Questions and Answers

What did John Owen define as biblical schism?

According to Owen's careful examination of Scripture, particularly 1 Corinthians, schism is specifically "causeless differences and contentions amongst the members of a particular church, contrary to that exercise of love, prudence, and forbearance which are required of them." It is not separation from institutional structures or traditions, but sinful division within a local body of believers meeting together for worship. This distinction is vital because it means that leaving a church or denomination can never automatically be labeled schism—the question must always be whether biblical union instituted by Christ is being broken.

How did Dr. Lloyd-Jones say Owen approached controversial theological questions?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones highlighted Owen's methodical approach of never answering questions immediately or directly. Instead, Owen would first ask: "What is the principle involved here? Where does this fit in the whole doctrine and teaching of the Bible?" He would place any problem in its proper biblical context, establish foundations from Scripture, and only then address specific charges or questions. This approach demonstrated Owen's intellectual honesty and his commitment to letting Scripture—not tradition, prejudice, or secular interests—determine the answer.

What did Owen teach about the authority of general church councils?

Owen strongly challenged the legislative authority of general councils while acknowledging their historical value. He argued that no council since the apostles could claim divine authority to make laws binding on Christian consciences. Dr. Lloyd-Jones quotes Owen's devastating assessment that he knew "nothing that is extant bearing clearer a witness to the sad degeneracy of Christian religion" than the acts and laws of councils throughout history. Owen maintained that only what Christ himself instituted carries authority, and believers must abide solely by Scripture's discovery and description of church matters.

Why is this sermon relevant for Christians today?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explicitly states that as the ecumenical movement develops toward a potential world church, the charge of schism will be "hurled against everybody who refuses to be part and parcel" of such organizations. Owen's biblical framework provides essential preparation for maintaining both truth and unity. The sermon addresses the urgent contemporary challenge of how evangelicals can achieve genuine unity without compromising essential gospel truths—showing that true unity must be based on Scripture and Christ's institutions, not human traditions or organizational structures.

What was Owen's view on evangelical unity?

Owen passionately advocated for evangelical unity based on agreement in essential gospel truths, while practicing mutual forbearance in secondary matters. Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes Owen's argument that divisions among evangelicals often arise from "carnal and secular considerations" rather than spiritual ones—matters like where we were raised or what happens to us if we change. Owen called for evangelicals to labor as much in "improvement of the principle of forbearance" as in trying to bring others to their opinions, believing this would transform religion's appearance in the world. However, this unity could never sacrifice doctrinal truth for mere organizational uniformity.