Oh, how close to Christian unity. How close you must believe (or at the least hope) that you are to this reality in order to pen these words,
“In order that, after the removal and correction of such things as have been treated and understood in a different manner in the writings on either side, these matters may be settled and brought back to one simple truth and Christian concord, that for the future one pure and true religion may be embraced and maintained by us, that as we all are under one Christ and do battle under Him, so we may be able also to live in unity and concord in the one Christian Church.”
Mela
nchthon believed that if the two sides (Rome and the Reformers) would just discuss their differences in a Christian manner either at Augsburg or at a General Council, something wonderful could happen. The church could go to battle as one with Christ as the general.
From where we sit, this dream seems so far away, I doubt many truly believe it can happen. Oh the modern day ecumenical movement tried to rescue this dream from the realms of sleepy heads by simply passionately proclaiming it reality. Yet, every time they try to do anything that requires teaching or proclamation, it is so dreadfully evident that the one thing stopping the success of this movement is the utter lack of unity in doctrine in the Christian church. If a general council were called today, the items listed on its agenda would be so many that one could hardly digest the agenda, let alone the actual content of the Council.
In every sense, it is sad that we in the LCMS must fight for unity within our own denomination. But I suppose the effort must have its beginning. But we must remember that once unity exists in our midst (may God grant us this gift), the dream has only begun.
While the dream seems to be so fully trapped beneath weary eyelids, it is a dream that must continue to haunt us, humble us, and hoist us towards the goal which Christ has called us. For it is a dream placed in our hearts by the One who wishes to gather all people under His wings.
Psalm 133:1-3 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.
