|
Last Days Prophecy
HIS SERVANTS' MINISTRY
www.lastdaysprophecy.org
Welcome to our website
FALSE DOCTRINES
CHURCH OF CHRIST
The religious sect (cult) known as the "Church of Christ" has many strange and abnormal doctrines that are contrary to God's Word. It is a very deceptive and dangerous cult. Their teaching of baptismal regenerationis an age-old heresy that has damned millions to Hell, and is still doing so today. They believe that they are the one, true restored church of Jesus Christ . . . and that puts them in the same group with the Mormon and Roman Catholic churches.
Baptismal Regeneration
The early Reformers like Martin Luther were Catholics who retained some Catholic doctrines, among them baptismal regeneration and infant baptism. These heresies are still held by some today. The issue is a serious one. If baptism is necessary for salvation, then to reject that Gospel is to be damned to Hell. BUT . . . IF salvation is through faith in Christ alone, then adding baptism as a condition for salvation is to reject the true gospel and thus to be eternally lost. The Bible clearly states that it is WRONG to teach salvation by faith in Christ PLUS anything else, such as keeping the Jewish law (Acts 15:24). Paul cursed (anathematized) those who taught this false gospel that damns the soul (Gal 1:9.9). A gospel of salvation through Christ PLUS baptism is equally false.
When Paul reminded the Corinthians of the essential ingredients of the Gospel which he preached and by which they had been saved, he made NO mention of baptism (1 Cor. 15-14). In fact, he clearly distinguished between the Gospel and baptism: "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel..." (1 Cor. 1:17). He had not baptized most of the Corinthians, couldn't remember whom he had baptized, and was thankful that it had been very few (1 Cor 1:14-16) . . . very strange IF baptism is essential to salvation! Yet without baptizing them, Paul declared that he was their father in the faith . . . "in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel" (1 Cor 4:15).
BUT, you say: what about Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (KJV) All who believe the Gospel are saved, so it is only logical that all who believe and are baptized are saved. BUT this does NOT say that baptism saves or that it is necessary for salvation. Scores of verses declare, with no mention of baptism, that salvation comes by believing the Gospel: 1 Cor.1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. (KJV) Also John 3:16,18,36; 5:24; Acts 10:43; 13:38-39; 16:3; Rom. 1:16; 3:28; 4:24; 5:1; 1 Cor. 15:1-4; Eph. 2:8; etc.). NOT one verse says that baptism saves.
Many verses state that whosoever does not believe is lost, but NOT one verse declares that whosoever is not baptized is lost. The Bible would make it very clear that believing in Christ without being baptized cannot save IF that were the case, BUT it NEVER says so! Instead, we have examples of those who believed and were saved without being baptized, such as the thief on the cross and the Old Testament saints (Enoch, Abraham, Joseph, Daniel) to whom Christian baptism was unknown.
BUT . . . What about baptism? Should we be baptized?
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. (KJV)
Should we be baptized? Yes, it is the humble opinion of this servant of God that we should be baptized in water after we accept Christ as our Saviour and Lord. BUT . . . You say . . . What about the thief on the cross? He was not baptized. No, he wasn’t. And what about someone on their deathbed? Or someone who is too sick or too badly crippled to submit to baptism? I truly think God takes ALL things into consideration. He is a God of love and understanding! BUT . . . IF a person believes Him, and accepts Christ to save them, they most certainly should obey and be baptized. Being baptized reveals you take a stand with Jesus. You must NOT be ashamed of Him in any way! Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. (KJV) PLEASE do NOT be ashamed of Jesus!
If you are a member of this cult, or have been influenced by its teachings, ask your preacher the questions that follow, then get your King James Bible out, and ask the Holy Spirit to show you the TRUTH (John 16:13). If you have never been saved (born again) do NOT make the mistake of being "washed in the baptistry of the church" for being washed in the Blood of Christ (Mat.26:28; Mark 14:24; Rom.3:24-25; 5:1,9; Eph.1:7; 2:13,16; Col.1:14,20; 1 Pet.1:18-19; 1 John 1:7; Rev.7:14).
Don't end up in the "Lake of Fire" by accepting their baptismal regeneration plan of salvation and rejecting the Truth: salvation by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ. (Mat. 3:11; Rev. 20:15; Eph. 2:8,9; Rom. 5:9; Rom. 11:6).
Here are some FALSE doctrines of the Church of Christ
#1. A "Church of Christ" elder must baptize a person in order for that person to be saved. So, according to this, a person needs both Jesus AND a Church of Christ preacher in order to be saved. The Bible says: 1 Tim. 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (KJV) Jesus Christ is the only Mediator. 1 Cor. 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (KJV) The Holy Spirit is the only Administrator of salvation!
#2. If a person were to die before they were baptized by the Church of Christ, they would go to Hell. They believe water baptism is the means of forgiveness of sins. The Bible says: Rom.3:24-25 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. (KJV) Rom.5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (KJV) Rom.5:9-10 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. [10] For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (KJV) 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (KJV) Heb.10:12-17 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; [13] From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. [14] For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. [15] Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, [16] This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; [17] And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (KJV) Only acceptance of Jesus as Saviour and Lord can our sins be forgiven. NO man, NO water baptism can forgive our sins.
#3. They believe that a person can lose their salvation and end up in Hell. Water baptism takes care of past sins BUT you still have to worry about future sins. The Bible says: John 3:15-18 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. [16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. [18] He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (KJV) To me . . . eternal life and everlasting life are from this day forward to forever! John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (KJV) John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (KJV) We HAVE (hath) everlasting life the moment we accept Jesus as Saviour and Lord! John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (KJV) AGAIN! We HAVE (hath) everlasting life the moment we accept Jesus as Saviour and Lord! God does NOT give us ETERNAL life then take it away! That would NOT be eternal life! 1 John 5:10-12 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. [11] And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. [12] He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (KJV) God does NOT give to us ETERNAL life then take it away! That would NOT be eternal life! BEWARE of FALSE doctrines!
#4 They say a person can lose their salvation. They CANNOT explain which sins or how many sins causes one to lose his/her salvation, but they believe that Christians fall in and out of salvation based upon their actions. They CANNOT be specific, nor can they give any clear Bible references to back up this heresy. The big problem is: IF sin causes a person to lose his/her salvation, which is gained solely because of the grace of God through faith (Rom.3:24; Gal.3:26; Eph.2:8-9), HOW do you get it back? Their FALSE doctrine basically teaches that a person's behavior must be changed or improved to get salvation back once it is lost, and that is salvation by "works", which is a very dangerous and FALSE teaching and opposite to Scripture (Eph.2:8-9). The Bible clearly teaches that Christians are secure in their salvation in Jesus Christ, not because of their behavior but because of the person of Jesus. The Church of Christ believes in another Jesus (2 Cor.11:4), a Jesus who is NOT able to keep them (I Pet.1:5), NOT able to preserve them (Jude 1:1), NOT able to protect them (John 10:28-29), or NOT able to seal them "until the day of redemption" (Eph.4:30). The Bible tells us that JESUS is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb.5:9; 7:25; 12:2).
I simply CANNOT agree that we can lose our salvation! NO way! IF we are born again spiritually into God's family, then we slip and sin . . . according to the Church of Christ, we no longer are God's children. BUT, IF and when we get it right again, we are again God's children??? NOT what the Bible teaches! When I sin (NOT if), God is displeased with me and will correct me, but He will NOT disown me! That would be like me saying I no longer have children. I have them today, and forever. They anger and displease me some times but I cannot disown them any more than God will disown any of His children. Once saved, always saved!
#5. The Church of Christ believes the FALSE doctrine of losing salvation. They don't tell you HOW to regain it. For WHAT sin does God remove a person's salvation? HOW does a person ever KNOW if they are saved or lost? The Bible says: John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (KJV) HOW can anyone EVER have "peace" IF they think they can lose their salvation? Their hearts would always be "troubled and afraid." They do NOT believe in the same Jesus that I believe in!
#6. They believe there sins that will put a person beyond the "point of no return" so that salvation cannot be regained, but they cannot specify what sin or sins will put a person in this jeopardy. The Bible says: John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (KJV) 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (KJV)
#7 They believe that if a person does not repent and confess EVERY sin before death, they would go to Hell. AGAIN! Repeating above! The Bible says: John 3:15-18 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. [16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. [18] He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (KJV) To me . . . eternal life and everlasting life are from this day forward to forever! John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (KJV) John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (KJV) We HAVE (hath) everlasting life the moment we accept Jesus as Saviour and Lord! John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (KJV) AGAIN! We HAVE (hath) everlasting life the moment we accept Jesus as Saviour and Lord! God does NOT give us ETERNAL life then take it away! That would NOT be eternal life! 1 John 5:10-12 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. [11] And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. [12] He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (KJV) God does NOT give to us ETERNAL life then take it away! That would NOT be eternal life! BEWARE of FALSE doctrines!
#8. They insist that their name "Church of Christ" is scriptural when it is NOT found, NOT even once anywhere in the King James Bible, NOR any of the other bibles I checked! The church (Body of Christ) is referred to as the "church of God" eight (8) times in the Bible, but it is NEVER called the "church of Christ" (Acts 20:28; 1 Cor.1:2; 10:32; 11:22; 15:9; 2 Cor.1:1; Gal.1:13; 1 Tim.3:5). The verse they use is Romans 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. (KJV) This does NOT say "church of Christ."
#9. The "Church of Christ" claims to worship God only as "authorized" by Scripture because they sing only (NOT using instrumental music). WHY then do they have the "authority" to use hymnals, pitchpipes, pews, and indoor baptistries in their worship services? If the answer is that they are "aids to worship," where does the Bible allow for that? Where is your required authorization? If a pitchpipe can be an "aid to worship" for the song service in the "Church of Christ," then why can't a piano be an "aid to worship" as well? They say the New Testament does not have musical instruments mentioned. The Bible says: Mat.11:17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. (KJV) "Piped" is music of flutes. Rev.14:2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: (KJV) This clearly mentions "harps." Rev.18:22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; (KJV) This clearly mentions musical instruments.
#10. They won't use Old Testament Scriptures. So sad! SO much back there! The Old Testament is there for our learning! Our precious Lord, Jesus referred back to the Old Testament countless times: Mat.22,28,31,33, 38, 39,43,44; 22:37; Luke 6:27. . . just to name a few! Christ taught out of the Old Testament (Luke 24:27). Each and every Old Testament Book has some reference to Christ! Prophecies, both fulfilled and unfulfilled are a Treasure to us. The Bible says: Pro. 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. (KJV) EVERY Word of God is pure! Mat. 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (KJV) We survive by EVERY WORD of God (both Old and New Testaments). 2 Tim. 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV) ALL SCRIPTURE . . . BOTH Old and New Testaments!
#11. They teach "salvation by works" (of righteousness) like the Catholics. Water baptism is part of salvation according to them. The Bible says: Titus 3:5-7 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (KJV) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us! Eph. 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. (KJV) Salvation is a GIFT! NO works required! Rom.6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV) The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. SALVATION is a GIFT!!!
#12. The "Church of Christ" teaches that "obeying the Gospel" includes being baptized in water in order to be saved. The Bible says: Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. (KJV) Baptism by the Holy Spirit is MUCH more important than water baptism. Mark 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. (KJV) John the Baptist baptized with water; Jesus baptizes with the Holy Ghost! Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (KJV) The Holy Ghost illuminates, regenerates, refines, and purifies the heart. With this, immersion shows the world the person takes a stand with Jesus. Without the baptism of the Holy Ghost first, water baptism is utterly worthless. 1 Cor. 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (KJV) We are made partakers of the gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost agreeably to the words of our Lord: John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. [38] He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. [39] (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (KJV) John 14:15-17 If ye love me, keep my commandments. [16] And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; [17] Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (KJV) He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. This is yet another verse that tells me "once saved, always saved!" Once a person is truly baptized by the Holy Ghost, He comes to abide with him/her for ever! God does NOT give you His Holy Spirit today and take Him away tomorrow or whenever you sin. NOT what the Bible teaches!
One more verse about the Holy Spirit abiding with us FOR EVER! 2 John 1:2-3 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. [3] Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. (KJV)
Believe God and His Word! Do NOT listen to CULTS who teach FALSE doctrines! BEWARE!!!
FALSE DOCTRINES
Charismatics
Church of Christ
False Church of Today
??Christian Universalism??
Major Deceptions
Mormons
Universalism's False Doctrine
Universalism
Universalism NOT Biblical
Universalism's No Hell
Which will it be?
Universalism? OR One Way to God?
Home Page
|