Francis Schaeffer, The Mark of the Christian, one of several essays in The Complete Works of Francis A. Schaeffer: A Christian Worldview, vol. 4. Crossway Books, 1982.
Referenced in: Church Conflict – Communication, Healthy Behavior, Forgiveness
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
Tucked away in Volume 4 of this work is the essay, “The Mark of the Christian,” a classic development of the theme of Christian unity. In commenting on the story of the Good Samaritan, Schaeffer says:
What then shall we conclude but that as the Samaritan loved the wounded man, we as Christians are called upon to love all men as neighbors, loving them as ourselves. Second, that we are to love all true Christian brothers in a way that the world may observe. This means showing love to our brothers in the midst of loving our brothers when it costs us something -great or small our differences — loving them even under times of tremendous emotional tension, loving them in a way the world can see. In short, we are to practice and exhibit the holiness of God and the love of God, for without this we grieve the Holy Spirit. The love and the unity it attests to is the mark Christ gave Christians to wear – and the unity it attests to – love before the world. Only with this mark may the world know that Christians are indeed Christians and that Jesus was sent by the Father. (Complete Works, Vol. 4, 184)
From the Publisher
These books are an invaluable resource for students, ministers, and for those who have read some of Dr. Schaeffer’s books and want to know more—more about the Christian faith, about the critical needs of the world today, about “the God who is there.”
Volume 1 is Christian View of Philosophy & Culture. It contains the following books: God who is There, Escape From Reason, He is There & He Is Not Silent, Back to Freedom & Dignity.
Vol 2 is Christian View Of The Bible As Truth. It contains the following: Genesis In Space & Time, No Final Conflict, Joshua & The Flow Of Biblical History, Basic Bible Studies, Art & The Bible.
Vol 3 is Christian View of Spirituality. It contains the following: No Little People, True Spirituality, New Super Spirituality, Two Contents Two Realities.
Vol 4 is Christian View of Church. It contains the following: Church At The End of The 20th Century, Church Before The Watching World, Mark Of The Christian, Death In The City, Great Evangelical Disaster.
Vol 5 is Christian View Of The West. It contains the following: Pollution & Death Of man, How Should We Then Live, Whatever Happened to the Human Race, Christian Manifesto.
About the Author
Recognized internationally for his work in Christianity and culture, Francis A. Schaeffer authored more than twenty books, which have been translated into a score of languages and sold millions worldwide. He and his wife, Edith, founded L’Abri Fellowship international study and discipleship centers. Schaeffer passed away in 1984, but his influence and legacy continue worldwide.
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