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Correspondence between A.D.Norris, Russell Gregory and Others All Christians of whatever persuasion are agreed on one thing - that the crucifixion of Jesus Christ saves them. We read in the Bible that "Jesus died for our sins" (1 Corinthians 15:3); that "Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18)."He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself" (Hebrews 9:26); that "He was manifested to take away our sins" 9 1 John 3:5); and "Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). However, there has been endless discussion as to how Jesus took away our sins - or even whether He did take them away. Again, some say that Jesus had to die for Himself because He was born human and therefore had to die. However, there is a clear path of explanation running throughout the scriptures which we can follow - and it positively and clearly shows where the truth of the matter can be seen. It is our aim to show this here. .
Aspects of The Atonement. This compilation of articles reveals where the truth is to be found and how a group of Christadelphian leaders unwittingly disfellowshipped Dr John Thomas and insisted that some of his earlier teachings were correct even though Dr Thomas himself had rejected them before he died.
The Christadelphian denomination could have been a real and true light in the world to the honour of God, His Son and His word had they accepted Dr Thomas' last understanding.
Correspondence between David Nodding and Russell Gregory Ray Gregory received an article entitled "As In Adam All Die" being the views of David Nodding on the 'fall of man' and how Jesus saved the faithful of the human race. This was far too comprehensive and all-embracing, so Ray gave David a booklet entitled "The Usage and Meaning of 'Muth Temuth' and ;B'yom" in order to bring the discussion to the beginning of the Bible.
David's response was to disagree with most of the claims made in this booklet and Ray asked if I would reply to David which I was pleased to do. However, David again found many faults with my reply and in several cases seemed unable to understand the points I made. I then endeavoured to make myself better understood and went on to quote from the writings of others but sadly, there was no further response.
Correspondence between Grant Pearce and members of the Nazarene Fellowship This is perhaps the most interesting and comprehensive correspondence we have ever published. After many months of correspondence Grant felt he had found the correct understanding but then, he eventually wrote to say there must be a better understanding which does not involve the need for Jesu' crucifixion.We all sympathise with him on this for no one wants to think Jesus' cruel torture was necessary and it has been a matter of soul-searching for each of us and really wish it should not be the case, so in our final letters to Grant we cover this matter as best we are able. When all is said and done it was Jesus choice as we see from Hebrews 12:1 and 2, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
A Lesson For The Teachers Writer, Helen Brady. This contains a letter written in 1998 to the
leaders of a Christadelphian Seminar called “Reading the Bible Effectively” and also their reply which
reveals complete misunderstanding of what we believe. We can only leave it to the reader to decide
whether or not such misunderstanding on their part is deliberate or just a result of confusion.
A Report on Meeting with a Christadelphian Study Group. Writer, John Stevenson with
subsequent correspondence from three others. This booklet deals mainly with The Atonement but
also shows some faults with the Christadelphian Statement of Faith - (BASF).
Correspondence between A. Allfree and Russell Gregory with further comment by Phil Parry. At his request Mr Allfree was sent a copy of The Netherton Debate, which took place many years ago between W.F.Barling, a Christadelphian, and Ernest Brady of the Nazarene Fellowship.
This debate was entitled "Why The Cross," in which all aspects of of the reason for Jesus' crucifixion were covered and many arguments brought forward in support of each side. This debate is followed by further discussion and analysis of views put forward making it perhaps one of the best considerations ever.
Correspondence between George Armonis and Russell Gregory with further comment by Phil Parry. George Armonis is very confident of his understanding of Hebrews 9:12 and expresses it with great confidence in his article entitled "Obtaining Redemption." In the ensuing study we take into consideration many views, some Christadelphian and other views from members of the Nazarene Fellowship, yet all differing from George Armonis
It is up to the reader to decide for him or herself which view is most in keeping with scripture when all aspects are considered.
Correspondence Between Dr John Thomas and Lancelot Burrus. On a number of occasions Dr
Thomas stated that there was no physical change in the nature of Adam and Eve at the “Fall.” We are
grateful to a Christadelphian friend for locating an early reference to this matter in the correspondence
section in “The Herald of The Kingdom and Age to Come” for July 1855.
Correspondence between T. Williment and E. Brady.Frank Williment's study of the scriptures has brought him close to our own understanding; he accepts the Federal Principle of the two Heads of the human race - the first Federal Head of the human race was Adam and latter, Jesus Christ was the Federal Head of all who chose to be His disciples - but he seems unclear about the ransom paid, whether it was His unblemished character or His life.
Very briefly we see that Jesus, having lived a perfect life was now in a legal position to lay it down as the ransom price as Ernest Brady explains.
Ernest Brady also explains why Jesus need not have died in order to be changed to Spirit life.
Ernest Brady to A.H.Nicholls. In which Ernest Brady considers various aspects of an article entitled
“For Whom Christ Died” which appeared in the Christadelphian magazine for August 1971. The editor, A.H.Nicholls, says he hopes that the theme of the atonement will now cease to be a subject of
controversy. However, Ernest Brady points out some unscriptural statements and statements which contradict earlier Christadelphian writings which will dash any such hope.
Ernest Brady to Clifford Pryde. A reasonable reply to an astonishing letter!
Ernest Brady to Dr H G Wood. Dr Wood is the Author of "Belief and Unbelief Since 1850." While
Ernest Brady set out his case very clearly, the reply from Dr Wood was somewhat disappointing.
Ernest Brady to Dr W R Matthews. The letter to Dr Matthews, the Dean of St Paul's Cathedral is very
clear but the reply showed little hope of further discussion. However, also included is a letter from a certain
Mr Bath who considered Ernest Brady's letter to be sheer blasphemy!
Ernest Brady to John Carter on Why Christ Died. God did not punish Jesus for His nature nor did
He inflict punishment upon Him instead of us. Jesus voluntarily went to a death which He could have avoided, in the knowledge that He was thereby carrying out the pre-determined purpose of God to buy
man back from the dominion of sin by the payment of the debt, of life, incurred in Eden.
Ernest Brady to Richard Mellowes. This letter to Richard Mellowes was written in response to an
article of his published in “The Testimony” magazine for December 1984 entitled “Christ’s Sacrifice
and God’s Righteousness.” Ernest Brady demonstrates the weaknesses in Richard Mellowes
reasoning which leads him to wrong conclusions.
Ernest Brady to Viner Hall. Both Dr.Thomas and R.Roberts admit that Adam was corruptible and
capable of death at his creation. They contradict the teaching that the imposition of physical death was the penalty of sin. Viner Hall speaks of Christ as having sin-impregnated-flesh, but there is no
Scripture which justifies anyone of speaking of sin-impregnated-flesh in either Christ or any man.
Open Letter to Sutton Coldfield Christadelphians. Writer, Russell Gregory. In attending a
Christadelphian seminar on “Reading the Bible Effectively” I was given a warm welcome even though I had been disfellowshipped and I was able to freely join in discussion and observations. Only when
someone from another ecclesia came to speak was there any ill-feeling. However, after the seminar was ended I felt constrained to write this open letter and send to each member of the ecclesia.
You Have Been Warned. Correspondence between Mrs J.A.French and John Carter. Letters to John Carter, editor of the Christadelphian magazine and his reply.
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