Denominations Study

(Prepared for the Toms River Church of Christ. Permission in granted to use this article.)
If you have any comments or would like assistance contact us here 

 

INTRODUCTION - A request to study some of the denominational religions ("Traditions of Men Versus the Word of God" by Alvin Jennings)  Some people felt that a knowledge of the denominations would permit them to better discuss "religious" items, while others said they didn't know how to hold such discussions, and probably wouldn't try to start one. Using the tables given by Br. Jennings in Ref. 1, is an easy way to locate doctrinal errors and bible proof verses. (It is best that each student have a copy of this book to better understand this lesson)  This study is broken down in topics: Topic 1: The Bible and God's Word;  Topic 2: Churches and its people; Topic 3: What Is Sin?;  Topic 4: Selecting an "error" from ref. 1 in the book for discussion and study;  Topic 5: Baptism.  .

IMPORTANT -For the "long term", Bible knowledge and Bible study is of greater value than actually studying other religions. Our normal Bible study is "flawed" in that it doesn't develop us to the level required by Paul's instructions to Timothy (2 Tim 3:14-17), and most people don't make the effort to keep their Bible knowledge in the active part of their brain. We will use a "Topic Study" approach in these lessons.

OUR PURPOSE - We want ALL people to realize that the BIBLE is the ONLY source of knowledge that provides men with GOD'S WORD. Only by dedicated Bible study can anyone learn the New Testament truths that make a person pleasing and acceptable to God. Since relatively few people diligently study the Bible, the people in most religious groups accept whatever is passed down to them as being correct. Thus, when an attempt is made to expose the error by teaching what GOD's WORD actually requires of Christians, people become angry and want to "shoot the messenger" instead of studying the Bible to verify what the TRUTH actually is. Jesus said in John 4:24, "God is spirit; and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and TRUTH" .People MUST realize that God wants worship that is in keeping with HIS TRUTH; not whatever men put together on their own. Jesus referred to these "traditions of men" as "vain worship"      (Matt 15:9). Therefore, those worshipping in ERROR need to repent of their sins (the false doctrines they accepted and obeyed) and start to  obey GOD'S WORD as given in the Bible's New Testament. Only then will they be acceptable and pleasing to God and Jesus, and so become a part of  "GOD's  people", the Jesus' New Testament church   (Act 2:47).
       The BASIC approach is to contrast "New Testament Doctrine (BIBLE TRUTHS)" to the corresponding parts of the "DENOMINATIONAL DOCTRINES (Traditions of Men, Matt 15:1-11) THAT ARE FALSE". "Traditions of Men" result when men CHANGE "God's Word (Bible Teachings)"; in other words, men have added to, or taken away, "something" from God's Word as recorded in the Bible).  (see Proof One.)

 

This is forbidden by God  (see Proof One.)

From this statement, IT FOLLOWS THAT:

1. "The denominations continue to reject God's Word", as they obey and are faithful to THEIR OWN doctrines (traditions of men(Matt 15:1-11)). Therefore, the denominations are guilty (whether they realize it or not), of teaching error and living in "REBELLION AGAINST GOD" (see Proof One.) . Thus, they keep THEIR followers in a permanent LOST condition, separated from God and Jesus. There is much controversy on this type of thinking, and discussion typically involves words like: exclusivity, judgementalism, intolerance, ignorance, sectarian, etc. Everyone needs to understand the "claim" and the Bible teaching that supports it.

2. The facts of one above are true and independent of a person's personal character. The dedication and sincerity of an individual's heart means NOTHING when he teaches "false doctrine" (Gal 1:6-9).

3. The word "Christian" means "a follower of Christ" (Biblically referred to as a "disciple" (Acts 11:26, Matt 28:19, & Mark 16:15-16)), and DOES NOT ALWAYS mean "a scripturally 'SAVED' person in Jesus Christ". Anybody who remotely considers himself a "follower of Christ" in one way or another can apply the name "Christian" to himself. Therefore, we must refer to the people WHOM God has added to the church (Acts 2:47) in some other (or better) way.

The facts above may seem excessively harsh, but people must realize that they need to VERIFY that “they have salvation". Stress that this holds true even for us, the teachers. These facts should be used as YOUR teaching, or discussion guide when studying the Bible with others, and needs to be done in a loving, kind, and gentle manner. ABOVE ALL, do not be arrogant or prideful just because you are already a "scriptural" Christian. It is an unfortunate fact that many scriptural Christians have these faults because they know the three items above. This "superior" attitude arouses hostile feelings in those whom you are trying to reach. Be careful in your discussions; remember, "DON'T WIN THE BATTLE, and thus LOSE the WAR." 

Finally, a person does not need to know "EVERYTHING" about all religious groups in order to do a credible job in a discussion. A good understanding of a few "Bible Topics" can handle many "common" errors in ALL the denominations. ( see Topic 4 below)

 

An Illustration: (Be very careful with this concept.)

Person A - "Visit our worship service this Sunday?" [or Bible Study?]

Person B - "No Thanks. I'm a [denomination's name ].
Following are several responses. (VERY HIGH SHOCK VALUE.)
Mr.A - That's not a Christian church (or group)!or,
"" - That church doesn't accept the Bible as God's Word.!or,
"" - Your church's (or group's) doctrine denys Jesus' claims!or,
"" - Your church (group) doesn't obey God!or,
"" - Doesn't your church (or group) allow you to visit God's church?" 
or, Mr.A - Does that mean "your teaching (or doctrine)" is correct and "every other teaching (doctrine)" is wrong?

Discuss each of Mr. A's responses above, to understand why each response is Biblically correct.
RE-READ above statement on "Winning the BATTLE, and LOSING the WAR".
The goal is to get this TYPE of response back to the person, butin a way that he will CONTINUE to talk with you, NOT abandon you.
RECALL our "Friendship Evangelism" classes.

 

A POINT to REMEMBER:  This is "SUPER IMPORTANT". WHOEVER MAKES a CLAIM, that PERSON IS OBLIGATED TO "PROVE" IT, (To present your evidence in support of your claim, even if you "can't" quite do it all).

TOPIC 1 -"THE BIBLE IS GOD'S WORD (???) - PROVE IT!" This topic is for the benefit of everyone. DON'T keep it a secret. Use it as needed. 

Quest. 1. What "evidence" is there, that proves the Bible is God's Word?

Ans.1. a) The Bible claims for itself that it is the "Word of God". The claims are made in the O.T. first, then in N.T. second. O.T.-Exodus 19:5-9, the covenant is established between God and the people as God speaks to and through Moses.

N.T.-2 Peter 1:16-21, all Biblical writers are inspired. What are the "limitations" of 2 Peter 1:19-21? "Inspiration" is only true for the original language revelation. Potentially, "copying errors" (in the original language manuscripts), and "translation" errors(in current English translations) can exist in "The Bible". Refer to a text that discusses the subject of "textual criticism", to see how the effects of "copying errors" can be minimized prior to being translated. Translation errors can be detected and publicized through good Bible study. (Exs. baptism, belief, faith, love).

 

Ans.1. b) "Dedicated believers" (in both Old and New Testament periods), accepted these  TRUTHs, and lived their lives in accordance with this claim. Evidence of "dedicated believers" (2 Peter 1:16-17) is typical. Peter is an eye-witness, as were others (1 Cor. 15:3-8). Those who are not "eye-witnesses" are still "dedicated believers", since they accepted God's claim, and the testimonies of other people. MODERN DAY JURY TRIALS operate on these same two principles, and people accept and live with those judgments.

Quest. 2. As the Bible is God's Word, is it complete?, or is "SOMETHING MORE" required?

Ans.2 God's Word is complete, nothing additional is required. Claims such as "personal, modern-day" revelation by the Holy Spirit", and/or some other entity, other books, etc.) are in error. Such "add-ons" are actually "changes to God's Word", and MUST be rejected.
For example:

Per Jude 3b- "... the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints."
All of 2 John, especially vs 5-11.
Also consider John 3:14-18.
As more scriptural verses support this truth, feel free to add them to your arsenal.
This "proves Topic 1". As there isn't any "proof" against God's claim, then it stands. If anyone doesn't want to accept this "proof", then the  obligation is upon that person to disprove this truth. GO BACK

TOPIC 2.-CHURCH(es) and PEOPLE

Quest.1. Are all "churches" part of Jesus' church (New Test. church)?

Answer 1. The Greek word "ekklesia" means "assembly" ("a called out group"), and is so translated in Acts 19:32,39,41. When that group is a religious one, it is translated "church". So in Matt 16:18,where Jesus said He will call out His assembly (church). Any person or group can "call out" those who have a common purpose, and call themselvesa "church", even though "assembly" might be more appropriate on some occasions. Therefore, any "church" is a church unto itself, and not a part of any other church; Jesus' church is one that is consistent with the Bible's teaching (God's and Jesus' Word), and cannot include any"church" that obeys a modified teaching (doctrine) as it is different from the Bible's New Testament teaching.

Quest. 2. How should Christians regard these changes that MEN MAKE to God's Word?

Answer 2. Since God does not permit changes to HisWord(Proof One), allchanges made to, or in, God's word are acts of disobedience (rebellion against God) as they challenge God's authority. These "changes" can be written or verbal, and occur for many reasons:

a) The rejection of part of God's Word, as it SEEMS inconsistent with the rest of God's Word. (Ex.-God is Love, He wouldn't do that.)  ASK: What is greater than God's love for you?

ANSWER: .God's HATE for your sin.
b) Conclusions based on faulty, incomplete Bible study .(Psalm 119:160)
c) Some want to avoid Biblical commitments.
d) Other selfish desires. Discuss b), c), and d). GO BACK

 

TOPIC 3.- "WHAT IS SIN?"

Quest. 1. What is "sin"?

Answer 1. Many "examples" of sin are given in the Bible as "sins". Rom 1:20-32; Gal 5:16-21, for example. A simple, basic definition can be had that includes the above as well as all other possibilities. An examination of Gen 3:1-19 reveals it (vs 11, 17). Sin is"disobedience to God". This is a good definition because "it is Scriptural", people can not argue, or quibble, over the examples of SIN,and it is easily understood by nonreligious people. (1 John 3:4 for NT support.) Also, James 4:17 states that a person who knows the positive aspects of God's law, and doesn't do them, HE HAS SINNED (disobedience).

 

Quest. 2. Is there any aspect of the "sin" topic that should be avoided?

Answer 2. Yes, if possible. Rom 14:14 says that if a person THINKS something is sinful, then to HIM it is sinful. (God considers this type of sin the same as that discussed above. Once this person is taught the truth that this "something" is not "sinful", then it no longe rwill be considered "sin" by God. These cases are known as "weaker brother, stronger brother" situations, and are more difficult to handle, as there is more vagueness in that subject. A study of this subject should be based upon Rom 14:1-15:13; 1 Cor. 8:1-13; James 4:11-17; and Matt 7:1-5.  GO BACK

 

TOPIC 4.- Selecting an "error" from Ref. 1 in the book  for study (discussion). The topic is best selected by three considerations:

a) a large number of denominations teach error on that subject
b) Magnitude of the error(s). (A MAJOR ERROR is better for discussion purposes than a minor one.)
c) Our own knowledge and understanding of the topic.

For example: Let's consider "baptism". Examining the Table of Contents of  Ref. 1, shows twenty religious groups. Looking at the write-ups on each group for "baptism" data, we see four groups do not mention "baptism", sixteen do, and three of these are very similar (groups 12, 14, 20). Ref. 1's tables list errors and provide some starting scriptures.

Most denominations are in error, and teach error on this subject. Stress that "improper baptism" (per God's Word), means "NO SALVATION". Knowing the Bible's teaching on "baptism", you can handle the following:

a) Immersion, pouring, sprinkling, attitudes, and salvation.
b) Baptism is or isn't required for salvation.
c) Is baptizing infants and/or children permitted (Original Sin).
d) The "parent's belief" should be bound on the child for him to follow. You can improve your ability to handle these by continuing your own  GO BACK                         GO BACK TWO

TOPIC 5.- BAPTISM 

Quest. 1. What does the Bible teach about "baptism"? 

Answer 1. JESUS said "BAPTISM IS REQUIRED" (John 3:1-8). For Baptism form see, Matt 3:1-17; Mark 1:1-11; Luke 3:1-22. The book of Acts gives ten examples on "conversion and baptism" for several different cases.

 

Quest. 2. How have "denominations" CHANGED the Bible's doctrine for the subject of "water baptism"?

Answer 2. They have changed the Bible's doctrine in four ways:

a) The first is physical form: denominations have added sprinkling and pouring as acceptable alternates to the biblical requirement of immersion. (the Bible uses these Greek words. Reason with all three).
 

1) immersionbaptizo(G907, G908)[see Vine's word analysis A-1] 
2) sprinklingrhantizo(G4472, G4473) [ """"A-2]
3) pouring5greek words are translated pouring [see Vine'sA-3]

b) Second, they teach baptism is not required for forgiveness of sins (see ans. 1 above), and "faith (alone)" saves.
c) Third, they ignore how and why baptism works (Rom 5, 6, 7).
d) Fourth, they teach that babies and children are/can be baptized as a result of "original sin", or "its just good". This shows that those who CHANGE Jesus' words (God's command) about baptism being required. are intentionally rejecting God. They do not have a faith that accepts the Bible's teaching. Refer to scriptures that one MUST have faith in GOD & JESUS's teaching in order to be "saved". Ezek 18 destroys the "Original Sin" concept.

REMEMBER - All doctrinal errors on Biblical subjects can be "worked up"in a similar manner. Prepare in a question-answer format (as shown above) to "force" the study to look at the "error aspects" in each subject. We must know our subject matter, and learn to reason with Bible teachings (defensively and offensively).

Learn the following:

1. recognize the false claims made by others.
2. know scriptures that deny the false claim(s), and reason with other bible knowledge (teachings) to support Bible New Testament doctrine. 
3. Stress, "The Bible's doctrine" is "THE ONLY WORD of GOD". The "ONLY WAY" a person can be saved from SIN, is to submit, obey, and stay faithful to BIBLE TEACHINGS (DOCTRINES). GO back

 

PROOF ONE is written to show the reasoning sequence that justifies the statement, "The denominations are thus guilty of teaching and living in rebellion against God."

1. An important principle is given in James 2:10. "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all." Similarly, if any religious doctrine differs from God's Word in one or more truths, then that religious doctrine is not God's Word.
2. In Exodus 19:5-9, a covenant is established between the people and God; God spoke His conditions, etc. through Moses, and Moses told God  the people accepted those conditions. This initial recounting of the covenant (Law of Moses) is detailed from Exodus 20:1 thru. Exodus 23:33. In Exodus 24:3, 7, the people reaffirmed the covenant.
3. In Deut. 4:2, 12:32 Moses tells of God's warning that men are not to "add to" or "take away" from His words. Note that throughout the Old Testament, the Hebrew word used for "covenant" is "berith" (H1285); (a contract or agreement between UNEQUALS). Thus the "weaker party" has neither the POWER or the RIGHT to make changes to that "contract". While this FACT GETS LOST in the translation process, IT STILL IS TRUE (in effect) TODAY. God's Word has never removed or changed that condition. The "stronger party (God)" can and will enforce  "HIS COVENANT" at HIS "time of Judgment" on each person's soul. This same principle is still true for the New Testament covenant, even though the same language situation does not seem to exist in the Greek. Paul in Gal 3:15 points out that even between men (covenant between equals), neither one can change the conditions. The same warning against changing God's Word is given in Rev 22:18-19.

John 7:16-18: Jesus teaches what GOD WANTED Him to teach, not what He might want to teach from Himself.

John 12:44-50: Jesus reaffirms this in vs 48,49. Jesus' word (which is God's also) is what will judge a man on the last day. (NOT Jesus' word as CHANGED BY MEN.)

John 14:21-24: Jesus defines "OBEDIENCE to Himself" as the EVIDENCE of a person's love for Him (Jesus) (vs 21). JESUS defines "obedience to His  Word" as loving Him vs 24). Any person's disobedience (not keeping Jesus' word) shows that they do not love Him (vs 24).

While many "Christians" claim to "love Jesus", they cannot change what is to be obeyed and think they are still pleasing and acceptable to  God and Jesus. Matt 28:18-20 The "great commission" commands the apostles, and all who follow them, to teach "all that I (Jesus) commanded you"; NOT WHAT "Jesus commanded and MEN CHANGED".

Acts 20:28-31: Paul warns the Ephesian Elders about "FALSE TEACHERS" (those who change God's Word to something different  from what God actually said. Gal 1:6-12: Galatians were deserting Christ for a different gospel, one that is a distortion of the gospel of Christ. That false teacher is to be accursed. Therefore, since God does not permit changes to His Word, any changes made to, or in, God's Word is "rebellion against God" (an act of disobedience, it challenges God's authority).

People may want to reject the Proof above saying "that starts in the Old Testament, and the Old Testament teaching doesn't apply in the New.

This is not true. The "method of salvation" is what changed between the covenants. Paul emphasized in Gal 3:17, that God's promise to Abraham before the Law of Moses, was not cancelled out by that Law. Similarly, a commandment of God made before that Law, is not changed by the Law.

This is the entry for "covenant", copied from Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words by W.E .Vine and others. (page 50 in O.T. Section. Note: Greek letters, words are not included)

COVENANT
berit(H1285), "covenant; league; confederacy." This word is most probably derived from an Akkadian root meaning "to fetter"; it has  parallels in Hittite, Egyptian, Assyrian, and Aramaic. Berit is used over 280 times and in all parts of the Old Testament. The first  occurrence of the word is in Gen. 6:18: "But with thee [Noah] will I establish my covenant."  The KJV translates berit fifteen times as "league":"...Now therefore make ye a league with us" (Josh. 9:6). These are all cases of political  agreement within Israel (2 Sam. 3:12-13,21; 5:3) or between nations (1 Kings 15:19). Later versions may use "covenant", "treaty", or "compact", but not consistently. In Judg. 2:2, the KJV has: "And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land....The command had  been also given in Exod. 23:32; 34:12-16; and Deut. 7:2-6, where the KJV has "covenant". The KJV translates berit as "covenant 260 times. The word is  used of "agreements between men", as Abraham and Abimelech (Gen. 21:32): "Thus they made a covenant at Beer-sheba...". David and Jonathan made a  "covenant" of mutual protection that would be binding on David's descendants forever (1 Sam. 18:3; 20:8, 16-18, 42). In these cases, there was "mutual  agreement confirmed by oath in the name of the Lord." Sometimes there were also material pledges (Gen. 21:28-31).

Ahab defeated the Syrians: "So he made a covenant with [Ben-hadad], and sent him away" (1 Kings 20:34). The king of Babylon "took of the king's seed [Zedekiah], and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him ..." (Ezek. 17:13, NIV, "treaty"). In such "covenants", the terms were imposed by the superior military power; they were not mutual agreements.

In Israel, the kingship was based on "covenant": "... David made a covenant [KJV, "league"] with them [the elders of Israel] in Hebron before the Lord ..." (2 Sam. 5:3). The "covenant" was based on their knowledge that God had appointed him (2 Sam. 5:2); thus they became David's subjects (cf. 2 Kings 11:4, 17).

The great majority of occurrences of berit are of God's "covenants" with men, as in Gen. 6:18 above. The verbs used are important: "I will establish my covenant" (Gen. 6:18)- literally, "cause to stand" or "confirm". "I will make my covenant" (Gen. 17:2, RSV). "He declared to you his covenant" (Deut. 4:13)."My covenant which I commanded them ..." (Josh. 7:11). "I have remembered my covenant. Wherefore... I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians" (Exod. 6:5-6). God will not reject Israel for their disobedience so as "to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them ..." (Lev. 26:44). "He will not... forget the covenant... which he sware unto them" (Deut. 4:31). The most common verb is "to cut [karat] a covenant", which is always translated as in Gen. 15:18: "The Lord made a covenant with Abram". This use apparently comes from the ceremony described in Gen. 15:9-17 cf. Jer. 34:18), in which God appeared as "a smoking furnace, and a  burning lamp [flaming torch] that passed between those pieces" (Gen. 15:17). These verbs make it plain that God takes the sole initiative in covenant making and fulfillment. "Covenant" is parallel or equivalent to the Hebrew words dabar ("word"),hoq ("statute"), piqqud ("precepts"-Ps. 103:18, NASB), edah ("testimony"-Ps. 25:10), torah ("law"-Ps. 78:10), and hesed ("loving-kindness"-Deut. 7:9, NASB). These words emphasize the authority and grace of God in making and keeping the "covenant", and the specific responsibility of man under the covenant. The words of the "covenant" were written in a book (Exod. 24:4, 7; Deut. 31:24-26) and on stone tablets (Exod. 34:28).

Men "enter into" (Deut. 29:12) or "join" (Jer. 50:5) God's "covenant". They are to obey (Gen. 12:4) and "observe carefully" all the commandments of the "covenant" (Deut. 4:6). But above all, the "covenant" calls Israel to "love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might" (Deut. 6:5). God's "covenant" is a relationship of love and loyalty between the Lord and His chosen people. "... If ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people ... and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation" (Exod. 19:5-6). "All the commandments ... shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers" (Deut. 8:1). In the "covenant", man's response contributes to covenant fulfillment; yet man's action is not causative. God's grace always goes before and produces man's response.

Occasionally, Israel "made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keep his commandments ..., to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book" (2 Kings 23:3). This is like their original promise: "All that the Lord hath spoken we will do" (Exod. 19:8; 24:7). Israel did not propose terms or a basis of union with God. They responded to God's "covenant".

The wholly gracious and effective character of God's "covenant" is confirmed in the Septuagint by the choice of diatheke to translate berit A diatheke is a will that distributes one's property after death according to the owner's wishes. It is completely unilateral. In the New Testament, diatheke occurs 33 times and is translated in the KJV 20 times as "covenant" and 13 times as "testament". In the RSV and the NASB, only "covenant" is used.
 

The use of "Old Testament" and "New Testament" as the names for the two sections of the Bible indicates that God's "covenant" is central to the entire book. The Bible relates God's "covenant" purpose, that man be joined to Him in loving service and know eternal fellowship with Him through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ. GO BACK

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