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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Divisions in the church | NT general Archive 1 | proffitt_79 | 83937 | ||
Paul speaks against divisions in the church. What would he say about all the different denominations of the present day? | ||||||
2 | Divisions in the church | NT general Archive 1 | Hank | 83938 | ||
Sorry, proffitt_79, the wording of your question calls for speculation, since you ask, "What WOULD he (Paul) say about all the different denominations of the present day?" Jude 3 says that "the faith ... was once for all delivered unto the saints." Paul's writings comprise no small part of that record of the revealed faith which is known as the New Testament, the canon of which has been closed for centuries. Indeed, Paul instructed the Roman church to make a note of them who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which they had learned and to avoid them, because they serve their own interests and not the Lord Jesus Christ; and in the process they deceive the innocent by their smooth talk and flattering oratory. (See Romans 16:17,18.) Paul also came down strongly against anyone, i.e., "we or an angel from heaven," who preaches any other gospel than the true gospel that he preached, saying "let him be accursed." (See Galatians 1:8). It is entirely possible, therefore, to achieve unity by the expedient of embracing a false doctrine and still be, as Paul says, "accursed" and thus come under condemnation for it. Unity for unity's sake alone should never be an option for the Lord's body, the church, "but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ." (Ephesians 4:15). Denominations which are divided on minor articles of the Christian faith but remain united and true to core Christian beliefs are more representative of the body of Christ than apostate churches and cults who have abandoned the true faith and hold to doctrines that are clearly false and unchristian. This is not intended to promote the proliferation of denominationalism as we know it, but neither is it intended to sanction unity solely for unity's sake. --Hank | ||||||
3 | Divisions in the church | NT general Archive 1 | Jman | 87077 | ||
Hank, What are the core Christian beliefs that must be maintained, and what beliefs are negotiable? I have been struggling with this issue for some time. I know that God will work it all out for good, but I am concerned about my beliefs lining up with truth. It kind of scares me to see denominations argue over an issue, when each seems to be able to back up their point of view from the bible. I really get confused sometimes. Sincerely, Jman |
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4 | Divisions in the church | NT general Archive 1 | reilly1041 | 87099 | ||
Jman, Excellent note - I feel exactly the same way! Just on this forum, there are very learned and sincere believers who, to the core, disagree on issues. And you're right, both sides give Scriptural references for their position! As a new Christian, this is unsettling. Perhaps it is as the Bible Answer Man says, "in-house debates" -- debates for believers to engage in, while still agreeing on the "core" truths of Christianity. reilly |
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