Article - What is Eschatology??

The word “eschatology” is a big 5-dollar religious word that means “a study of the last things, or end things.” In our world, there is much confusion about matters relating to the end of time. Some believe the end can be traced down to a specific time and date. Others believe the end has already passed. What does the Bible say on this subject? Let us look at several passages about “last things” and let the Bible speak.

Eschatology & the Second Coming. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (Matthew 24:36). “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thes. 4:13-18). “Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed” (2 Thes. 1:7-10).

Eschatology & the Resurrection. “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed-- in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth--those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29). “Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:24-26).

What does the Bible say about “last things?” The Bible teaches that one cannot know the exact time of Christ’s coming. However, the Bible also teaches that it is a future event that we must be prepared for. The Bible, as we have read it today, contains all the answers to eschatology. If we will put aside the fiction books of men and any hobbies we have developed, we can clearly understand God’s view of eschatology.

---

---

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors.  This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission.  Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Article - Miracles Have Ceased

The Bible is filled with accounts of various miracles. In studying these accounts, a pattern becomes evident. The miracles were performed for a divine purpose. Once the miracles served their purpose, they ceased. For example, God created the heavens and earth, then He ceased creating heavens and earth (Genesis 1-2:3; Hebrews 11:3). God fed Israel with manna, then He ceased (Exodus 16:31-35; Joshua 5:12). The same is true in the New Testament. The primary purpose of miracles in the first century A.D. was to reveal God’s word unto completion and to confirm God’s word and Jesus’ divinity in order to make believers (Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 16:20; John 10:25, 37-38; 20:30-31; Acts 2:22; Hebrews 2:1-4). Once Jesus’ divine nature was adequately demonstrated and all the truth of His word was fully revealed, the miracles that served to validate these facts ceased. Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 (and Ephesians 4:8-13) Paul makes it clear that the miracles of the first century were not designed to last. He stated that the miraculous abilities to prophesy, speak in languages never studied and gain instant knowledge would fail, cease, vanish away. He even tells us when this would occur, namely, when “that which is perfect has come.” God’s word was made know in parts, that is, gradually as it was revealed and confirmed through “childish things” called spiritual gifts. Once God’s word was made perfect/complete, these gifts fulfilled their purpose and ceased (2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:25; Jude 1:3).

---

---

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors.  This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission.  Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Article - Does It Really Matter?

The question, “Does it really matter?” is becoming the motto for our modern society. We used to have moral belief, but “Does it really matter anymore?” At one time people had strong conviction about ungodliness and sin but, “Does it really matter that much?” In the past, we had faith in the Bible and its teaching but, “Does the Bible really matter anymore?” To God, IT REALLY DOES MATTER A LOT! Notice several areas in which it does matter.

Does it matter if I believe in God or Evolution? Yes! The downward spiral that society is facing is due in large to the affects of evolutionary thinking. For example, the increasing suicide rate is a direct result of evolution. If there is no God and life ends at death, then why not end your life if you are not happy with it. In addition, the current rise of sexual immorality is a direct result of evolution. If there are no standards for marriage (Genesis 2:18-24), then I can marry or live-with whoever I want for however long I want and there are no repercussions to this lifestyle. Friend, can you not see that it really does matter that there is a God?

Does it matter what church I am a part of? Our society tells us to choose the church of our choice and God will be happy with that. Is this biblical thinking? No. The bible teaches that Jesus only built one church (Ephesians 1:21-23; Ephesians 4:4). That one church must call itself by a biblical name (Romans 16:16). When Jesus spoke about the church, He called it His church (Matthew 16:13-18). Therefore, we also should call the church Jesus purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28), the church of Christ. The Bible teaches that Jesus will deliver a singular “kingdom” or church back to the father at the end of time (1 Corinthians 15:24). If you are not a part of the church that Jesus built, then it really will matter!

Does it really matter if I am baptized for the remission of my sin? Many are teaching today that all a person has to do to be saved is believe on Jesus and say the sinner’s prayer and you will be saved. Is this really what the Bible teaches? No. In fact, the Bible teaches the exact opposite of this belief. James said, “You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” I often hear people ask the question, “Is baptism really that important?” Let’s let the Bible answer that question for us. Jesus said, “He that believes and is baptized will be saved…” (Mark 16:16). Peter proclaimed, “Repent and be baptized everyone of you for the remission of your sins…” (Acts 2:38). Jesus also said, “Unless a man is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3-5). Ananias told Paul, “Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins calling on the Lord’s name” (Acts 22:16). Friend, from these passages baptism for the remission of sins really does matter to God.

If you are swayed by the popular philosophy that it really does not matter, please come back to the Bible and see that it does. It matters what you believe and how you live your life to God. It also matters what church you are a part of and how you became a Christian. John sums it up by saying, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9). Friend, it really does matter to God!

---

---

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors.  This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission.  Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

TGOC Evangelistic Handbook: REACH OUT to The Latter-Day Saints

TGOC Evangelistic Handbook: REACH OUT to The Latter-Day Saints
Shane Fisher
R – Realize The Situation
a. Latter-Day Saints (hereafter LDS) have zeal, but they do not have the proper knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).
b. Christians typically have the knowledge of the truth, but they do not have the evangelistic zeal.
c. We must realize that we need to have a balance of both zeal and knowledge (Romans 10:1-3).
 
E – Examine Your Own Heart
a. Ask yourself this question: “Why am I evangelizing LDS?”
b. Is your main motivation to win a soul or win an argument? (Matthew 22:28-32; Luke 19:10)
 
A – Ask Good Questions (“The Columbo Tactic”)
a. It is taken from Lieutenant Columbo, a detective on an old TV show (Koukl, Loc. 616-21).
(1) Purposes of asking good questions: Invite them to talk about what they think (Loc. 596-602).
(2) It takes the pressure off you and allows you not to distort the meaning (Loc. 596-602).
(3) The questions give enough of a challenge to give thought to what the speaker just said (Loc. 603-8).
(4) Reasons to ask good questions: (i) Friendly (Loc. 642-48); (ii) Get an education (Loc. 649-55); (iii) Make progress (Loc. 649-55)
(5) Examples: (1) Why do you believe that Joseph Smith was a true prophet? (2) Why do you believe the Book of Mormon (hereafter BOM) is true? (3) Why do you not believe that Muhammed (Ellen G. White, etc.) is a prophet? (4) Why do you believe that the Qur'an is not true? (5) Why do you believe that the Bible has been corrupted? (6) Can you show me in history or in transmission where the Bible has been corrupted?
C – Contradictions Between The LDS System and The Christian System
(1) The progressive nature of revelation – God's way of revealing Himself over time - (a) Patriarchal age (4,000 B.C. - 1500 B.C.) - “starlight age”; (b) Mosaic age (1500 B.C. - A.D. 30) - “moonlight age”; (c) Christian age (A.D. 30 until 2nd coming) - “sunlight age” because the Father revealed Jesus the Son (Hebrews 1:1-4). The New Testament speaks of the mystery of Christ (Matthew 13:11; Mark 4:11; Romans11:25; 16:25; 1 Corinthians 2:7; 4:1; Ephesians 1:9; 3:1-5; 5:32; 6:19; Colossians 1:26,27; 2:2; 4:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:7; 1 Timothy 3:16; Revelation 10:7). The mystery is described as revelation previously hidden, then revealed through the holy apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit in the first century A.D. In the BOM, the “cat is out of the bag” (already hundreds of years even before Christ comes to the earth) in that it fully reveals almost everything before the 1st century A.D. (see for example, 2 Nephi 25:19; 26:12; 30:2; 31:17; Alma 7; Helaman 10-12)
(2) The passing away of the old covenant – the old covenant was established with Israel at Mount Sinai (Nehemiah 9:13; Exodus 24:1-8). It was temporary (Galatians 3:19); a “shadow of the good things to come” (Hebrews 10:1); written for the Christian's learning, example, and instruction in righteousness (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:6,11; 2 Timothy 3:16,17). Jeremiah prophesied that this covenant with Israel would pass away and be replaced by a better covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Jesus came to fulfill the Law of Moses; He nailed it to the cross (Matthew 5:17,18; Colossians 2:14-17). Therefore, nobody is bound under the old covenant today. Why would you want to restore doctrines that were under the old covenant, such as the Levitical priesthood? (Hebrews 7,8)
(3) The preparation of John the Immerser - For almost 400 years (after Malachi), Israel had been without direct written revelation from God. God closed the door of revelation until John the Immerser arrived on the scene to prepare the way of the Messiah (prophesied in Isaiah 40:1,2; Malachi 3:1; 4:5,6; Matthew 11:10-15 in 27 A.D). This was the “Elijah” of whom Malachi spoke (Matthew 17:9-13).During the four hundred years of silence, some of the books in the Book of Mormon were alleged to be written (between 400 B.C. – 27 A.D., the time the door of revelation closed until it was reopened again, such BOM books as Jarom, Mosiah, Alma, and part of 3rd Nephi).
 
1. Moroni stated that Elijah (prophet of Malachi chapter 4) had not come yet (History of the Church 1:2-79; D & C 110). But the “Elijah” of whom Malachi spoke was John the Immerser (Matthew 11:1-14; 17:10-13).
2. Moroni stated that Joel 2:28-32 had not occurred yet, but Peter said it was being fulfilled (History of the Church 1:2-79; Acts 2:16).
3. Smith's sins were forgiven by God in one of the early appearances, but he was not baptized until six years later (Acts 2:38; 22:16). (Orson Pratt, A Series of Pamphlets, First Series, No. 6, 2-3; Letters of Oliver Cowdery, 14).
 
Major Premise: Messengers and their messages claiming the authority of God, must agree with other recognized messengers and messages of God. (Deuteronomy 13:1-5; 18:15-22)
Minor Premise: But the messenger who visited Joseph Smith, Jr., did not agree with the certified messages of God, namely, Christ, Peter, and Paul. (Matthew 11:1-14; 17:10-13; Luke 1:17; Acts 2:16; 2:38; 22:16; Galatians 1:6-9; D & C 2; 138:46; Joseph Smith – History 1:2-79)
Conclusion: Therefore, the messenger who visited Joseph Smith, Jr., was not of God (Free 21).
 
(4) The placement of the new covenant - Jesus established a better covenant with His precious blood) in A.D 30 (Matthew 26:28). It went into force after His death on the cross (Hebrews 9:15-17). Therefore, the whole world is subject to the law of Christ (Romans 4:15; 1 Corinthians 9:21; Galatians 6:2). Those who have been added to the Lord's church partake of the benefits and blessings found in the new covenant (Hebrews 8:8-13). The BOM is “called” another testament of Jesus Christ. A testament would have involved the death of a testator (Heb. 9:15-17). The Bible teaches that Jesus only had to die once for all time (Hebrews 7:27). How can the BOM be another testament when Jesus did not die again? The new covenant is also to be an everlasting covenant (Hebrews 13:20).
 
Major Premise: The Holy Spirit guided the apostles into all truth (John 16:13).
Minor Premise: But the Holy Spirit never guided the apostles into Joseph Smith's new and everlasting covenant. (Journal of Discourses II, 217; D&C 132)
Conclusion: Therefore, Smith's new and everlasting covenant is not part of “all truth.” (Free 279)
 
(5) The purpose of miraculous gifts – To reveal and confirm the completed word of God (Hebrews 2:1-4; Mark 16:17-20; Acts 8:14-24). That purpose was certainly completed by the end of the 1st century A.D. (Ephesians 4:7-16; 1 Corinthians 13:8-13). The miraculous gifts have ceased. In the BOM, Moroni wrote the opposite of what the Bible teaches by stating in Moroni 7:2: “And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men.” (supposedly written in 400s A.D.)
 
Major Premise: If the Bible gives us evidence of its sufficiency and reliability, then there is no further need for further revelations.
Minor Premise: The Bible does give us evidence of its sufficiency and reliability. (John 20:30,31; Mark 16:17-20; Hebrews 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 13:8-10; Ephesians 4:7-16; 2 Peter 1:3; Jude 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16,17)
Conclusion: Therefore, there is no need for further revelation. (Free 38)
 
H - “Heart of the Matter” - The Prayer (Moroni 10)
a. LDS missionaries use Moroni 10:4-5 to claim they have truth.
b. Moroni 10:4-5: “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”
c. (1) Complete reliance on emotion. How can one know for certain that those emotions came directly from the Holy Spirit? (Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 14:12)
d. Don't rely on your own personal, subjective feelings. Place your faith and obedience in religious truth that is objective and verifiable by evidence.
e. Examples of those who relied on personal feelings: (1) Jacob thought his son, Joseph, was dead. (2) Saul of Tarsus thought he was doing the right thing by persecuting Christians (John 16:2).
f. God always gives evidence so that we might have faith. Example: Peter appeals to four types of evidence: (1) the miracles of Jesus (Acts 2:22); (2) prophecy (Acts 2:25-28), (3) resurrection (Acts 2:27-32); (4) the events of the day (Acts 2:33).
g. The fallacy of circular reasoning: Question: “How do you know the BOM is true?”
LDS Response: “The BOM is true because of the feelings I have received in my prayer.”
Question: “How do you know those warm, fuzzy feelings came from the Holy Spirit?”
LDS Response: “I am having these warm fuzzy feelings because the BOM is true.”
h. What about the previous testimony of those who have left the LDS denomination?
i. Examine the testimonies of the three “witnesses” of the BOM – Martin Harris, David Whitmer, and Oliver Cowdery. (Recommend resources: Youtube - “Eyewitness Testimony – Shane Fisher”)
 
Major Premise: People who are dishonest and who knowingly circulate false and slanderous reports, cannot be accepted as trustworthy and reliable witnesses.
Minor Premise: But Harris, Whitmer, and Cowdery circulated false and slanderous reports. (D&C 3; Elders' Journal, I., 59; Millenial Star, VIII, 124,128; David Whitmer, An Address To All Believers In Christ, 31; Times and Seasons I, 81, 22-23; II, 482).
Conclusion: Therefore, Harris, Whitmer, and Cowdery cannot be accepted as trustworthy and reliable witnesses. (Free 78)
j. Examine whether Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God.
Major Premise: Joseph Smith, Jr.'s reputation as a true or false prophet rests upon the truth of his doctrine of the gathering of the saints in Independence, MO. (D&C 84; Journal of Discourses 3:18).
Minor Premise: But Joseph Smith, Jr.'s prophecy of the gathering of the saints in Independence, MO is proven false by the evidence of historical records and the testimony of the LDS such as Orson Pratt. (Orson Pratt, A Series of Pamphlets, First Series, No. 6, 2-3; No. 7, 18-20) [https://archive.org/details/cu31924029474685]
Conclusion: Therefore, Joseph Smith Jr. is proven to be a false prophet because the prophecy did not come to pass. (Free 30-31).
 
Major Premise: History proves the truth or error of prophecy.
Minor Premise: History proves that Christ fulfilled the prophecies made by prophets of God concerning Him (Isaiah 2,11,53; Zech. 9; Daniel 2,7,9; Ezek. 34)
Conclusion: Therefore the prophets who spoke concerning the fulfillment of the prophecies of Christ are true. (Acts 2,8,15)
 
Major Premise: History proves the truth or error of prophecy.
Minor Premise: History proves that Joseph Smith Jr.'s prophecies were not fulfilled.
Conclusion: Therefore Joseph Smith is in error. (Deuteronomy 13:1-5; 18:15-22)
O – Origin of the Book of Mormon
a. The BOM originated from a historical novel by Solomon Spalding that was named Manuscript Found. It was suspected of being stolen by Sidney Rigdon.
b. Recommended Resources: Youtube: (1) “The Human Origin of the Book of Mormon – Shane Fisher” (9-part series); (2) “The Latter-Day Saint Denomination – Shane Fisher” (7-part series)
U – Understanding Their Past and Present Doctrines
a. Blood atonement – (1) There are sins for which Christ's blood cannot atone; (2) the only way to atone for those sins is the shedding of the sinner's blood; (3) if individuals are caught in the act of sin and slain while committing that sin, their blood would atone for their sin (even without repentance); (4) the LDS church has authority to exact such a penalty if the laws of the land permit. (Free 334) [NOTE: This is no longer taught in the LDS church, but it originated from their “inspired” prophets.]
(http://www.utlm.org/newsletters/pdfnewsletters/27saltlakecitymessenger.pdf)
Major Premise: A doctrine which denies the efficacy of Christ's blood is not of God (Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:22; 10:1-4; 1 John 1:7-9).
Minor Premise: But the LDS doctrine of blood atonement denies the efficacy of Christ's blood (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 3, 247; Vol. 4, 53-54; C.W. Penrose, Blood Atonement).
Conclusion: Therefore, the LDS doctrine of blood atonement is not of God. (Free 334)
b. Baptism for the dead – if someone died not ever hearing the gospel, then an authorized member of the LDS church will be baptized on behalf of that individual so that they can be saved (this false doctrine is based on a misunderstanding of 1 Corinthians 15:29)
aa. The remote context is the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the general resurrection of the dead.
bb. The relationship between water baptism and the general resurrection of the dead
cc. LDS view contradicts the Bible's view of personal accountability and responsibility (2 Corinthians 5:10; Luke 16:19–31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Hebrews 9:27)
dd. “Otherwise, what will they (those that deny the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead) do who are baptized for (on behalf of) the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for (on behalf of) the dead?” (Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 2:12)
ee. “All who are buried with Christ in baptism declare by that act that they believe that he was buried and rose again; and in believing that he rose, we at the same time believe and by our action declare our faith in a resurrection of all the dead. In our immersion, therefore, we declare by that action that we believe in the resurrection of all the dead...If Christ did not rise from the dead, burial with Him in baptism would be meaningless”(Lipscomb and Sewell, 165).
Paul is teaching that baptism for the dead is personal (baptized for one self). Smith taught that baptism for the dead is being baptized for someone else.
The baptism for the dead taught by Paul did NOT require genealogical data; Smith's doctrine does require genealogical data.
The baptism taught by Paul could be performed wherever there was sufficient water to immerse a person, but the doctrine taught by Smith can only be administered in special places. (Free 336)
Major Premise: The baptism for the dead taught by Smith, to be the same as the baptism for the dead taught by Paul, must have the same general characteristics, requirements, and conditions.
Minor Premise: But the baptism for the dead doctrine taught by Smith differs in general characteristics, requirements, and conditions from that taught by Paul.
Conclusion: Therefore, the baptism for the dead doctrine taught by Smith is not the same as that taught by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:29. (Free 336)
c. The organization of the church – the organization of the LDS church differs significantly from the organization of the New Testament pattern – elders and deacons who are qualified in every congregation along with evangelists and teachers (Acts 14:23; 20:1-38; Ephesians 4:7-16; Philippians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Titus 1:5-11; Hebrews 13:17; James 5:14,15; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
Major Premise: The true New Testament church must conform to the organization found in the New Testament.
Minor Premise: But the organization of the LDS church does not conform to that of the NT.
Conclusion: Therefore, the LDS church is not the New Testament church restored. (Free 195)
Major Premise: An organization that never existed cannot be restored.
Minor Premise: But the organization of the LDS church never existed before the days of Joseph Smith.
Conclusion: Therefore, the organization of the LDS church was not restored by Joseph Smith. (Free 195)
Major Premise: All high priests ordained of God must have a sacrifice to offer for sin (Heb. 5:1; 7-10).
Minor Premise: But LDS high priests do not have a sacrifice to offer for sin.
Conclusion: Therefore, LDS high priests are not ordained of God. (Free 234)
There are many other doctrines that could be discussed: (a) apostles, (b) miracles, (c) the worship of the church, (d) the plan of salvation, (e) pre-existence, (f) polytheism, (g) the view of the three kingdoms, (h) the priesthoods, etc.
T – Transmission of the Bible: “Has The Bible Been Corrupted?”
a. 1 Nephi 13:26
b. Question: “When and where were these “precious truths” removed from the manuscripts?”
c. Over 25,000 New Testament manuscripts; the “church fathers” quote the New Testament (all the verses are found in them except 11 verses)
d. The Old Testament has been preserved through the Dead Sea Scrolls.
e. Uncontrollable process – “What areas did Peter send his first letter?” (1 Peter 1:1); “Would they have made copies of copies?” - Yes! “How could all these copies have been corrupted over the centuries?”
f. Recommended Resources: The Identity of the New Testament IV – Dr. Wilbur N. Pickering (http://www.walkinhiscommandments.com/pickering3b.htm).
g. God Has Preserved His Text – Dr. Wilbur N. Pickering (http://www.walkinhiscommandments.com/Pickering/Miscellaneous/God%20Has%20Preserved%20His%20Text.pdf)
Major Premise: The Book of Mormon claims as the truth that the Bible has been corrupted (1 Nephi 13:26).
Minor Premise: But the evidence of the transmission process shows a faithful transmission.
Conclusion: Therefore, the Book of Mormon's claim that the Bible has been corrupted is false.
 
Works Cited
Koukl, Gregory. Tactics. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009). Kindle edition.
Free, Jack. Mormonism and Inspiration. (Concord, CA: Pacific Publishing Company, 1962)
Lipscomb, David and Jesse Sewell,Questions Answered By Lipscomb and Sewell, ed. by M.C. Kurfees (Nashville, TN: McQuiddy Printing Co., 1921)
 
 

---

---

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors.  This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission.  Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Article - Saved Christians Can Lose Their Salvation

John Calvin’s doctrine of perseverance of the saints (a form of which is also known as once saved, always saved; eternal security; unconditional assurance) teaches that once a person is truly saved, he cannot lose his salvation. The Bible teaches the contrary: (1) A Christian who commits unrighteous acts without repenting of such will “not inherit” the Lord’s everlasting kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 5:11-13; Ephesians 5:3-5; Galatians 5:19-21; 2 Peter 1:10-11); (2) A Christian can be “cut off” from Jesus the Vine IF he does not bear fruit/continue in God’s goodness (John 15:1-6; Romans 11:19-22); (3) A Christian can be “estranged” from Christ and “fall” from God’s grace (Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 6:4-8; 12:14-17; 1 Corinthians 10:12); (4) A Christian who continues to sin willfully/walk in darkness ceases to benefit from the blood (forgiveness) and fellowship of Jesus (Hebrews 10:26; 1 John 1:7, 9); (5) A Christian can be “disqualified” or “defrauded” of his eternal reward (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Colossians 2:18; Revelation 3:11); (6) A Christian can “depart, stray, wander” from the faith and the living God (1 Timothy 4:1-3; 6:10; 1:19; 6:20-21; 2 Timothy 2:18; Hebrews 3:12; James 5:19-21; for a reference to “death,” see Revelation 20:14); (7) For a Christian to remain part of Christ’s house, a partaker of Christ and one whom Christ presents holy to God, he must follow the “conditions” of continuing in the faith and holding fast the confidence firm to the end (Colossians 1:21-23; Hebrews 3:5-6, 12-14); (8) A Christian who transgresses and no longer abides in the doctrine of Christ no longer has the Father and Son (2 John 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 4:16). In fact, the condition of his soul is worse off than an unbeliever’s who is hell bound (1 Timothy 5:8; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Revelation 21:8); (9) A Christian who does not overcome temptation or who takes away from God’s word is “blotted out from” the Book of Life and from the Holy City/Heaven (Revelation 3:4-5; 22:19).

---

---

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors.  This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission.  Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Article - There is Only One Side to Truth (part 1)

One of the widely accepted axioms of our society today is that there are two sides to every story. Such would be worthy of consideration if all things were subjective and based merely on pragmatism. However, when it comes to truth, there is only one right side to truth – and if you are not on the side of truth, you are on the wrong side. Truth is objective or real, not subjective or opinionated. For instance, it is written in 1 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God”. There are not two sides or interpretations of the inspiration of God’s holy word, because God’s word consists of objective truth (Psalm 119:142, 151, 160; Ecclesiastes 12:10; John 17:17, 19; Romans 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:15). The inspired men of God were led by God’s Spirit to accurately write God’s word as the very utterances of God Himself (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13; 1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Peter 4:11; 2 Peter 1:16-21; 5:6; Revelation 22:18-19). As a result of living in a post modernistic society where truth is seen as subjective, it has become convenient for so many who claim to be Christian to explain away clear truths of God’s word by simply saying “that’s your interpretation”. When you point out to them that we are commanded to speak the same thing and have the same mind and judgment according to 1 Corinthians 1:10, they will say “that only applied to the first century” or “it is impossible to have the same judgment” or “name me one group that speaks the same thing perfectly”, etc. Does such subjective reasoning resolve the pleading of 1 Corinthians 1:10? Is it not the case that we are to “Test all things; hold fast what is good”, “finding out what is the acceptable to the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 5:21; Ephesians 5:10; Romans 12:2)? If such illogical reasoning is now the accepted norm, then eventually “Christian” proponents of subjective truth will eventually conclude that it is just one’s interpretation that Jesus saves – and some, by the way, are already doing so (pluralism).

---

---

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors.  This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission.  Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Article - Sabbath Observers and the Bible

Not only do the false doctrines of the Seventh-Day Adventists and other Sabbatarians go beyond the doctrine of Christ; but they even contradict the teachings of the Old Testament (which no longer serve as God’s authority; Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 10:4; 2 John 1:9-11). Sabbatarians teach: (1) Anything sanctified by God, including the seventh day, must still be sanctified (Genesis 2:3); yet, they do not sanctify their firstborn males and animals (Exodus 13:1-2); (2) Sabbath observance is perpetual but burning incense is not; yet burning incense is also described in the Old Law as perpetual (Exodus 30:8); (3) the Sabbath is a sign to all men; yet the Old Law says it was a sign between God and Israel (Exodus 31:13, 16-17; Ezekiel 20:10-12); (4) Sabbath violators do not have to be put to death; yet such was commanded under the Old Law (Exodus 35:2); (5) It is permissible to kindle a fire on the Sabbath; yet the Old Law condemned it (Exodus 35:3); (6) The Old Covenant was made for everyone, not just the Jews; yet the Old Law says the covenant was not made with the forefathers but with Israel (Deuteronomy 5:1-21; 1 Kings 8:9); (7) Burnt offerings and Jewish feasts were not part of God’s Law; yet they were (2 Chronicles 31:3); (8) God did not give Moses’ Law; yet He did (Ezra 7:6); (9) The Law of the Lord and the Law of Moses are two separate laws; yet, they are the same (Nehemiah 8:1, 18; Mark 7:9-10; Luke 2:22-23); (10) Sabbath observance has been made known/required of man since the creation; yet, God made known His Sabbath to Israel (Nehemiah 9:13-15; Exodus 16-17; 19-20); (11) Moses’ Law was for Gentiles too; yet it was not (Romans 2:14); (12) The religion of the Old Law was the religion of Jews and Gentiles; yet it was called the Jews’ religion (Galatians 1:13-16); (13) God’s Law never changed; yet it did (Hebrews 7:12). According to the New Testament, God’s people are no longer judged by Sabbaths; instead Christians, consisting of all nations, meet on the first day of the week to worship God (Matthew 28:19; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 2:16). We will be judged by the words of Jesus in the last day; therefore, all who embrace the false teachings of the Sabbatarians must repent of their false views/practices and be baptized into Christ to be saved (John 12:48; Acts 2:38)!

---

---

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors.  This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission.  Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Article - Do You Partake of the Lord’s Supper Every Sunday?

If not, why not? Most who attend a worship assembly…worship every Sunday, pray every Sunday, hear the reading/teaching of the Scriptures every Sunday, sing every Sunday, put something in the collection plate every Sunday; yet, they do not partake of the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. Is the Lord’s Supper of lesser importance? Quite the contrary! According to the New Testament, one of the main reasons Christians are commanded to assemble together “on the first day of every week” is “to break bread” (Acts 20:7; Hebrews 10:24-25; in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 “every week” is in the original; compare Exodus 20:8 for the implication of meeting every week). Jesus was resurrected on the first day of the week (Mark 16:9). Before the church began, Jesus’ disciples began assembling on the first day of the week (John 20:19). The church began on the first day of the week and continued steadfastly (indicating continuous practice) in “the breaking of bread” (Acts 2:1, 42, 47: Pentecost always occurred on Sunday, Leviticus 23:15-16). Every Sunday when Christians obey Jesus’ command to partake of the Lord’s Supper until He comes, they are communing (literally, “sharing in common” or “fellowshipping”) with Jesus in His kingdom, the church (1 Corinthians 11:24-26, “this do” literally means “continue to do”; Matthew 26:29; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17). When the Jews practiced some matters of the law, but neglected weightier matters of the law, Jesus said, “These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone” (Matthew 23:23). When we meet together every Sunday, let us not only pray, hear the Word, sing and give, but let us also PARTAKE OF THE LORD’S SUPPER as the first century church did!

---

---

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors.  This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission.  Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Article - Islam Is Very Dangerous!

Maybe, like me, you have been told that Islam is a religion of peace and love. Maybe you have been told it is a friendly religion that can co-exist in the USA. If you have been told these things you have been greatly and purposefully deceived. True Islam that follows the Koran is a deadly and dangerous religion. This is (verbatim from the Quran) how Muslims really feel about you—the infidel.

1. Quran 2:191 "And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And disbelief is worse than killing" (Speaking of Christians)

1. Quran 5:54 "O believers, take not Jews and Christians as friends; they are friends of each other. Those of you who make them his friends is one of them. God does not guide an unjust people." (Muslims not to befriend Christians)

1. Quran 8:12 "I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them" (Context is Christians/Non-believers)

1. Quran (9:30) "And the Jews say: Ezra is the son of Allah; and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah; these are the words of their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before; may Allah destroy them; how they are turned away!"

1. Quran 41:14 "Unbelievers are enemies of Allah and they will roast in hell." (This is how they really feel about Christians)

1. Quran (61:4) "Surely Allah loves those who fight in His way"

1. Quran (66:9) "O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be stern with them. Hell will be their home, a hapless journey's end."

1. Quran (3:157-158) "If you should die or be killed in the cause of Allah, His mercy and forgiveness would surely be better than all the riches they amass. If you should die or be killed, before Him you shall all be gathered." (This explains why they strap bombs to themselves)

1. Quran 98:51 "The unbelievers among the People of the Book and the pagans shall burn forever in the fire of hell. They are the vilest of all creatures." (This is what every true believer in the Koran thinks about you as a Christian).

After reading these passages directly from the Koran, one can see how Muslims who are faithful to Muhammad really feel about you. Don't be deceived; this is not a religion of peace!

---

---

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors.  This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission.  Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Article - What Path Should I Take? (part 3)

In part one and two of our series we learned that Christ/Christianity is the only path of life acceptable to God (Matthew 28:18; John 12:28; 14:6; Colossians 3:17). One might, then, ask, "Are all the hundreds of sects of Christianity different paths to the same ultimate destiny?" Answer: No more than were the religious sects under the Old Testament. For example, Jesus clearly stated to the woman at the well who was of the Samaritan sect, "You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews" (John 4:22). With the same force and simplicity Jesus stated that He came to build only one church (not a sect or a sect of sects) -- His church (Matthew 16:18)! Paul made it clear that just as there is only one Holy Spirit, one hope of heaven, one Lord Jesus Christ, one Christian faith/body of truth, one acceptable baptism and one God the Father, so also there is only one body (Ephesians 4:4-6) -- the church of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23)! God demands true worshipers to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Vain or empty/useless worship is caused when you teach as doctrines the commandments of men (Matthew 15:9). The apostle John emphatically says, "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God" (2 John 1:9). Paul accurately predicted that there would be "departures" from the one true faith/church of the New Testament (1 Timothy 4:1-5). The first departure was Catholicism, then Protestantism. In fact, departures continue to multiply to this day. Paul pleads "that there be no divisions/denominations among you" (1 Corinthians 1:10). Let's get back to being Christians only and only a member of the true church of the Bible – the church of Christ!

---

---

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors.  This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission.  Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Article - What Path Should I Take? (part 1)

There are many paths one can take in life. A person can be an atheist and choose not to believe in God (Psalm 53:1: "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God'."). Or a person can be an agnostic and take the position that he does not know whether there is a God or not (Jesus does not tolerate lukewarmness, Revelation 3:16). Or a person can be a humanist and believe that he is a god unto himself (this results in exchanging the truth of God for the lie, serving the creature rather than the Creator, Romans 1:25). Then, on the other hand, there are those who choose to believe in God (and/or gods), but they choose to define Him and approach Him in different and sometimes contradictory ways. What is the true path? Unlike the writings of major world religions such as Hindu (a collection of Vedic literature) and Islam (the Koran), the writings of the Jewish religion and the Christian religion (the Bible) contain objective, historical events that have been and continue to be verified by archaeology, geography, ancient history and literature. The Bible was written by over 40 different men on three continents in three languages over a period of 1500 years without one single contradiction! God's Word is truth (John 17:17)! His truth is what sets you free (John 8:32)! What path should you take? Since all authority has been given to Jesus in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18), I will let Jesus answer the question: "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" (John 14:6).

---

---

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors.  This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission.  Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Article - ABC’s of the Gospel

In an article produced by LifeWay, a Baptist publishing house, it was stated that to be saved one simply needs to obey the ABC’s of the Gospel1. While it is true that the gospel plan of salvation is simple (Ephesians 3:4), some are distorting the simplicity of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:3). For example, LifeWay stated that the ABC’s of the Gospel are: Admit your sin (Romans 3:23), Believe in Christ (Romans 10:9), & Confess your faith in Christ (Romans 10:9-10). While these three steps are indeed necessary in the plan of salvation, to say they are the gospel plan of salvation in full is like saying the first three letters of the alphabet are the full alphabet. So much is left out with this plan of salvation that it is indeed a false gospel. Allow me to explain from Scripture.

One of the key letters in the gospel alphabet that has been left out is the letter “R” for repentance. Jesus teaches us that we must not only acknowledge our sin but repent of it to be saved. When asked about certain people who seemed to be receiving the vengeance of God for their sins Jesus said, “Unless you repent you shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Peter told first century Christians to “repent and be converted…” (Acts 3:19). Repentance is an essential letter in the ABC’s of the gospel that is left out by many.

Another importance letter in the ABC’s of the gospel that is left our by so many in our religious world today is the letter “B” for baptism. All of us agree that belief is an important step in the plan of salvation. However, the Lord made it very clear that baptism was just as essential to salvation as belief. Jesus Himself said, “He that believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). When asked how to relieve themselves of the sin of crucifying Christ, Peter told the crowd at Pentecost to “repent and be baptized every one of you for the remission of your sin…” (Acts 2:38). Peter later emphasized the essentiality of baptism when he said, “…baptism does now also save us” (1 Peter 3:21). As we noted earlier one of the ABC’s of the gospel that has been purported among us is the letter “C” for call on Jesus. We need to ask the question, “How does one call on Jesus biblically?” The answer is very clearly found in Acts 22:16. Ananias told Paul to “arise and be baptized and wash away your sins calling on the name of the Lord.” How does one call on the name of the Lord biblically? One calls on the Lord’s name by submitting to His will in baptism. Many miss the ABC’s of the gospel and salvation itself because the leave out the essentiality of baptism.

Another letter that is left out of the ABC’s of the gospel is the letter “F” for faithfulness. Not only must one initially become a child of God, but he must also remain faithful to be saved. Jesus said, “Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). Jesus also said, “He that endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22). Faithfulness is also an important step in the ABC’s of the gospel.

Dear friends, the gospel plan of salvation is not a difficult plan to understand. It is simple like the alphabet, but we must not leave any letters out of the alphabet or the plan of salvation to be correct. If you have been duped in the past by some who were not telling the full truth of the gospel, we would love to help you at THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. Please email, call us or write to us and we would love to study with you about what the Bible says about salvation.

1 http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/files/lwcF_crd_ss_EforESpec_ABCs-of-Salvation_pdf.pdf (Retrieved 11/25/14)

---

---

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors.  This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission.  Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Article - The Claus Vs. The Christ

Recently I have been amazed by the number of religious groups that are canceling services this Sunday due to Christmas. These cancellations present a great dilemma: Are we honoring Santa Claus over Jesus Christ? The very fact that some are canceling their services says they think the Christmas holiday is more important than gathering to worship God & His Son. The Christmas holiday has not only presented problems for some canceling their services this Sunday, but has caused mass confusion over whether or not Christmas should be observed as a religious holiday. Does the Bible authorize us to remember the birth of God’s son as a religious holiday? Was Jesus born on December 25? Should we ever cancel worship services because they conflict with our holidays? Let’s look to the Bible to answer these questions.

First, we must determine from the Scriptures if we are to remember the birth of Jesus as a religious holiday. Does God authorize His people to remember His Son’s birthday? If so, how and when are we to remember it? As a person takes his Bible and looks for words like Christmas & religious holiday he will very quickly notice they are not in the Bible. Christmas is not mentioned one time in the entire Bible. As one studies the birth of Christ, he will also notice that while it was a wonderful event of hope, we are never commanded to remember his birth (Luke 2:1ff). Instead, Christians are commanded to remember the death of Christ every first day of the week by taking the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25; Acts 20:7). As you are reading this you may be thinking to yourself, “It doesn’t say we can’t do it.” To this objection I would ask, “Must the Christian have Bible authority for religious acts, like remembering the birth of Christ?” To answer this question we need only look at a few passages in the Bible that affirm its truthfulness. For example, Paul told Christians not to go beyond what is written in the Bible (1 Corinthians 4:6). Must a person go beyond the Word of God to celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday? Yes! Toward the close of the Bible we are told not to add to or take away from God’s word or divine condemnation will be pronounced upon us (Revelation 22:18-19). Does one have to add to the Word of God to observe the birth of Jesus as a religious holiday? Yes! Paul told Christians, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” (Colossians 3:17). Can we find one shred of evidence where Jesus authorized his birth to be remembered today? No! Friends, if God doesn’t tell us to do something and we do it anyway, are we going to please God? No. If you think it is possible to add to God’s Word and still please Him, just turn in your Bible and read the example of Nadab & Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-2. God did not authorize these men to offer a strange fire, and as a result they perished because of it. God has not authorized Christians to remember His son’s birth, and we must not add to His Word!

Secondly, we must consider the time of Jesus’ birth. Was Jesus born on December 25? Not likely. There are two very strong evidences that suggest Jesus’ birth was not in December. First, we know that shepherds were in the fields watching their flocks at the time of Jesus' birth (Luke 2:7-8). Shepherds were not in the fields during December. Concerning this evidence, commentator Albert Barnes notes, “It is probable from this that our Saviour was born before the 25th of December, or before what we call "Christmas." At that time it is cold, and especially in the high and mountainous regions about Bethlehem.” (Barnes, Luke 2:8). Second, Jesus' parents came to Bethlehem to register in a Roman census (Luke 2:1-4). Such censuses were not taken in winter, when temperatures often dropped below freezing and roads were in poor condition. Taking a census under such conditions would have been self-defeating. No one really knows the exact time of Jesus’ birth. If God had wanted us to remember the birth of Jesus as a religious holiday he surely would have told us when He was born!

Since we are not commanded to remember the birth of Christ and we do not know when His birthday was, we should not cancel services. At this point someone may exclaim, “ba-humbug you ole’ scrooge. You’re just trying to ruin Christmas!” This is not the case at all. I enjoy the holiday season as a time to give gifts, spend time with friends and family and take a break from the routine of life. However, the Bible doesn’t authorize me to remember this time of year as Jesus’ birth, nor does it authorize me to cancel services because of the holidays, New Year’s, a football game or any other event that happens to fall on a Sunday. May each of us ask ourselves, “Are we pitting the Claus against the Christ when we cancel services?” And may we remember the words of the wise sage, “Do not add to His Word lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar” (Proverbs 30:6).

---

---

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors.  This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission.  Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Article - Acts 2:38: Not A Causal View of Eis

The Greek word translated “for” in Acts 2:38 is the word eis. This Greek word is used primarily to represent a going into, an indication of purpose, or the going in the direction of a goal. Hence, the purpose or goal of baptism is the forgiveness of one’s sins. Due to false teaching, it is important for us at this time to discuss a major false doctrine involving Acts 2:38. Certain false teachers have tried to make the word “for” (Gr. eis) mean “because of”. In the context of Acts 2:38 the Jews had just asked Peter what they needed to do to be saved (Acts 2:37). If the causal view of eis means “because of” Peter would be saying to the Jews, repent and be baptized because you have already received the remission of sins. If this view of eis is correct, then Peter completely ignored their question. Is Acts 2:38 really a causal usage of the word eis? Let us examine why this passage can not be a causal view of the word eis.

While this view may sound good to those trying to propagate faith only doctrine, it has several glaring errors that prove it false. (1). Logic demands that this view of Acts 2:38 cannot be true. Is Peter here telling the Jews that they need to repent and be baptized because they have already been forgiven of their sins? Wait just a minute Peter. If I have already been forgiven of my sins, I do not have to do anything. It is highly illogical for someone to ask you what do to be saved (The question of Acts 2:37), then you tell them two things to do because they are already saved. (2) This view of Acts 2:38 is in contradiction with the very words of Jesus. Jesus taught that for a man to be saved he had to repent before, not after he had been forgiven of his sins. In Luke 13:3 Jesus told certain people who were still in sin that they had to repent to get out of sin. Jesus simply said, “I tell you no, but unless you repent you shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). If the causal view of Acts 2:38 is true then Peter and Jesus are in disagreement on what one must do before salvation. Does the Bible contradict itself? No. The false doctrines of men contradict the Bible! (3). The linguistics and semantics of Acts 2:38 will not support the causal view of eis. The Greek words used in this passage under consideration are ei)$ a&fesin tw=n a(martiw=n. The usage of this exact same phrase in a similar passage helps us to see its meaning. In Matthew 26:28 Jesus said, “This is My blood of the New Covenant which was shed for many, for the remission of sins (ei)$ a&fesin a(martiw=n). What exactly was Jesus saying in this context? Was he saying, “I went to the cross and shed my blood because your sins are already forgiven.” Of course not! Jesus was saying the purpose of Me shedding My blood was to forgive your sins. Likewise, when Peter uses this exact same phraseology in Acts 2:38 it is to show the purpose of repentance and baptism in salvation. In fact, the Greek word eis is used some 1,768 times in the New Testament. Of all the uses of this Greek word, there are only about five instances where the causal case might possibly make sense and be grammatically correct. Do you know what kind of a statistic that is? These numbers tell us that the chance of the causal view of eis occurring is about .3 percent. 99.7% of the time this word does not mean “because of”. Therefore, for a person to translate “for” as “because of” there would have to be strong textual indicators and justifiable evidence for doing so. In Acts 2:38 there is no evidence or indicators to base a causal view of eis on. In fact, when the evidence is gathered it is against this view. Therefore, we can truly say that baptism is for (i.e. in order to receive) the remission of past sins!!

---

---

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors.  This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission.  Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines - Lutheran

1. History of the Lutheran Religion
   1. When did this movement start? October 31, 1517
   2. Where did it start? Wittenberg, Germany
   3. Where is their official headquarters? The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is a mainline Protestant denomination headquartered in Chicago, Illinois; formed in 1988 by the merging of three churches and having about 4 million members, it is the largest and most liberal of all the Lutheran denominations in the United States.123
   4. Who founded this movement? Martin Luther

   5. Origin of this movement. The history of this movement began with a reformation spirit:

      Luther observed that many people in Wittenberg were not coming to him for confession any more. They were going to towns in Brandenburg or Anhalt like Jüterbog or Zerbst to buy Indulgences (primarily the Peter’s Indulgence).

      The practice of buying indulgences, which quasi replaced confession and allowed people to buy their salvation, was completely repulsive to Luther. He strongly believed that one lived a life of humility in order to receive God’s grace.

      After 1507, trade in Indulgences took a steep climb because both the Papal Court and Bishop Albrecht von Brandenburg, Germany’s representative for the sale of indulgences were in great financial trouble.

      In addition, the Dominican monk, Johann Tetzel, sold indulgences in the region around Wittenberg in a very ostentatious manner. Many stories started poping up about him such as, that Tetzel could redeem the sins of the deceased.

      Further sayings of Tetzel, such as, "When the money clangs in the box, the souls spring up to heaven," also brought protests from Luther.4

   6. What is their authority? The Bible is claimed to be the only source. However, one must learn the creeds and catechism of Martin Luther in order to be a Lutheran.
2. Reviewing Some of Luther’s 95 Theses

   1. The pope neither desires nor is able to remit any penalties except those imposed by his own authority or that of the canons. The pope cannot remit any guilt, except by declaring and showing that it has been remitted by God; or, to be sure, by remitting guilt in cases reserved to his judgment. If his right to grant remission in these cases were disregarded, the guilt would certainly remain unforgiven.5

   2. Those priests act ignorantly and wickedly who, in the case of the dying, reserve canonical penalties for purgatory. Those tares of changing the canonical penalty to the penalty of purgatory were evidently sown while the bishops slept (Matthew 13:25).6

   3. They preach only human doctrines who say that as soon as the money clinks into the money chest, the soul flies out of purgatory. It is certain that when money clinks in the money chest, greed and avarice can be increased; but when the church intercedes, the result is in the hands of God alone.7

   4. Those who believe that they can be certain of their salvation because they have indulgence letters will be eternally damned, together with their teachers. Men must especially be on guard against those who say that the pope’s pardons are that inestimable gift of God by which man is reconciled to him.8

   5. To say that the cross emblazoned with the papal coat of arms, and set up by the indulgence preachers, is equal in worth to the cross of Christ is blasphemy. The bishops, curates, and theologians who permit such talk to be spread among the people will have to answer for this.9

   6. Why does not the pope empty purgatory for the sake of holy love and the dire need of the souls that are there if he redeems an infinite number of souls for the sake of miserable money with which to build a church? The former reason would be most just; the latter is most trivial.10

3. False Doctrines of the Lutheran Denomination
   1. Sola Gratia – "God forgives, loves and saves us completely apart from anything we do or do not do."11
   2. The phrase grace alone never occurs in the Bible – nor does the concept of salvation by grace alone. The Bible teaches that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8).
   3. Sola Fide – "[T]o our ‘sola fide’ (by faith alone) Lutheran ears, the idea that our Lord would draw a line separating the damned from the saved based on works should be troubling."12
   4. The phrase faith only occurs only one time in the Bible (James 2:24), and it is the exact opposite of what Lutherans teach. Incidentally, don’t sola gratia and sola fide contradict each other? Is it possible to have both?
   5. Sola Scriptura – "The Bible is the only norm of doctrine and life."13 While this certainly is a correct biblical principle (Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 4:6), it is not one that Lutherans today actually follow.
   6. Luther has a checkered history in relation to the Canon of the Bible. "Luther was also frustrated by the works-emphasis of the book of James, calling it the Epistle of Straw," and questioning its canonicity. Also irritated with the complex symbolism of the Book of Revelation, he once said that it, too, was not canon, and that it should be thrown into the river!"14 
   7. Lutherans believe in sprinkling babies�a practice that is in violation of both of the mode and meaning of baptism as found within Scripture (Mark 1:9-11; John 3:23; Romans 6:1-4; Acts 8:37ff.).
   8. Lutherans use instrumental music in their worship even though it is an unscriptural practice (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16-17) and one against which Martin Luther himself cautioned. Luther said, "The organ in the worship is the insignia of Baal. The Roman Catholics borrowed it from the Jews."15
4. Reasons Why I Cannot be a Lutheran
   1. The Lutheran Church has a human founder, Martin Luther, rather than Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:18).
   2. The Lutheran Church began at the wrong time and place to be the Christ’s church (Acts 2).
   3. Lutherans follow such things as the Augsburg Confession, the Nicene Creed, the Apostles’ Creed, the Athanasian Creed, the Smalcald Articles of Faith, and the Formula of Concord instead of the Bible alone (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
   4. Members of the Lutheran Church refer to themselves as "Lutherans" rather than "Christians" (Acts 4:12; 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). Luther himself pleaded, "I pray you leave my name alone and do not call yourselves Lutherans, but Christians" (Michelet, Life of Luther, p. 262).
   5. Lutherans also have the wrong name for the church (see Matthew 16:18; Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 1:2; John 10:30).
   6. Lutherans hold that the Ten Commandments are binding today, even though those commandments were "nailed to the cross" (Colossians 2:14-17; 2 Corinthians 3:7-11; Galatians 5:1-4; Romans 7:1-4).
   7. Lutherans teach that Sunday is the “Christian Sabbath” and observe numerous “holy days” such as “Lent,” “Easter,” “Christmas,” etc. (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 22:18-19; Exodus 20:8-11).

Study Questions

1. Who founded the Lutheran church? What is wrong with Martin Luther founding a church?
2. When was the Lutheran church started? Is that when the New Testament church started?
3. Where was the Lutheran church started? Where was the New Testament church started?
4. Did Martin Luther have good motives in his reformation movement? Did he go far enough?
5. Is salvation available by grace alone (See Titus 2:11-13)? Is salvation attainable by grace alone (see Ephesians 2:8-9)?
6. The phrase faith only occurs one time in the Bible. Where is that phrase located in Scripture, and what does the passage actually teach?
7. Incidentally, can one have sola gratia (saved by grace alone) and sola fide (saved by faith alone) at the same time? Aren’t these two ideas in conflict?
8. How did Martin Luther view the books of James and Revelation? Why did he view them this way?
9. Is sprinkling an acceptable mode of baptism? Support your answer from Scripture.
10. Did Martin Luther approve of instrumental music?
11. Did Martin Luther want people to be called "Lutherans" today?

References

1. 1Online: (http://www.elca.org/About/History), retrieved Tuesday, March 25, 2014 .
2. 2Online: (http://www.elca.org/en/About/Churchwide), retrieved Tuesday, March 25, 2014 .
3. 3Online: (http://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/ELCA-Facts), retrieved Tuesday, March 25, 2014 .
4. 4Online: (http://www.luther.de/en/anschlag.html).
5. 5Martin Luther’s 95 Theses, (Wittenberg, Germany, 1517), theses 5 and 6.
6. 6Ibid., theses 10 and 11.
7. 7Ibid., theses 27 and 28.
8. 8Ibid., theses 32 and 33.
9. 9Ibid., theses 79 and 80.
10. 10Ibid., thesis 82.
11. 11Online: (http://www.elca.org/en/Living-Lutheran/Ask-a-Pastor/2013/07/~/link.aspx?_id=48C112411847489194AB6ADA0C845F78&_z=z), retrieved Tuesday, March 25, 2014 .
12. 12Online: (http://www.elca.org/en/Living-Lutheran/Ask-a-Pastor/2013/11/~/link.aspx?_id=72E3B65A516F4CB89627FE7BEBC56F57&_z=z), retrieved Tuesday, March 25, 2014 .
13. 13Online: (http://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/Confessing_Our_Faith_Together_A_Proposal.pdf.pdf), retrieved Tuesday, March 25, 2014 .
14. 14Online: (http://www.greatsite.com/timeline-english-bible-history/martin-luther.html), retrieved Tuesday, March 25, 2014 .
15. 15Martin Luther, McClintock and Strong’s Encyclopedia, Volume VI, p. 762. 

The Gospel of Christ

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors.  This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission.  Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 1) - Lesson #1 - The Catholic Religion

1. Introduction
   1. Catholicism is the largest manmade religion today (claiming one billion adherents).
   2. It is my belief that Catholicism – with its ritualism, formality, and false doctrines – has done more to harm the cause of Christ than any other religion.
2. History of the Catholic Religion
   1. When did the Catholic religion begin? The Catholic religion is officially recognized as starting in A.D. 606 – not in A.D. 30 (Acts 2:47). However, one can easily see the seeds of apostasy in the New Testament that led to Catholicism.
      1. The concept of placing the teachings of men (both oral and written) above the commandments of God is found even in the times of Jesus (Matthew 15:7-9).
      2. The practice of forbidding people to marry and to eat certain foods was begun by the Gnostics in the first century (1 Timothy 4:1-4).
      3. Diotrophes started the seeds of the papacy by his thirst for power and his “chief elder” mentality (3 John 9-11). Ignatius of Antioch (A.D. 100-150) made the first known distinction between bishops and elders. This doctrine was later carried over to the papacy by Origen and others who followed.1
      4. In the first century, the apostles clearly preached against the seeds of apostasy currently found in the Catholic religion (Acts 20:28-30; 1 Timothy 4:1-5; 2 Timothy 4:3-4).
   2. Where did the Catholic religion begin? Rome – not Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:1-4; Acts 2).
   3. Where is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic religion? Rome – not Heaven (Psalm 119: 89).
   4. Who is the head of the Catholic religion? The pope is considered the head of the Catholic Church and the “vicar of Christ.” Jesus definitely is not the Head of the Catholic Church (Ephesians 1:21-23).
   5. Who founded Catholicism? Boniface III is officially recognized as the founder, although it was a gradual process of apostasy. It is evident from history that Jesus is not the founder of this religion (1 Corinthians 3:11).
   6. What is their authority? The Bible, the Catholic Church, papal edicts, and oral tradition. It is likely that, to a devoted Catholic, none of these would outweigh the other in the importance of authority.
3. Catholic Authority Examined
   1. Catholics are told that they cannot understand the Bible by reading it (see Ephesians 3:4). Concerning this idea, Catholic writer John O’Brien says, From all of which it must be abundantly clear that the Bible alone is not a safe and competent guide because it is not now and has never been accessible to all, because it is not clear and intelligible to all, and because it does not contain all the truths of the Christian religion.2
      1. The Bible alone, however, is to serve as our sole authority in religious matters (Colossians 3:17; John 17:17; John 16:13; Acts 20:32; James 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16; Ephesians 3:4; 2 Peter 1:3; Psalm 119:160).
      2. The Bible is a book that can be read, understood, and obeyed by all people (Ephesians 3:4; Ephesians 5:17; John 8:32).
   2. The Catholic Church also is a source for authority. O’Brien illustrates this point when he says, The simple fact is that the Bible, like all dead letters, calls for a living interpreter … . Just as the Supreme Court is the authorized living interpreter of the Constitution, so the Catholic Church is the living authoritative interpreter of the Bible.3 The Pope also has authority in religious matters. Catholics believe, When the Pope in his official capacity … proclaims a doctrine on faith or morals binding on the whole Church, he is preserved from error.4
      1. The Bible, however, teaches that no man is perfect (Romans 3:23).
      2. The main answer to the false doctrine of Catholic popes being preserved from error is the Bible’s complete silence on the subject!
4. The Seven Sacraments of Catholicism
   1. What is a sacrament? Catholics define a sacrament as a visible sign instituted by Christ by which grace is conveyed to our souls. Three things are necessary to constitute a sacrament – a visible sign, invisible grace and the institution by our Lord Jesus Christ.5
   2. The first of the seven sacraments is that of baptism. Catholics teach, Baptism effects the remission of original sin and actual sins and of all punishment due to sin; it confers sanctifying grace, membership in Christ and in the Church and the obligation to obey the Church’s laws, and give an indelible character.6
      1. With part of this teaching the New Testament agrees. Baptism is for the remission of actual sins and is essential to enter the church (Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 12:13).
      2. The problem with the Catholic view of baptism has to do with the erroneous idea of original sin (Matthew 18:1-5; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Ezekiel 28:15) and the Catholic mode of baptism (Mark 1:9-11; John 3:23; Acts 8:38-39; Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 2:12).
   3. The second sacrament is penance. Catholics believe The Church has the power to forgive all sins. This forgiveness of sins is a true sacrament instituted by Christ, different from baptism, particularly on account of its judicial form. Sins are forgiven only by the sacrament of penance. Sins are forgiven by absolution which can only be given by an authorized priest. It is a real judicial pardon. The Church has the power to reserve certain cases.7
      1. The problem with this sacrament is the emphasis upon whom forgives sin. Nowhere in the New Testament will you find the church forgiving anyone of sin. The church does not forgive sin; God does! The psalmist stated correctly, Against you and you only have I sinned (Psalm 51:4). God is the One Who forgives sins (Luke 23:34; Acts 2:38; 1 John 1:9).
      2. In the New Testament, you will never find a Christian confessing his or her sins to a priest (James 5:16-17).
   4. The third sacrament is confirmation. Catholic doctrine says, Confirmation is a true sacrament instituted by Christ and different from baptism. It is administered by laying-on of hands and anointing with chrism accompanied by prayer. The chrism is blessed by the bishop and the bishop administers the sacrament. All baptized persons can and should be confirmed. The effect of the sacrament of confirmation is to give strength in faith and for the confession of faith and to impress an indelible character.8
      1. This sacrament often is performed with oil directly after one’s baptism as a confirming sign of membership into the Catholic community. However, the Bible teaches that if a person obeys the Gospel, then God confirms him or her as a member of the kingdom (Acts 2:47).
      2. How does the anointing with oil strengthen anyone’s faith (Romans 10:17)?
   5. The fourth sacrament is the Eucharist. The Catholic Eucharist can be understood better as we look at “The Real Presence” and “Transubstantiation.”
      1. The Real Presence declares that during the partaking of the Lord’s Supper the body and blood of Jesus are actually present. Catholic teaching says In this sacrament are present the living body and blood of Christ; therefore also his soul which gives them life, therefore also his divine nature which is indissolubly united with his sacred humanity.9
      2. To explain how Jesus is literally and physically a part of the Lord’s Supper, Catholics have developed the doctrine of Transubstantiation. The Council of Trent said, By the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood. This change the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called transubstantiation.10
         1. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial of Jesus’ death. The context of the institution of the Lord’s Supper teaches the elements are figures of the blood and body (Matthew 26: 28-29; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25; John 6:63, 68).
         2. For transubstantiation to exist, we would still have to be in the age of miracles. However, passages such as 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 teach that we are not still in the age of miracles.
   6. The fifth sacrament is the sacrament of ordination. This is the sacrament by which men become a part of the priesthood of the Catholic religion. Concerning this sacrament Catholic author McSorley says, The hierarchal organization of the Church is in three grades – the episcopate, the priesthood, and the diaconate – although of divine origin, is not clearly described in the New Testament. Nor does the Gospel say that our Lord indicated the precise way in which He intended His Church to be governed and administered.11
      1. The main problem with this teaching lies in a “separation of terms” that the Bible does not make. For example, all Christians have been called by the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14-15). In the New Testament, there is no clergy/laity system.
      2. The episcopate comes from the Greek word episkopos, meaning overseer or bishop. This word is one of the three synonymous terms used in Acts 20:28-32 to describe the eldership.
      3. In the New Testament, every Christian is a part of the priesthood (Revelation 1:6; 1 Peter 2:9).
      4. The diaconate comes from the Greek word diakonos, meaning deacon or servant. There is a clear distinction made in the New Testament between the qualifications and duties of elders and deacons.

   7. The sixth sacrament of Catholicism is marriage. While marriage is indeed a God-ordained union, nowhere do we find it to be sacramental in nature. Concerning this sacrament, the Catholic Church says:

      The sacrament of matrimony consist of the marriage contract, so that for Christians the contract and the sacrament are inseparable. Therefore marriage comes into the legal competence of the Church. The Church may establish impediments, including diriment impediments which invalidate a marriage and forbidding impediments which make marriage illegal. She may determine the form and rite to be observed. Matrimonial causes fall to ecclesiastical courts.12

      1. While Catholics should be commended for their view of the sanctity of marriage, the church is not the decision-maker of whom can and cannot marry.
      2. God gave the principles of marriage in Genesis 2, and Jesus further illustrates these in Matthew 19:1-10. The church should only follow that which the Bible teaches – not make laws or impediments to annul marriages.

   8. The final sacrament is extreme unction. This sacrament is also known as the “last rites” and is performed by the anointing of oil upon sickness or death to help ensure eternal life. The proof text that Catholics use for this teaching is James 5:14-15. Concerning this rite, Catholics teach:

      Extreme Unction is a sacrament in which the sick, by the anointing with holy oil and the prayers of the Priests, receive spiritual succor and even corporal strength when such is conducive to salvation. This unction is called extreme, because it is usually the last of the holy unction administered by the Church.13

      1. There are several things that Catholics overlook in James 5:14-15. First, the elders – not priests – are to perform this action.
      2. Second, James says this is done to heal – while Catholics usually perform it right before death.
      3. Third, the emphasis in the text is placed upon the prayers of the faithful that save – not the oil.
      4. Finally, one must determine if this is a spiritual or physical sickness. Some evidence suggests that the healing is spiritual – not physical.
5. 7 Reasons Why a Christian Cannot Be a Catholic
   1. Catholics exalt people such as Mary, Peter, “Mother” Theresa, and others. The Bible, however, says that we should not worship people (Psalm 111:9; Matthew 4:10; Revelation 19: 10; Acts 10:26).
   2. The Catholic hierarchy or clergy/laity system is not found within the Scriptures (Matthew 23:9; Philippians 1:1; 2:3-4; Romans 12:3-4; 1 Peter 5:1-5).
   3. Infant baptism is foreign to the teachings of the New Testament (Mark 1:9-10; John 3:23; Acts 8:38; Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 2:12).
   4. Catholicism is too complicated (Mark 12:37; John 8:32; Ephesians 4:3; 5:17).
   5. Catholics do not believe that the Bible is suitable to serve as our only guide; rather, tradition must come into play as well (Matthew 15:7-9; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3).
   6. Cold formalities replace heartfelt worship and fruitful service (Mark 12:32-37; Revelation 2:4).
   7. A sinner would have to seek forgiveness from men – not God (Psalm 51:4; 86:5; 1 John 1:7-10).
6. How to Convert a Catholic
   1. Help the person to understand when the church began (Acts 2:47), Who founded the church (Matthew 16:18), where the church began (Isaiah 2:1-2; Acts 2), and how the church began (Acts 20:28).
   2. Help the person to understand that God’s Word must serve as man’s sole source for religious authority (Proverbs 30:61; Corinthians 4:6; Revelation 22:18-19; Leviticus 10:1-2).
   3. Help the person see the fallacious nature of such statements as We declare, say, define, and pronounce that it is absolutely necessary for the salvation of every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pontiff.14 Papal edicts (e.g., papal bulls, ex cathedra statements, etc.) are nothing more than mere human assertions, and as such they are not authoritative.
   4. Help the person see how human traditions have always led to people being lost (Matthew 15:7-9; 2 Kings 5).

Study Questions

1. Discuss the “Who, When, & Where” of this denomination’s origin. Does their origin match the divine blueprint in the New Testament?
2. What seeds of apostasy were present in the New Testament era that led to the beginning of Catholicism?
3. Catholic scholar John O’Brien states that the Bible is not clear, intelligible, and sufficient to all people. What verses in the Bible prove this claim to be false?
4. How do we know that original sin is not a biblical teaching?
5. Can the church or any human being alive today forgive sins? Support your answer from Scripture.
6. How is a person “confirmed” into God’s church? (See Acts 2:38-47).
7. Catholic scholar McSorley says the hierarchal organization of the Catholic religion is of divine origin although not clearly described in the New Testament. Can a teaching or doctrine of the church be of “divine origin” and not be found in Scripture?
8. Can the church make laws prohibiting, allowing, or annulling marriage? Explain your answer.
9. Does James 5:14-15 teach extreme unction? What is wrong with this type of death bed salvation?
10. List some Scriptures that teach us not to exalt other human beings.
11. Give Scriptural proof that infant baptism is not a biblical teaching.
12. Discuss the relationship between the destructive teachings of the Pharisees in Mt. 15:7-9 and the damnable teachings of the Catholic religion today.

References

1. Ferguson, Everett, Early Christians Speak (ACU Press, Abilene, TX,) p. 168.
2. O’Brien, John, The Faith of Millions (Our Sunday Visitor, Huntington, IN, 1938), p. 148.
3. Ibid., p. 148.
4. Ibid., p. 126.
5. Gibbons, James, The Faith of Our Fathers (P.J. Kennedy & Son, New York, 1917), p. 218.
6. Online: (http://www.catholic.org/clife/prayers/sacrament.php?id=1), retrieved January 10, 2006.
7. Online: (http://www.catholic.org/clife/prayers/sacrament.php?id=4), retrieved January 10, 2006.
8. Online: (http://www.catholic.org/clife/prayers/sacrament.php?id=3), retrieved January 10, 2006.
9. The Teaching of the Catholic Church, VII, p. 843.
10. DS 1642; Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 1376.
11. Quoted in D’Aubigne, History of the Reformation (Worthington, New York), p. 17.
12. Online: (http://www.catholic.org/prayers/sacrament.php?id=7), retrieved January 11, 2006.
13. Gibbons, James, History of the Christian Church (Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York, 1913), p. 314.
14. Pope Boniface VIII, Papal Bull Unam Sanctam, 1302

The Gospel of Christ

This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors.  This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission.  Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.