Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

WHO IS MY BROTHER

From time immemorial the question reverberates, “Who is my brother?’ It is obvious in the physical context of family siblings. But, what about the higher, spiritual aspect that should be inferred by the implication of “brother?” Are all men my brothers? If not, are all religious men my brothers? If not, what are the requisites by which that appellation is appropriate? Spiritual considerations must find their true meaning in Holy Writ.

The brotherhood of all religious men cannot be. Jesus openly charged some as being of their father, the devil! John 8:44. That narrows the field down considerably. Again, God’s people are warned to not be unequally yoked together with others. II Cor. 6:14. It is the contextual viewpoint of the Bible that the brotherhood of man is true only in Christ. To this, most all theological writers of the reputed “conservative Christian world” agree. To the Bible neophyte, this equates to anyone who is spiritually saved. But, the key to understanding the above, accepted definition of “brother” is knowing what “In Christ” means. To be “In Christ” is literally to be into the things (words, works, teachings) of the anointed (Christ) one. Two entities were anointed in New Testament times. They are the Head of the body, and the body of the Head. That is, Jesus was anointed at His baptism to carry out His purpose of being our ultimate prophet, high priest, and king. Later, He sent the Holy Spirit to anoint the body, His church, on the day of Pentecost, Acts 1-2. Thus, the ultimate, true brotherhood of man is experienced in the anointed body which is the pillar and ground of the truth, and for which he gave His life blood, Acts 20:28.

So, what is the will of God for all mankind? It is expressly stated that all men should be saved, and should come to the knowledge of the truth. I Timothy 2:4. In that is brotherhood.

Truly, Jesus clarified this point as disciples came to Him stating that his mother and brethren were wanting to see Him. Jesus replied, “. . . who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my

brother, and sister, and mother.” Matt. 12:48-50. Being spiritually saved alone, with no commitment to discipleship does not create a New Testament Christian anymore than those who were saved in the Old

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