[As published in The Sanctuary-Keeper, October 1987]