Worldly Associations
The close of 1993 witnessed a landmark agreement to establish full diplomatic relations between the Vatican and the State of Israel. It is looked at as a historic event, enabling the Holy See to play a larger role in the so-called Middle East peace process.
When we consider the past 1900 years and the relations between the Vatican and Israel, the rough road has seen more downs than ups. What will this present association produce?
Scripture contemplates worldly associations. We should watch with interest their spirit, purpose, and working as they form the character and history of the world that is pressing on to meet the judgment of God.
Confederacies of groups such as Jews and Christians must find a common basis upon which to operate in order to stay together and prosper. In the days of our Savior here upon the earth, it was the common enmity against Jesus that brought Jew and Gentile together, as well as Pharisees and Sadducees who were men of different politics and sects. It is remarkable to what lengths enemies will go to reach an accord and form an association when their own interests are in view.
In 1965 the Second Vatican Council repudiated the concept of collective Jewish guilt for the death of Christ. This was done even though Jesus expressly said to Pilate, "He that delivered Me unto thee hath the greater sin." John 19:1111Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. (John 19:11). This statement shows that both the Gentiles and the Jews are guilty, but that the Jews have the greater sin in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. No man or group of men can absolve any of the collective guilt of rejecting Christ. Indeed, the Jews at the trial of the Lord Jesus said, "His blood be on us, and on our children.”
Isaiah prophesies this in chapter 8, "Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. Take counsel together, and it shall come to naught; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us." vv. 9, 10.
The world's history shows man has made one association after another. It is always an attempt to gain more or to protect the power they have. In these days in which we now live, the common object that often brings people together is the world itself. All are aiding in its advancement and the research and development of its capabilities. Because men do not like to retain God in their thoughts, but rather want to multiply unto themselves desirable and delectable things, associations are formed to achieve their purpose.
The agreement to establish diplomatic relations between the Vatican and the State of Israel is not so surprising when we see that each will probably gain in the present world. This world, not religion, is for them the most important thing.
Isa. 28 tells of "scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem." v. 14. In that near future day they will make a pact for their protection. What we are now seeing are perhaps just foreshadows of coming events. Ed.