The name of a Church may seem unimportant – until we think about the purpose of a name. Names serve at least two purposes: to reveal something about the thing named, and to distinguish it from others.
The name, “Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland” is a long one. 500 years ago, the name of the Church was very short: The Church of Scotland. No further adjectives were needed, because only one Church in Scotland existed, and everyone understood that it was Christian, Protestant, Reformed, and Presbyterian.
Today, the ecclesiastical scene has drastically changed. No longer is the “brightest star of the Reformation” (to use Charles Hodge’s words) the exclusive Church in Scotland. Many denominations now exist. Most of them have departed significantly from the doctrines, form of worship, and practice of the Church of Scotland in its best days. Therefore, different (and longer) names are now necessary so that churches can identify themselves adequately and avoid being confused with others.
This declension began long ago. A controversy over Christ’s sole Headship over His Church led to a division in 1843. The new body believed that they were the true “Church of Scotland”, since they held to all the Biblical doctrines and principles taught by the Scottish Reformers. However, since the unfaithful body from which they separated still retained the name “Church of Scotland”, the faithful body settled on the name “Free Church of Scotland.” The word “Free” asserted the Church’s freedom from government interference in spiritual matters. Sadly, rapid declension in the Free Church led to another declension in 1893, with the faithful body choosing the name “Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland.”
The words “Church of Scotland” may seem out of place for Free Presbyterian congregations outside Scotland. However, here again we must recall the purpose of a name: to identify ourselves adequately and distinguish ourselves from others. Another denomination calling itself “Free Presbyterian” exists – the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, which was founded nearly 60 years later. This church also has congregations outside the United Kingdom. Therefore, to avoid confusion, congregations outside Scotland must retain the full name of the Church.
In short, the varied – and often lengthy – church names reveal a sad reality: spiritual declension has left the Church sadly divided. In common with our spiritual forefathers, we pray for an outpouring of the Spirit of truth upon ourselves and others, so that the watchmen of Zion will see “eye to eye” (Isa. 52:8).
At the same time, all who profess the name of Christ, no matter what denomination they are in, must “Stand…in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein” (Jer. 6:16). Here the Lord lays upon Christians a lifelong duty. Inward spiritual unity cannot exist without it. This inward unity is called the “unity of the Spirit”, because it is produced by Him and founded on His Word (see Eph. 4:3). Only Spirit-wrought unity leads to true and lasting bonds of peace.
When this happens on a wide scale, lengthy church names will no longer be necessary.