BITS and PIECES
265th Edition – October 19, 2025
A random collection of news and views compiled by Frank McClelland for the Toronto Free Presbyterian Church.
THE KING AND THE POPE
Finally, King Charles III is getting his wish. Before he ascended the throne of his beloved mother, he spoke of a change he would like to institute when he became king.
As British monarch, he is the supreme governor of the Anglican Church, an honour dating back to King Henry VIII, who founded the Church after a dispute with the Pope in Reformation times.
Henry was originally given the title, Fidei Defensor – ‘defender of the faith’ (fid def), which appears on British coinage to this day. A thorough-going ecumenist, Charles wanted to change it from the singular to the plural ‘defender of the faiths’ to suit his ecumenical ideas.
Next week, during a state visit to Rome, he will meet with the Pope in the Vatican Sistine Chapel for prayer together, the first time in 500 years this has happened. Charles is not a ‘defender of the faith’ but a betrayer. Both Roman Catholic and Anglican clergy and choirs will join in it.
The reasons for separation from Romanism are just as valid today as they were in Reformation times, as you can see from the following article.
BIBLICAL SEPARATION
The Free Presbyterian Church is not ashamed to call itself Protestant, and this involves separation from false religion. Martin Luther stood on loyalty to the Word of God both in teaching and practice, and so do we. The Bible makes separation clear, as does II Corinthians 6:14 – 18, especially v17.
A VOICE TO BE HEARD – “Saith the Lord”
Many voices clamour for our attention – ministers, moralists, politicians, prelates and priests. But God has spoken – what does He say? He commands our attention and obedience. Disobedience of God lies at the root of humanity’s fall. There are many human arguments, but God’s Word is clear.
A DISTINCTION TO BE MADE – “Be ye separate”
God has made a clear-cut dividing line between right and wrong. We must respect it. We are to separate from Unholy People,
Unbelievers [v14], Unholy Practices, Unrighteousness [v14], Unholy Pleasures, darkness [v14], Unholy Prophets, Belial [v15],
Unholy Powers, Infidels [v 15]. The word literally means ‘no faith in God.’ Unholy Places. Idolatry [v 15]. House of God vs. house of Satan. We must separate from all such unholy associations.
AN ACTION TO BE TAKEN – “Come out from among them”
It does not say “in”, but emphatically “come out”. Notice the wording. It is “yoked together.” It is not sheep in a flock but cattle in a yoke. An ox and an ass do not go together. You cannot put a propeller engine and a jet engine on the same wing of a plane. To do so would be a disaster.
Separation can involve Religious Fellowship. You do not associate with unsaved ministers or another Gospel [Galatians 1:8,9]. It also applies to Marital Relationships. The Bible is clear, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” [v14]. (Read I Corinthians 7 for help if you already have an unequal yoke). Business Associations must be watched as it is wrong to be yoked to a dishonest business partner.
A PURITY TO BE MAINTAINED – “Touch not the unclean thing”
We are to maintain purity of doctrine. Note that it is not possible to have complete agreement with everyone but, as Christians, we must agree on the fundamentals of the faith. No fellowship is possible where these are denied.
We are to maintain purity of practice. Right doctrine leads to right living. Fellowship with the unclean makes us unclean. The old saying is true, ‘Lie with the dogs, and come up with the fleas.’
A BLESSING TO BE RECEIVED – “I will receive you”
Some argue that if they stay in forbidden relationships, they can reach the Sunday school class and other unsaved. But God says, “Come out”and He promises to receive us and bless us. Whom do we obey? God or our own ideas? The Lord says, “Them that honour Me I will honour” [1 Samuel 2:30].
