BIBLICAL BRIEFS 67
The word “sect” comes from the Latin word ‘seco’, “to cut off, to separate”. One could call it a closed belief system – no new influences or different teachings which stand against the group’s conviction can be accommodated. A closed system, which cannot produce life in itself, however brings forth death – we know this from the geography of the Dead Sea. Over the years, we have loaded the term “sect” with the wrong meaning. OUR and OUR beliefs are elevated as the norm, and all other groups, which may differ (from this), are branded as sects. Everyone is a sect in the eyes of the group with whom they differ from, because they have separated themselves. However, a belief system can never be a closed system, because revelation to the ecclesia is always unfolding in nature. Daniel prophesied that knowledge will increase at the end of time (12: 4). Isaiah spelled out the following in regards to the end of times, “For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea” (Isa. 11: 9). Therefore 2Pet. 1:15 (KJV) asks: “be established in the present truth”. For this reason, we have to continually adjust our understanding of the Truth in the light of new revelation, as the “present truths” are being revealed. We need to be quick in adapting our understanding whenever the Holy Spirit convinces us of the truth. The truth, however, is not our interpretation of truth according to doctrine(s) – Truth is a Person – His Name is Christ Jesus. Therefore, we will alas never be united through doctrines – we all know in part (1Cor. 13:12), and can only have unity through our common/shared faith in Him (John 17:21). But everybody must constantly test what he believes and examine the Scriptures in the light thereof, like the believers of whom Acts 17:11 speaks: “for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so”.
Dr. Tom Gouws
