Two
examples from God's Word have been examined in our search for the answer
to this question: Does God care if man departs from God's Word? These
examples clearly show He does care, and will not accept man's innovations.
Perhaps in future columns, more departures will be discussed, but before
leaving the topic of departures, here are two scriptures to keep in mind
when questioning a denominational precept: Matthew 15:1-9; Mark 7:1-13.
Peoples from
all nations have desired to be a part of our nation. Although some were
brought against their will as captives destined to serve others, many came
freely both for the physical blessings of food, clothing and shelter and
for religious freedom. We see, even in today's world, nations which
imprison citizens and foreigners for worshipping God in a way not
recognized by a particular nation. Persecution against Christians is once
again on the rise. In the section of the New Testament commonly called
"the beatitudes," Jesus pronounces as "blessed" those
who suffer for righteousness' sake (Matthew 5:10-12; Luke 6:22,23). The
New Testament provides examples of those who were put to death because
they stood firmly for God and against religious leaders who taught man's
commandments. Stephen is the first one recorded. Hear the charge he made:
"Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always
resist the Holy Ghost: As your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the
prophets have not your fathers persecuted: And they have slain them which
shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the
betrayers and murderers: who have received the law by the disposition of
angels, and have not kept it" (Acts 6:8-7:60). How true this charge
is still today! And, the apostle Peter's words ring loud and clear today,
not only in other nations but in ours also: "Know this first, that no
prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the
prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God
spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. But there were false prophets
also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you,
who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that
brought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall
follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be
evil spoken of" (2 Peter 1:20-2:2). A glance through the telephone
directory of any city or village will reveal many listings for religious
bodies. Did God through His Son send many different laws for these groups?
Did Jesus actually build His church, as He said He would do
(Matthew 16:16-19)? Do Jesus and God actually require all believers to be
one, as expressed in Jesus' prayer (John 17:20,21)? Note that Jesus said
the unity of Christians would convince the world of His deity and His
coming. Man is actually hindering the world's belief in Jesus by the
departures which cause the divisions! May each of us determine to know,
believe, teach, follow only God's Word!
God has a
marvelous gift
waiting for you!
Click on the
picture to learn
more.
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