Much of the confusion and the loss of doctrinal identity today stems from the faulty ecumenical practice.
Christianity as a whole is losing its distinctiveness due to the union and unity that has diluted doctrinal clarity.
King Jehoshaphat made the mistake of yoking with the ungodly three times and paid greatly for it.
2Ch 18:1 Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.
2Ch 18:3 And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramothgilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war.
2Ch 20:35 And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly:
Unity between the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah may have seemed like a good idea, but they believed and practiced different things. Ahab and Israel had turned from the truth and worshipped false gods. They were still children of Israel by name, but not by actions.
God used prophets to rebuke Jehoshaphat for this error.
2Ch 19:2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.
2Ch 20:37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.
Jehoshaphat made this mistake with Basic Relationships; Battling Together; and Business Venture.
Today, born-again, Bible-believing Christians need to be reminded of the Scriptural admonition,
2Cor 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
Personal unions such as dating and marriage; battling together such as joining with religious groups that do not hold the fundamental beliefs; and business partnerships with the ungodly are still harmful things for the Christian walk.
The worst impact for Jehoshaphat was the great loss that resulted in his family because of his affinity with Ahab, and the marriage of his son to Ahab’s daughter. Idolatry, murder, and destruction came as a consequence of his unequal yoke.
God will help us as we maintain our doctrinal clarity in our Bible-based churches, and in our personal walk, as we are careful not to practice the unequal yoke.
Pastor Jim Whitman
Great article!!