TITLES AMONG THE SAINTS
Nations
have their national honours to confer upon those who render distinguished
service to their country; whether it be for their
contribution to learning, for their munificence, for victorious generalship in
time of war, or for any other benediction.
We
are to give due respect to those thus honoured, as also saith the Scriptures Render therefore to
all their dues; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour is due (Romans 13: 6, 7).
The
The
church of Rome assumes the position of reigning now during this time of
Christs rejection, and claims both temporal and spiritual power over the
nations and over her followers. In
keeping with this position of reigning she dispenses her rewards in titles and
dignities as she desires. The Pope
reigns as a king with his triple crown, and in regal splendour, supported by
his cardinals. Lesser titles and
dignities follow, down to those who hold only the coveted name of priest, or the
forbidden title of father.
Leaving,
however, this usurpation and those in other sacerdotal churches which similarly
adopt high sounding titles and ornate dress, it may be helpful to ask if the New Testament gives guidance
on this important matter, and as to whether Christianity has, like Israel of
old, divinely appointed priestly names and priestly clothing.
It
would seem that the Lord anticipated this love of pre-eminence among those who
professed to be His disciples, for when referring to dignities among the
nations, He at once adds:- But
it shall not be so among you. Whosoever
desired to be great was to be the servant of all (Matthew
20: 20-28).
Only
One among them was titled. Ye call Me Master and Lord; and ye say well;
for so I am (John 13: 13); but as for themselves, all ye are brethren
(Matthew 23: 8-10). He alone had and has this unique honour, and His names and titles are many and great.
Not that there was to be no distinction
as regards office and service to the Lord among them. Paul and
others were apostles,
some were overseers (bishops), others evangelists, pastors and
teachers, gifted of the Lord, and such were to be esteemed very highly for
their works sake and obeyed in the Lord. But there were no titled ones among them [i.e., the disciples], and
because they were all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, born of His
Spirit, they each had freedom of access
in true priestly service to draw nigh to God and offer up spiritual sacrifices
well pleasing to Him (Hebrews 10: 20; 13: 15). This is the only priesthood mentioned under
the New Covenant which God hath enjoined.
The
title father is especially forbidden by the
Lord, call no
man your father upon earth (Matthew 23:
9), that is, in a spiritual way.
It is good to realise that this name as a title is renounced by
evangelical Christians generally in obedience to their Lords command, yet many take another title, even that of Reverend, to differentiate themselves from their
brethren. Also it is not strange
that a title should be chosen only once mentioned in Scripture, and which refers to God Himself Holy
and reverend is His Name (Psa. 111: 9)?
Should not this impress our hearts?
Closely
allied to this subject is that of distinctive dress, and it may also be asked,
have those who adopted the title Reverend or
wear distinctive dress, any real answer to those in sacerdotal circles?
It
is realised that the above rites enter into evangelical circles where there has been much blessing, and
where the Lord has been honoured; yet there have been, and are also, gifted
and honoured servants of God who, for the Lords sake, have refused to take or wear unscriptural distinctions, or to transgress
so important a scriptural principle, and those who thus humble themselves shall be exalted in that day, in His
Kingdom, at the resurrection of the just.
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