Bible Question:
Hi Doctrinsograce ! Thank you for trying to answer my question about Matt: 16:15-20, You did´nt !!! We are saved by GRACE only after ALL we can do ! Remember, FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD. So, WHICH CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST was JESUS refering to to Peter ? In HEBREWS it says; NO MAN taketh this AUTHORITY unto himself EXCEPT he be CALLED of GOD !!! Please can someone try to answer my question clearly and simply, without going around in circles ! It CANNOT BE that our FATHER in HEAVEN want´s to confuse with so many different churches and DOCTRINES. (Iam NOT shouting when I use capitals, just emphasising the IMPORTANCE) THANKS. |
Bible Answer: If you are looking for a denomination in the words of Jesus to Peter you will not find it. The Church that Jesus speaks of does not carry with it a denominational title as your question seems to insinuate ("So, WHICH CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST"). The Church that Jesus speaks of is His Church which is made up of all those He has called and that have received their salvation and He is at the head of it. His words are "My Church" not "CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST". Denominational titles have nothing to do with His Church. These are nothing more then labels that man has given to separate themselves from others because of their beliefs and interpretation of the scriptures. (That's just my opinion. Take it for what it's worth. Also, I can't speak for all men so this is a generalization of how it appears to me). The confusion is not in Christ Church, it is in man and His unwillingness to completely give over himself to the Father and His ways. (Again, that's just my opinion). I believe you are correct that the Father does not want us to be confused and I personally am assured that He has not confused us. But we, mankind confuse ourselves because we are unable to let go of ourselves to the point we can completely discern His truth in all matters of scripture and God. (my opinion again and this is not to say all men fit into this category. God has given much to some). I also beg to differ with your statement, "We are saved by GRACE only after ALL we can do !" You are right salvation is a gracious thing, but it's not after anything we have done or can do. Keep searching the scriptures on this one. Your statement sounds more like a denominational doctrine then the truth of scripture. If your seeking truth, look to God's word. John 17:17-19 KJV "17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth .18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth". I personally think its a waist of time looking to the denominations for truth. It's in Christ alone that we should stand. It's in Christ alone that we have any hope at all of finding the truth. This is not to say that the doctrines of the individual denominations are not important, but they must align with the scriptures to be counted as truth. Stand on the word of God because we know it to be the truth, stand on denominational doctrine and you risk missing the truth. What we should all do as Christians is come together as one and ask the Father, Father, some believe this and some believe that, as one, Father we ask for your wisdom in all things and pray that you guide us in all things. Amen! God's word is the truth so stay with that first and foremost. Then anything else including denominational doctrines, or post from this forum, or words from a brother or sister in Christ should be verified against God's word and prayer. James 1:5 KJV "5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him". I pray my opinion on denominational doctrine does not offend anyone. My prayer is only that those who read this post understand we must look for the truth and that we never allow our own inadequacies to stand in the way of God's truth and our hearts. God bless and may we all be blessed with His truth! |