Introduction: A Call for Unconditional Love in Christianity
Christianity, despite its foundational commandment to love unconditionally (John 13:34-35), often struggles with denominational tribalism. The Apostle Paul addressed this in Romans 14, yet many believers remain oblivious to the harm caused by judgmental attitudes. True Christianity is marked not by doctrinal superiority but by love—love that seeks to uplift rather than condemn.
Two scriptures anchor my perspective:
- “Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker…”(Proverbs 17:5, ESV).
- “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar…”(1 John 4:20, ESV).
Jesus’ teachings have become my compass. His declaration that “the greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11) dismantles hierarchies, reminding us that spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3-11; 1 Corinthians 12) are divine endowments, not badges of rank.
My journey through the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA), the Worldwide Church of God (WCG), and Grace Communion International (GCI) has shaped my faith. While some may struggle to relate to my background, I acknowledge my own limitations in fully understanding others’ denominational experiences.
The Pharisees: Misunderstood Custodians of Scripture
Jesus rebuked the Pharisees as hypocrites, yet their role was indispensable. They preserved Scripture with meticulous care, laying the groundwork for Christ’s ministry. Without their dedication, the prophecies validating Jesus’ Messiahship would have been lost.
Paul explains their spiritual blindness as a “partial hardening” (Romans 11:25-27), a temporary condition until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in. This should humble modern Christians who dismiss the Pharisees as irredeemable. Worse, many today replicate their errors—“shutting the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 23:13-15) through legalism or exclusivity.
The Pharisees’ failure was not their zeal for the Law but their inability to recognise its fulfilment in Christ. Holiness, as Jesus demonstrated, is not contamination by the profane but its transformation.
The Apostles: Human Imperfection in Divine Mission
The eleven apostles, entrusted with Christ’s mission, were not immune to missteps. The selection of Matthias (Acts 1:12-26) raises questions—was this Jesus’ directive or human initiative? Unlike Paul, whose divine appointment bore undeniable fruit, Matthias’s legacy is silent.
Paul’s leadership criteria (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1) were pragmatic but not explicitly modelled by Jesus. This underscores a vital truth: even apostles relied on human judgment. Their example teaches us to test all teachings against Christ’s words (Acts 17:11), prioritising the Holy Spirit over tradition.
Seventh-day Adventists: A Foundation of Scriptural Fidelity
The SDA church instilled in me a deep reverence for Scripture. Though I later questioned certain doctrines, I credit them for anchoring me in God’s Word. My departure was less a rejection than a divergence—perhaps divinely guided (Romans 8:28).
While I no longer equate Sabbath-keeping with spiritual superiority, I honour the SDA’s commitment to obedience. Love, not legalism, must define our unity (Matthew 11:11).
Worldwide Church of God: A Transition from Law to Grace
Herbert W. Armstrong’s teachings on the Sabbath and Jewish festivals resonated with my Sabbatarian upbringing. His emphasis on the “World Tomorrow” and Old Testament continuity was compelling, if imperfect.
Joseph Tkach Sr.’s reforms—centring the New Covenant—were a necessary correction. The shift from law-based righteousness to Christ’s fulfilment (Luke 16:16) was turbulent, splitting congregations. My wife and I navigated this tension by embracing personal conviction over enforced uniformity—a decision that preserved our marriage despite differing paths.
Grace Communion International: The Struggle for Orthodoxy and Authenticity
GCI’s rebranding from WCG sought to shed past controversies. Yet, in embracing mainstream Trinitarianism, it risked overshadowing the Kingdom gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). The Great Commission’s heart is not doctrinal precision but proclaiming Christ’s Lordship (Mark 16:15).
Authoritarian leadership structures further complicated GCI’s transformation. When my teachings diverged from headquarters, I turned to writing—only to confront the institutional resistance to grassroots insight. Hierarchies often obscure Christ’s model of brotherhood (Matthew 23:8-12).
Conclusion: A Plea for Grace and Growth
My journey through these traditions has taught me that God works through flawed vessels. The Pharisees preserved Scripture; the apostles built the Church despite missteps; the SDA, WCG, and GCI each contributed to my faith.
Condemnation has no place in Christ’s body. As Paul urged, “Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another?” (Romans 14:4). Our calling is to love, learn, and—when necessary—reform with humility. The Kingdom advances not by human perfection but by divine grace.
All glory to God.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilisation, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions, leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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