The Manhattan Declaration

Our mission to the world is defined by our Lord Jesus:

Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19)

Now the new legions of the New Apostolic Reformation and the church growth movement interpret this to mean we are to convert whole nations to Christ rather than call individuals out of the world and into the Kingdom, just like Christendom did by the sword in Europe under Charlemagne and others (cuius regio, eius religio, "in the Prince's land, the Prince's religion"). But the Scripture says:

And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy art Thou to take the book, and to break its seals; for Thou wast slain, and didst purchase for God with Thy blood men from [out from] every tribe and tongue and people and nation (Revelation 5:9).

For He delivered us from the domain of darkness [the world], and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13).

That is, Christ calls His people out of the nations to become His Nation. His is the narrow way that few find. He demands repentant, converted, and obedient disciples, regenerate saints; not christened sinners.

We are not called to reform and improve the world. We are not called to defeat the five global giants that terrify Rick Warren. We all not called to take the seven mountains of culture. We are called to make disciples of Jesus. "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his own soul?"

The Manhattan Declaration is not about the Kingdom of God nor the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Its about preserving a comfortable american pseudo-christianity. Its about avoiding God's judgment because it might effect our 401k's (again). Its about preserving religious liberty lest we suffer for the sake of Christ. Its about preserving Catholic institutional liberties in the face of gay marriage while "celibate" Catholic priests continue with their "liberties" with children and young men. Its about preserving the "sanctity of marriage" in spite of the fact that "born again" Christians seem to commit divorce and adultery more often than atheists. Its about being opposed to a "culture of death" while endorsing America's global wars. Its about "prophesying" to the government instead of calling a corrupt and lukewarm church to repentance and obedience. Its about serving a political agenda instead of Christ's agenda. Its about serving self rather than denying self. Its about maintaining a cushy casual christian friendly America instead of taking up our cross daily and following Christ. In short, its about hypocrisy. The Manhattan Declaration is the declaration of the American Harlot Church.

Oh my, we are being persecuted! We are suffering for Christ! Steve Jobs has pulled the Manhattan Declaration App from the iPhone! Sign a petition! The sky is falling! Lions, Tigers, and Bears! Oh my!

"You are not to say, 'It is a conspiracy!' In regard to all that this people call a conspiracy, And you are not to fear what they fear or be in dread of it. It is the LORD of hosts whom you should regard as holy. And He shall be your fear, And He shall be your dread." (Isaiah 8:12,13)

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (Revelation 12:11)

We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
(1 John 5:19)

Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever.
(1 John 2:15-17)

Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. "Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord. "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you. "And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me," Says the Lord Almighty.
(2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich, and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore, and repent.
(Revelation 3:15-19)

local copy of Manhatten Declaration pdf