Today there are so many different and various kinds of so-called "christians" in the world that I suppose it would be impossible to list them all here. However, I have formulated a list of the major biblical errors I have discovered within modern, so-called "christianity," which I shall discuss in some detail a little later.
But first, I believe I should start with telling you what I am NOT. I am not a Catholic. I am not affiliated with the so-called "Orthodox" church (which is not Biblically orthodox at all). I am not a Protestant. I am not associated with the so-called "Evangelical" movement. I'm not a "Mormon" or a "Jehovah's Witness" or any other labeled brand of so-called Christianity you've ever heard of.
Now, with that out of the way, let me tell you what I am. I am a Christian. Nothing more. Nothing less. You see, I believe the Bible in its original form is the Word of God and I study and follow it with no denominational bias.
"Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2Tim 2:15 KJV).
These types of Christians should also recognize that a lack of knowledge can lead to their destruction; as it is written:
I suppose I might be unique in my generation, for unlike so many others, I was not brought to Christ by another person. You see, after experiencing some tragic and life-altering events, I simply opened the Bible and began reading. Then, after almost three years of intense study of the Bible (from roughly 1997-1999), and after a great deal of repentance, prayer, and pleading with God to give me the gift of the Holy Spirit in the Name of Jesus Christ, I was born again at my home... All by myself. It was then that I began the search for a Church in order to fulfill all righteousness and be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ. So, I found a small church near my home, made an appointment with the Pastor, and was baptized a few days later.
I then sought to join that church, but, to make a long story short, I was extremely confused during my visits there. You see, I knew what the Bible said, and I knew that the people in that church claimed that they studied and followed the Bible, but as I sat and observed the "church" services, I had to double check to see if they were reading the same Bible as I was. They were, but I could not believe what was happening: What the Bible said we should do during Church service was not being done, and what the Bible said we should not do during Church service was being proudly performed.
I was honestly dismayed, not simply because the people of that church were doing what they shouldn't and not doing what they should, but because they actually thought they were following the Bible--and would vehemently defend their practices in spite of the Bible plainly saying otherwise. It was as if they were all wearing a thick veil when they read the Bible.
To make a very long story short, I then sought to find at least one Church that actually followed what the Bible plainly says. I spent time in Israel, Egypt, Spain, and France, searching for any Biblically-based Churches. Finally, after more than 20 years, I am happy to announce that I have found the one and only Biblically sound Church in the world. But, before we go into that, I would like to explain the seven main categories into which I place most modern, so-called "christians" that attend the types of churches I have visited and been removed from:
1. False Gospel "christians"
Most people who call themselves Christians today could not tell you what the Gospel was to save their life. What's worse is that the whole American "church" and all of its so-called "Biblical Scholars" do not know or understand the true Gospel at all. You may scoff at what I am saying here, but read through this brief text of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ and judge for yourself:
As is famously proclaimed by John the Baptist regarding the Lord Jesus Christ:
"Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin OF THE WORLD!" -John 1:29 b
Was John the Baptist mistaken? Did Jesus Christ take away the sin of the world or did He only take away the sin of a select few people? Well, John the Baptist clearly said, He takes away the sin OF THE WORLD, so who do you believe, some preacher appointed by men or John the Baptist, a man appointed by God Himself?
You see, as John the Baptist correctly points out, Jesus did not ONLY die for the elect (as some erroneously teach), but for the WHOLE WORLD. As it is also written:
"For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of ALL MEN, especially of those who believe." -1 Timothy 4:10
Who is God the Savior of? -Scripture says ALL MEN, but most Christians today don't believe this - or, rather, this little fact doesn't fit into their current set of false doctrines, so it is therefore ignored. But the Bible says that God is the Savior of "ALL MEN." And He is.
But how is God the Savior of "ALL MEN" if most men will still end up in eternal Hell?
Well, what most people fail to understand is that God has saved "ALL MEN" from the curse of death. You see, mankind inherited the curse of death from Adam and were all destined TO DIE, but not only that, we were also destined TO REMAIN DEAD FOREVER, for without the sacrificial death and then the resurrection of Jesus Christ, no one would ever be resurrected to eternal life (see 1 Cor 15:16-17)
But then God became a man named Jesus Christ (John 1:14), who was born of a virgin girl with no human father, who lived a sinless life, who died for the sins OF THE WORLD (John 1:29), and who was raised to life everlasting on the third day after His death. And as the Apostle Paul explains in Romans:
"Therefore, as through one man’s offense (i.e. Adam's original sin) judgment came to ALL MEN, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act (i.e. Jesus's sacrifice and resurrection) the free gift came to ALL MEN, resulting in justification of life." -Romans 5:18
What is the "free gift" spoken of in the above passage? -The "free gift" is the resurrection from the dead! Who did the "free gift" come to? -"ALL MEN!" (Romans 5:18). Who, then, did Jesus (i.e. God) SAVE from eternal death? "ALL MEN!" (Romans 5:18). Who then will now be resurrected? "ALL MEN!" (Romans 5:18).
Thus, no one can earn that "free gift" of resurrection, as it was given to "ALL MEN" for FREE! As it is also written:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." -Ephesians 2:8-9
And again, as the Apostle writes later to the Church in Corinth:
"But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam ALL die, even so in Christ ALL shall be made alive." -1 Corinthians 15:20-22.
Who shall be made alive? -Scripture says "All"... In other words: EVERYONE! So who has received the "free gift?" -EVERYONE!
Indeed. John the Baptist was absolutely correct. Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin OF THE WORLD" (John 1:29)!
In fact, THAT is the "Good News" (i.e. "Gospel")? -THAT WE WILL ALL LIVE AGAIN AFTER WE DIE!
But this Good News (the true Gospel) seems to have been lost, buried deep beneath the useless wranglings and vain philosophies of men throughout the ages, and can only be found after we eliminate those men's clouded teachings from our minds "and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21).
As we have been warned in Scripture:
"But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." -2 Corinthians 11:3
My friends, the Gospel message is SIMPLE, not complicated. The Apostles preached the simple message of resurrection (Acts 4:2) and REPENTANCE from sin (Acts 2:38)!
Why? -Because "ALL MEN" have now been SAVED from death, which means that "ALL MEN" will now be resurrected and stand before the Creator of the Universe TO BE JUDGED ACCORDING TO WHAT THEY HAVE DONE, as it is written:
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, ACCORDING TO WHAT HE HAS DONE, whether good or bad." -2 Corinthians 5:10
As the Lord Jesus Christ Himself clearly proclaimed:
"Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which ALL who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have DONE GOOD, to the resurrection of life, and those who have DONE EVIL, to the resurrection of condemnation." -John 5:28-29.
2. Passive and/or Uninterested "christians"
Many people claim that they believe the Word of God, but are uninterested in actually studying it, and therefore prove that they do not really believe it. For if they truly believed it, they would undoubtedly realize that it is written:"Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2Tim 2:15 KJV).
These types of Christians should also recognize that a lack of knowledge can lead to their destruction; as it is written:
"My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6a).
People who lack the drive and passion to study what God has written demonstrate that they do not love God. This is akin to a man who writes a woman 66 love letters only to have her glance through a few of them and then store them all on a shelf where they collect dust. That woman is obviously not in love with that man. Likewise, God has written every Christian 66 books and letters (the Holy Bible) that many people who claim to be Christian have never even bothered to read. These types of "Christians" do not love God and thereby violate the greatest commandment to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind" (Matt 22:37); and, as it is also written:
"He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." -1 John 2:4
Especially when he does not keep the greatest commandment of all.
People who lack the drive and passion to study what God has written demonstrate that they do not love God. This is akin to a man who writes a woman 66 love letters only to have her glance through a few of them and then store them all on a shelf where they collect dust. That woman is obviously not in love with that man. Likewise, God has written every Christian 66 books and letters (the Holy Bible) that many people who claim to be Christian have never even bothered to read. These types of "Christians" do not love God and thereby violate the greatest commandment to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind" (Matt 22:37); and, as it is also written:
"He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." -1 John 2:4
Especially when he does not keep the greatest commandment of all.
3. Disorderly "Christians"
Others claim that they believe the Word of God, but do not do what it plainly says to do. These are the disorderly; these are they who do not keep the traditions that have been delivered to us by the Holy Apostles, and, as it is written, we must withdraw from them:
"But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us" (2 Thess 3:6).
Some of these types may be real Christians, but for one reason or another they do not yet understand the traditions taught by the Apostles (most likely because the "churches" today do not teach them). Therefore, we are commanded in the name of Jesus Christ (2 Thess 3:6) to withdraw from them (i.e. do not pray, fellowship, or partake of the sacraments with them).
These types of Christians may not be living in heinous sin, (i.e. those sins listed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10), but because they do not observe the traditions delivered to us in the Scriptures (namely, those listed in 1 Cor 11:2,11:5-6,14:27,14:34-35; 1Tim 2:9,2:12; 2Thess 3:6; James 1:27,5:14,5:16 -just to name a few) we are commanded by the Lord to "withdraw" from them (2 Thess 3:6).
4. False "Christians"
Then there are those who claim to be "brothers" (i.e. "Christians"), but live in open sin and rebellion to Christ's Commandments. They may claim to be Christians, they may go to church, and they may sincerely believe that they are saved, but they do not obey the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ; and, as it is clearly written:
"He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him" (1John 2:4).
The Apostle Paul spoke of these types of so-called "Christians" (whom he named "Psuedo-Delphos" in the Greek, which means "false brothers") when he issued the following commands:
"I wrote to you in my [last] epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside [the Church]? Do you not judge those who are inside [the Church]? But those who are outside [the Church] God judges. Therefore put away from yourselves the evil person" (1Cor 5:9-13).
As it clearly states above, real Christians are not even permitted to "keep company" with these types of people, let alone even eat with them. Yet, in many churches today, Christians are actually partaking of communion with these types of people! This should not be so-- and is one major reason why I caution many Christians about joining their local "church." Church is NOT for sinners (Psalm 1:5), but for the sanctified (1 Cor 6:11).
5. The Judaizers: "Christians" that Observe the Law of Moses
Some people, on the other hand, claim to be Christians, but place themselves under the curse of the Law of Moses (Gal 3:10), which is death.
"But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us" (2 Thess 3:6).
Some of these types may be real Christians, but for one reason or another they do not yet understand the traditions taught by the Apostles (most likely because the "churches" today do not teach them). Therefore, we are commanded in the name of Jesus Christ (2 Thess 3:6) to withdraw from them (i.e. do not pray, fellowship, or partake of the sacraments with them).
These types of Christians may not be living in heinous sin, (i.e. those sins listed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10), but because they do not observe the traditions delivered to us in the Scriptures (namely, those listed in 1 Cor 11:2,11:5-6,14:27,14:34-35; 1Tim 2:9,2:12; 2Thess 3:6; James 1:27,5:14,5:16 -just to name a few) we are commanded by the Lord to "withdraw" from them (2 Thess 3:6).
4. False "Christians"
Then there are those who claim to be "brothers" (i.e. "Christians"), but live in open sin and rebellion to Christ's Commandments. They may claim to be Christians, they may go to church, and they may sincerely believe that they are saved, but they do not obey the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ; and, as it is clearly written:
"He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him" (1John 2:4).
The Apostle Paul spoke of these types of so-called "Christians" (whom he named "Psuedo-Delphos" in the Greek, which means "false brothers") when he issued the following commands:
"I wrote to you in my [last] epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside [the Church]? Do you not judge those who are inside [the Church]? But those who are outside [the Church] God judges. Therefore put away from yourselves the evil person" (1Cor 5:9-13).
As it clearly states above, real Christians are not even permitted to "keep company" with these types of people, let alone even eat with them. Yet, in many churches today, Christians are actually partaking of communion with these types of people! This should not be so-- and is one major reason why I caution many Christians about joining their local "church." Church is NOT for sinners (Psalm 1:5), but for the sanctified (1 Cor 6:11).
5. The Judaizers: "Christians" that Observe the Law of Moses
Some people, on the other hand, claim to be Christians, but place themselves under the curse of the Law of Moses (Gal 3:10), which is death.
"For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.”" -Galatians 3:10
These people believe that they must observe the physical Sabbath (Saturday) or other physical Holy Days, or that Christians must be circumcised, or that Christians must abstain from certain foods, in order to be saved. These are they who disregard the fact that for Christians there is a NEW Law, which is similar to --but NOT-- the Law of Moses; as it is written:
"For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law" (Hebrews 7:12).
These are they who do not understand that
"In that [God] says, “A new covenant, ” He has made the first obsolete" (Hebrews 8:13a).
And these are they who deny the Word of God and what is written for Gentile believers concerning the Law of Moses; as it is written:
"Concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality" (Acts 21:25).
Christians are under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and if He is our Lord, then we are under the commandments of Christ (Matt 28:20; John 14:15, 21; 1John 2:4, 5:3), NOT under the Law of Moses (Col 2:16; Gal 3:10; Heb 7:12, 8:13; Acts 21:25).
6. The Lawless, 'God loves you no matter what' "Christians"
Yet still others claim to be Christian and preach that there are no laws at all. These types preach that once we are saved there is absolutely nothing we can do --no sin at all-- that could cause us to loose our salvation. These are those who turn the grace of God into lewdness (Jude 1:4). These are those who promise liberty in Christ, but are themselves slaves of corruption (2Pet 2:19). These types deny what is clearly written as well, namely:
"If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God" (Hebrews 10:26-27 NIV 1984).
And as the Lord Jesus Christ plainly said in the book of Revelation to Christians who had sinned:
"Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent" (Rev 2:5);
When, or if, we Christians sin, we must also repent again and cease our sinning, or else the Lord will remove our lampstand (our place in the age to come). As it is written, there are many who will be "blotted out" of the Book of Life (Exodus 32:33; Psalm 69:28), and some who will not be "blotted out" (Rev 3:5). In order to be blotted "out" of the Book of Life, they must first be "in" the Book of Life. Therefore, it is absolutely possible for a Christian to loose their salvation, and it is imperative that we teach such (Heb 3:14; Prov 16:6); as it is written:
"If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death" (1John 5:16-17).
Let no one deceive you: There is sin leading to death (which is the loss of salvation). Therefore, every Christian should heed the Word of the Lord Jesus Christ when He said:
"But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!" -Luke 12:5
This warning is to both believers AND unbelievers.
7. Other "Christians" that Vary from the Word of God
So many other kinds of Christians have all sorts of weird and varying beliefs that contradict Scripture that it would be impossible to list them all here. Usually, their entire doctrines can be cast down with but one single verse (2 Cor 10:5), whether they admit it or not.
However, I would like to make something very clear before I give any more examples: A Christian's doctrine does not have to be totally perfect in order for them to be redeemed by Christ; as it is written:
"For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known" (1Cor 13:12)
There are some Christians who live in error out of ignorance, and others who live in error out of other motives. The Lord makes a difference between the two; as it is written:
"That servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few" (Luke 12:47-48a)
With that said, REAL Christians will humble themselves enough to recognize their faults, and are willing to accept BIBLICAL correction when it comes; as it is written:
"He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God" -John 8:47
Those who will not accept BIBLICAL correction "are not of God" just as the above verse clearly points out. As it is also written, Christ's REAL sheep "will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers" (John 10:5).
Furthermore, real Christians are again commanded to "withdraw" from those who will not "consent to wholesome words," which, of course, are the "words of our Lord Jesus Christ." As it is written:
"If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself." -1 Timothy 6:3-5
Those who know what the traditions and commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ demand, yet fail to observe or teach them are "proud, knowing nothing" and are "obsessed with disputes and arguments over words." This is made manifest whenever you attempt to persuade these types of people away from their error.
If you are part of any group that follows any of the false doctrines I dispute within this article, I warn you now to "flee" from that group. "Withdraw" from them as you are commanded (2 Thess 3:6) and "hear" Christ's Word.
Allow me now to give you some more brief examples of some of the enormous errors that exist within the "churches of our day:
I write this article out of a deep love for God's people. I do not like to argue. If everyone who says they believe the Bible would just agree with what the Bible clearly says there would be no need for argument. Unfortunately, I have found that many who claim to believe the Scriptures actually do not. Many people that claim to believe the Scriptures today would rather interpret Scripture to FIT their beliefs rather than study Scripture to FORM their beliefs. Praise be to God, however, for He has empowered His Saints with the skill to demolish arguments and false doctrines; as it is written:
"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2Cor 10:5 NIV 1984).
I hope that this short blog has given you an idea of what kind of Christian I am, as well as what kind of Christian I am not. God willing, throughout the various articles of this weblog (located in the top right-hand corner of this page), I will be able to explain my doctrinal positions on many pertinent topics.
If you feel that I am in error in any way, please know that I happily accept Biblical correction (Psalm 141:5) and that I am more than willing to admit a mistake if or when I make one (Luke 14:11). -But do not think that I will not contend for the truth (Jude 1:3). If you wish to debate any of the topics or statements I write throughout these articles, you must argue your point with SCRIPTURE, not opinion, theory, or philosophy (Col 2:8). I do not accept man's opinions, theories, hypotheses, or philosophies as valid arguments against Scripture (Jer 23:16).
May God richly bless all His Saints with knowledge and wisdom, which only proceeds from Him.
"For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law" (Hebrews 7:12).
These are they who do not understand that
"In that [God] says, “A new covenant, ” He has made the first obsolete" (Hebrews 8:13a).
And these are they who deny the Word of God and what is written for Gentile believers concerning the Law of Moses; as it is written:
"Concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality" (Acts 21:25).
Christians are under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and if He is our Lord, then we are under the commandments of Christ (Matt 28:20; John 14:15, 21; 1John 2:4, 5:3), NOT under the Law of Moses (Col 2:16; Gal 3:10; Heb 7:12, 8:13; Acts 21:25).
6. The Lawless, 'God loves you no matter what' "Christians"
Yet still others claim to be Christian and preach that there are no laws at all. These types preach that once we are saved there is absolutely nothing we can do --no sin at all-- that could cause us to loose our salvation. These are those who turn the grace of God into lewdness (Jude 1:4). These are those who promise liberty in Christ, but are themselves slaves of corruption (2Pet 2:19). These types deny what is clearly written as well, namely:
"If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God" (Hebrews 10:26-27 NIV 1984).
And as the Lord Jesus Christ plainly said in the book of Revelation to Christians who had sinned:
"Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent" (Rev 2:5);
When, or if, we Christians sin, we must also repent again and cease our sinning, or else the Lord will remove our lampstand (our place in the age to come). As it is written, there are many who will be "blotted out" of the Book of Life (Exodus 32:33; Psalm 69:28), and some who will not be "blotted out" (Rev 3:5). In order to be blotted "out" of the Book of Life, they must first be "in" the Book of Life. Therefore, it is absolutely possible for a Christian to loose their salvation, and it is imperative that we teach such (Heb 3:14; Prov 16:6); as it is written:
"If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death" (1John 5:16-17).
Let no one deceive you: There is sin leading to death (which is the loss of salvation). Therefore, every Christian should heed the Word of the Lord Jesus Christ when He said:
"But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!" -Luke 12:5
This warning is to both believers AND unbelievers.
7. Other "Christians" that Vary from the Word of God
So many other kinds of Christians have all sorts of weird and varying beliefs that contradict Scripture that it would be impossible to list them all here. Usually, their entire doctrines can be cast down with but one single verse (2 Cor 10:5), whether they admit it or not.
However, I would like to make something very clear before I give any more examples: A Christian's doctrine does not have to be totally perfect in order for them to be redeemed by Christ; as it is written:
"For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known" (1Cor 13:12)
There are some Christians who live in error out of ignorance, and others who live in error out of other motives. The Lord makes a difference between the two; as it is written:
"That servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few" (Luke 12:47-48a)
With that said, REAL Christians will humble themselves enough to recognize their faults, and are willing to accept BIBLICAL correction when it comes; as it is written:
"He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God" -John 8:47
Those who will not accept BIBLICAL correction "are not of God" just as the above verse clearly points out. As it is also written, Christ's REAL sheep "will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers" (John 10:5).
Furthermore, real Christians are again commanded to "withdraw" from those who will not "consent to wholesome words," which, of course, are the "words of our Lord Jesus Christ." As it is written:
"If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself." -1 Timothy 6:3-5
Those who know what the traditions and commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ demand, yet fail to observe or teach them are "proud, knowing nothing" and are "obsessed with disputes and arguments over words." This is made manifest whenever you attempt to persuade these types of people away from their error.
If you are part of any group that follows any of the false doctrines I dispute within this article, I warn you now to "flee" from that group. "Withdraw" from them as you are commanded (2 Thess 3:6) and "hear" Christ's Word.
Allow me now to give you some more brief examples of some of the enormous errors that exist within the "churches of our day:
- Some say that "God loves everyone and hates no one." -The Bible says otherwise: "The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity" (Psalm 5:5). "As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated" (Romans 9:13). "The LORD tests the righteous, But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates" (Psalm 11:5). God's act of sending His Son to die on the cross was because He "so loved the world" (John 3:16) but that does not negate the fact that God also, at the same time, hated all sinners (Psalm 5:5). All that one must realize is that "with God all things are possible" (Matt 19:26). Therefore, with God it is absolutely possible for two opposing things to be true at the same time. Most people, however, lean on their own understanding, which is a sin (Prov 3:5), and will not believe God's Word for what it plainly says. Let me therefore make this very clear: God both loved the world (John 3:16; Rom 5:8) and hated the world (Psalm 5:5, 11:5) at the same time. Indeed, therein is the grace of God made manifest. As it is written, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom 5:8). God hates sinners (Psalm 5:5). Yet, while He hated us, and though He was angry with us everyday (Psalm 7:11), He showed love to His enemies (Matt 5:43-48), i.e. those whom He hated, by sending His only begotten Son to die for us (John 3:16). Indeed, God did love everyone by sending His Son, but take heed: If you are a sinner, God hates you (Psalm 5:5)!
- Some say that only small portions of the Bible are "essential" to salvation (known as "the Essentials of the Christian Faith") and that other portions can be debated, doubted, or even dismissed. -The Bible says otherwise: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matt 4:4), and again, "He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God" (John 8:47). You do not need to know or understand every word of the Bible to be saved, but you must believe "every word" that you do know in order to be saved (James 2:23; John 12:47-48), and then progress from there (2 Pet 1:5-7).
- Some say that they have free will to choose God or to reject Him, but the Bible says otherwise: "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him" (John 6:44), and again, "So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy" (Romans 9:16). Indeed, herein is another example of the grace of God made manifest. God chooses people for salvation of His own will, not because of anything they have done, to include making a free-will decision. Those who believe in the free will of mankind lean upon their own works (i.e. their own free will) to save them.
- Some say that Jesus' atonement on the cross was limited (known as "limited atonement" or "Calvinism"). -The Bible says otherwise: "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29), and again, "We trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe" (1Tim 4:10). Jesus Christ has purchased every human being back from the curse of death (Acts 20:28; 1Cor 6:20, 7:23; Eph 1:14), and now EVERYONE WHO HAS EVER LIVED AND DIED WILL BE RESURRECTED BACK TO LIFE (John 5:24-30) both the just and the unjust (Acts 24:15). Therefore He has saved EVERYONE from the curse of death; as it is written: "For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe" (1 Tim 4:10). and again: "Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life" (Rom 5:18). Immediately after their resurrection, however, Jesus Christ will personally judge each person according to their deeds (Rom 2:6; Rev 20:12,13) -according to what they've done in their life (Matt 25:31-46), whether good or bad (2Cor 5:10; Rev 20:12). Those who have believed in God and His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ and who have obeyed His Word (1John 2:3,4) will be ushered into a new age of everlasting love, joy, and peace in union with God (Matt 25:46; John 5:28-29). Those who have done evil and have not believed in Jesus Christ (2Thess 2:10) nor obeyed His Word will be thrown alive into the Lake of Fire where they will burn in agony for all eternity (Matt 25:46; Mark 9:43,44,45,46,47,48; John 5:28-29), this is the second death (Rev 21:8).
- Some say that Communion, or the taking of the Eucharist, is only a symbol of the Lord's Body, but not actually the Body of Christ itself. -The Bible says otherwise: "For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body" (1Cor 11:29). Or, as another translation puts it: "For anyone who eats and drinks without discriminating and recognizing with due appreciation that [it is Christ's] body, eats and drinks a sentence (a verdict of judgment) upon himself" (1Cor 11:29 Amplified Bible). As this Scripture continues, "For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep" (1Cor 11:30). The Eucharist does not physically become the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ (as the Catholics and Orthodox believe), but it certainly does spiritually become the Lord's Body and Blood. Otherwise, how would it be possible to fulfill Christ's command; as Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you" (John 6:53). Furthermore, Jesus was not lying when He gave His disciples the bread of their last supper and said, "Take, eat; this is My body" (Matt 26:26). Nor was Jesus lying when He took the cup and said, "Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood..." (Matt 26:27-28). Jesus' words here are LITERAL, not allegorical, even though they are spiritual (John 6:63b) and not physical. Those who do not recognize this truth do not do well and may become sick or even die because they eat or drink "in an unworthy manner... not discerning the Lord's body" (1Cor 11:30).
- Some (like Catholics and Orthodox) communicate (i.e. commune) with dead "Saints" and ask them to pray for them and to intercede for them, but the Bible says that people who communicate with the dead are mediums, sorcerers, and necromancers; as it is written: "There must not be anyone among you who passes his son or daughter through fire; who practices divination, is a sign reader, fortune-teller, sorcerer, or spell caster; who converses with ghosts or spirits or communicates with the dead. All who do these things are detestable to the LORD!" (Deuteronomy 18:10-12a -CEB). I warn you now, if you are "praying" to dead people OR "talking" to the spirits of dead people to get them to pray for you, you are communing with the dead and are practicing what the Bible calls sorcery, witchcraft, and necromancy, and you are a medium. And, as it is written: "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." (Rev 21:8).
- Some revere, kiss, or bow down to "icons" (which is simply a synonym of the word "idol"). Idols and icons are the same thing. So what does the Bible say about those who revere, kiss, or bow down to "icons"? Behold, it is written: "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death" (Revelation 21:8). Have modern, so-called "Christians" not read the second of the Ten Commandments, which states, "You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God... (Exodus 20:4-6)? Make no mistake, those who bow down to statues are idolaters, and will NEVER inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9-10; 1 Cor 5:11), whether they call themselves Christians or not.
- Some claim that Christians cannot lose their salvation, but the Bible says otherwise: "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 10:26-31). And again: "Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off" (Romans 11:22).
- Some say that Christians must speak in tongues as proof of their salvation. -The Bible says otherwise: "Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?" (1Cor 12:30). Obviously, the Apostle Paul is asking a few rhetorical questions. The answer to all three of them, of course, is no; not all have gifts of healing, speak in tongues, or interpret tongues.
- Some say we "sleep" when we die. They claim that the dead only awaken on judgement day. -The Bible says otherwise: "So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord" (2Cor 5:6-8). Indeed, Paul the Apostle was simply reiterating what Jesus Himself said: "If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor" (John 12:26). These types also call Jesus a liar when they deny the LITERAL story of Lazarus and the rich man told in Luke 16:19-31, or Jesus' LITERAL statement to the thief on the cross recorded in Luke 23:43. The story of Lazarus and the rich man was not a fairy tale of Christ's invention, but a true story (Exodus 23:1; John 15:15). Likewise, when Jesus told the thief on the cross beside Him that he would be with Him in paradise that day, He meant it. Jesus is not a liar and does not spread false reports.
I write this article out of a deep love for God's people. I do not like to argue. If everyone who says they believe the Bible would just agree with what the Bible clearly says there would be no need for argument. Unfortunately, I have found that many who claim to believe the Scriptures actually do not. Many people that claim to believe the Scriptures today would rather interpret Scripture to FIT their beliefs rather than study Scripture to FORM their beliefs. Praise be to God, however, for He has empowered His Saints with the skill to demolish arguments and false doctrines; as it is written:
"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2Cor 10:5 NIV 1984).
I hope that this short blog has given you an idea of what kind of Christian I am, as well as what kind of Christian I am not. God willing, throughout the various articles of this weblog (located in the top right-hand corner of this page), I will be able to explain my doctrinal positions on many pertinent topics.
If you feel that I am in error in any way, please know that I happily accept Biblical correction (Psalm 141:5) and that I am more than willing to admit a mistake if or when I make one (Luke 14:11). -But do not think that I will not contend for the truth (Jude 1:3). If you wish to debate any of the topics or statements I write throughout these articles, you must argue your point with SCRIPTURE, not opinion, theory, or philosophy (Col 2:8). I do not accept man's opinions, theories, hypotheses, or philosophies as valid arguments against Scripture (Jer 23:16).
May God richly bless all His Saints with knowledge and wisdom, which only proceeds from Him.
Disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted, all quoted Scriptures are from the New King James Version® (NKJV®). Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
