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There are some in the church today who continue to promote not only the belief that one church is just as good as another, but also one plan of salvation is equally acceptable to another. This type of thinking is in direct conflict with the teaching of the word. It makes God both the "author of confusion" (1 Corinthians 14:33) and a "respector of persons" (Acts 10:34). Let us briefly examine these two most neglected concepts about God.
God did not write conflicting doctrines, nor are they difficult to understand. Given time, prayer, patience, and diligent study, we can arrive at a perfect (complete) understanding and knowledge of the word of God. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we read:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Furthermore, Jesus came to build only one church. The Scripture says,
And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).This prophecy was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. In Acts 2:41, 47, we read:
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the CHURCH daily such as should be saved. (emphasis mine)
The church of Christ that exists today is the same church that began at Jerusalem. Since that day, when the first 3,000 souls were baptized, God continues to add to the church. It was not until after the first century and the completion of the biblical canon that many began to drift away and establish denominations, although I Corinthians 1:10-17 records the first attempts of some within the church at Corinth to follow after men.
God does not respect one man over another in regards to being saved from sin. He has specified that we hear the word (Romans 10:14), believe (Hebrews 11:6), repent of our sins (2 Peter 3:9), confess the name of Christ (Philippians 2:11), and be baptized "for the remission of sins," (Acts 2:38). Following any other doctrine that teaches more or less than what God has commanded puts our soul on the path toward eternal damnation.
In conclusion, let us be reminded that God is neither the "author of confusion" (1 Corinthians 14:33) and a "respector of persons" (Acts 10:34). Be not deceived, brethren, when you hear some within the church teach such things as one church is as good as another, God saves one man differently than another, and the grace of God extends beyond the grave.
Ira Mikell
ira@thechristianexaminer.com
Perhaps one of the most neglected commandments given to Christians today is the command to assemble together. There are many in the world who believe that "church attendance" is not required, and many who even believe adamantly in not worshipping with other people. Many times this is based upon a negative church-going experience as a youth or as a young adult, but should this have a bearing on how we are to act?
As the author of Hebrews says, Hebrews 10:23-25:
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.Hence, we are commanded to assemble together, and for an explicit purpose: to encourage one another. The author also demonstrates that even from the church's beginning, lack of attendance has been a problem: "not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some."
We in the Lord's church continually preach the need for assembling, as it does serve a necessary purpose: when we gather, we are able to exhort, encourage, and edify one another. There are few things as spiritually uplifting as assembling with brethren of like mind. We also need to assemble and encourage more as "the time grows near:" are we meeting more and encouraging each other more? The time is growing nearer with every breath we take.
There are many, unfortunately, who do not see this critical need, and even more who will not assemble as often as they should. Most churches have two worship periods on Sunday and an evening Bible study on Wednesday: can you be "too busy" to come and meet with those of precious like-minded faith? What does that say about your commitment to Christ if you will not assemble as often as you should?
If you believe that you do not need to assemble with like-minded brethren and can be pleasing to God, I exhort you to re-examine that position in light of the Hebrew letter, and also the example of Elijah in 1 Kings 19. God did not create a church of hermits or loners; He fully intended His church to be a living, unified entity- as one body (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12)! Or, if you believe that coming to services only on Sunday morning is acceptable enough, and the rest of the time you are "too busy," think about this: what if Jesus returns and says that He is "too busy" to grant you eternal life? How would you feel then? He has already emptied Himself out for you (Philippians 2:7), and He will be faithful: can you not demonstrate your faithfulness to Him by meeting with those whom Christ also died for?
Ethan R. Longhenry
ethan@thechristianexaminer.com
www.deusvitae.com
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