(There are two articles on this page)
Are There Christians in the Denominations?
by Joe Price
This article will offend some people. That is not our intent. However, it happens whenever people love the darkness of error more than the light of truth (John 3:19-21).
Denominations are not from God. Jesus built one church, which is His one body, “the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4). The gospel of Christ condemns religious division: Christ is not divided (John 17:20-21; I Corinthians 1:10-13). One is not following Jesus Christ when he practices what Jesus opposes. If God approves of denominations, we would find clear and convincing Scriptures approving them. We do not.
Christians are disciples of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26). A disciple learns and follows the will of His Master – Jesus (Luke 6:40). Since Jesus never taught, endorsed, or encouraged denominationalism, one is not following Jesus when he engages in it; he is sinning (Colossians 3:17).
Jesus adds saved people to His church, not to denominations (Acts 2:47). Christ does not count among the saved those who teach and practice the errors of denominationalism; the Lord knows those who are His (II Timothy 2:16-19).
If there are saved people – Christians – in the denominations, then these conclusions follow:
1) Denominations make the gospel plan of salvation unnecessary. Denominations do not preach and practice the Bible plan of salvation (believe, confess faith, repent, and be baptized, Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:37-38; 8:5, 12, 36-38; Romans 10:9-10). If there are Christians in denominations then people can be saved without obeying the gospel (which is false, Matthew 7:21-23).
2) Denominations make the church of Christ unnecessary. The New Testament teaches the church is essential to God’s eternal purpose of redemption (Ephesians 3:10-11). God is glorified “in the church by Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:21). Yet, the denominations say one can be saved without being a member of their denomination. True enough. Therefore, denominations admit they are not essential. When one is saved, the Lord adds him to His church, the blood-bought body of the redeemed (Acts 2:47; Ephesians 5:23). The church of Christ is necessary.
3) Denominations make contending for “the faith” futile and factious. If Christians are in denominations, should we not embrace them as brethren instead of contending against their error (Jude 3-4)? The error of “Christians in the denominations” silences the Bible call to contend for the faith, and to hold fast the pattern of sound words. Instead, we are told there are “many faiths” and God accepts them all. Yet, Paul wrote, “Hold the pattern of sound words which thou hast heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus” (II Timothy 1:13). And, there is “one faith…” (Ephesians 4:5).
4) Denominations make fellowship with error acceptable. The New Testament teaches Christians not to have fellowship with error. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11). To suggest that false churches practicing error contain saved people (Christians), is a denial of the verses that warn against having fellowship with error (II John 9-11; Galatians 1:6-10; II Corinthians 6:14-18).
Are there Christians in the denominations of men? No. But, the gospel of Christ will save them (Romans 1:16-17; Colossians 2:8).
– AdaptedIs Your Baptism On The Right Side Of Your Salvation?
by Dick Blackford
This is a question asked by preachers who teach that one is saved before and without baptism. It confuses people and even the one raising the question may be confused.
What does the Bible say in Mark 16:16? “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved …” In Mark 16:16, who is the “he” that shall be saved? Is it “He that believes and is saved shall be baptized?” Or is it “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved?” Man does not have the right to subtract anything God’s word says on the subject of salvation.
This is the case in all scriptures that mention baptism and salvation (remission of sins, etc.) together. Notice these: “Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins …” (Acts 2:38). “Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins …” (Acts 22:16). “… the like figure whereunto baptism does also now save us …” (I Peter 3:20-21). In each case baptism comes before being saved, remission of sins, washing away of sins. Whenever baptism and salvation are mentioned together, baptism will always, Always, ALWAYS come before salvation.
If Jesus had to do something so we would believe him (cf. John 20:30-31), why should we be surprised that when we believe him, He says we have to do something? That “something” originated with God, not man. Jesus put his trust in the Father when he obeyed the Father. We put our trust in Jesus when we obey Jesus.
– Adapted