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It is usually a good reminder to consider what the Bible teaches regarding the source of our
authority in religious matters. All that we do in life is by authority, whether it be parental,
civil, governmental, or spiritual. We all understand this principle, but few, it seems, are
consistent in applying it in the religious realm.
When we compare the New Testament church of Christ with the religions and denominations of men, we find that there is a stark contrast! Every denomination was begun by men, and though they be well-meaning, that is not the point. Jesus said "And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18 ASV). Jesus built only one church, which He will save in the end. To the Ephesians, the apostle Paul said that the church of Christ is the body of Christ, and He will save only that one body: "For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the church, being himself the saviour of the body" (Eph. 5:23 ASV). To the Corinthians, Paul wrote that Jesus would deliver this church, or body (which is called the kingdom) to God at the time of the end: "Then cometh the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father" (1 Cor. 15:24). Since Jesus will save but one church, why will men continue to be part of man-made religions? Again, men tell us that we are to choose the "faith of our choice." But the Bible clearly teaches that there is but "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Eph. 4:5). If there is but one faith that God recognizes, why bother with the so-called "faiths" that men invent? Every religious person who associates himself with the religions of men has missed out on what God provided for them. The Bible teaches that when one is saved or becomes a Christian — the two terms are the same — that one is a member of the church which Christ built: "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" (Acts 2:47). Closely associated with the above two thoughts is the matter of what we are called in religion. We never read of the church being called by denominational names in the Bible, why be part of that now? Why not just be happy to be what God says will glorify Him? See what Peter wrote, "but if a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name" (1 Pet. 4:16). Let us simply be Christians as God has directed and not be part of man's religion. Men constantly write and re-write their doctrines and methods and creeds and manuals and confessions and catechisms. The Bible remains the same. We can and must always rely upon only "thus saith the Lord" in all that we do for the Master and in His name. We can have confidence in what Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away" (Matt. 24:35). Friends, let us abide by the Bible and the Bible only. Then and only then shall we have peace and unity, even as Jesus prayed (John 17). Thanks for reading, "The churches of Christ salute you" (Rom. 16:16)! |