We would like to deal with an event that took place in 1837 The question that Alexander  Campbell wrestled with is still being considered today. It is the fate of the pious unimmersed. James  De Forest Murch gives us this account in Christians Only:

Campbell felt that the fate of the unimmersed was in the hands of God, that it is not ours to judge whether or not they will be saved, but of the testimony of the Restoration was to be pure and undefiled, the unimmersed must not be admitted to local congregations 'after the New Testament Pattern. '

            We would like to print the text of a letter Alexander Campbell received in the Millennial  Harbinger  in 1837 concerning this subject. It is called "Any Christians Among The Protestant Parties. " It was also known as "The Lunenburg Letter. “

            "Dear bro. Campbell- I was much surprised today, while reading the Harbinger to see that you recognize the Protestant Parties as Christians. Dear brother, my surprise and ardent desire to do what is right prompt me to write to you at this time. Feel  well assured, from the estimate you place on the female character, you will attend to my feeble question in search of knowledge. Will you be so good to let me know how anyone becomes a Christian? What act of yours gave you  the name Christian? At what time had Paul the Name of Christ called on Him? Is it not through this Name that we obtain eternal life? Does the Name of Christ belong to any but those who believe the gospel, repent, and are buried by baptism into the death of Christ. "

            In his reply to this good sister, " I observe that if there be no Christians in the Protestant sects, there are certainly none among the Romanists, none among the Jew, Turks, Pagans, and therefore no Christians in the world except ourselves, or such of us who strive to keep all the commandments of Jesus. Therefore, for many centuries there has been no church of Christ, no Christians in the world, and the promise concerning the everlasting kingdom of the Messiah have failed, and the gates of hell have prevailed against His church! This cannot be, therefore there are Christians among the sects.   Who is a Christian? I answer, Everyone that believes in his heart that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah, repents of his sins, and obeys Him in all things according to the measure of his will. "

            Let us remember that Alexander Campbell was speaking those things he personally believed.   Let us always be willing to search the Scriptures, like the Bereans, in Acts 17 to see if these things be  true. We hope these articles are a help to you in understanding our common historical heritage. Until  next time, MARANTHA!

Last Updated on   06/10/2008