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What Must I Do To Be Saved?

  

"Comparing The Lord's Church To Denominations"

Jarrod Jacobs

Many today do not realize that there are fundamental differences between the Lord's church and the denominations of this world. Some believe there is really no comparison at all; and that one church is as good as another. Is this true? Let us think about the differences between the Lord's church and the denominations of this world.

The Lord's Church Was Built By Him. Denominations Were Established By Men.

The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ said He would build His church (Matt. 16:18). He promised to build only one church, and He died for only one church (Eph. 5:23-25). He is the foundation of His church (I Cor. 3:11). He is the chief cornerstone of His church (I Pet. 2:6-7). Knowing that two or more houses cannot be built upon the same foundation, it tells us that the denominations today are built upon another foundation, but not Christ!

The Lord's Church Follows His Word. Denominations Follow Creed Books And Manuals.

The Lord's church follows only what the Bible says. Peter taught: "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God" (I Pet. 4:11). Paul taught that whatever we do or say must have sanction from Heaven (Col. 3:17)! The preaching of Christ and the apostles, as well as the early Christians rings with Scripture and appealing to God's authority for all they did. Do the many modern denominations believe this? No, for we know that the Methodists have their "Discipline," Catholics have their "Catechism," Baptists have their creed books, Mormons also have their own creed book in the form of a pseudo-Bible; as do the Jehovah's Witnesses. Can one say he is following the Bible when he relies on creed books for his teachings and beliefs?

The Lord's Church Has No Earthly Headquarters, But Denominations Have Them.

We know that the headquarters for anything will be where the head resides. For example, this country's headquarters is in Washington D.C. Why? Because that is where the President resides! The Lord's church has a head as well -- Christ (Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22-23)! Where is Christ? He resides in Heaven (Acts 1:9-11, 7:55-56, etc.). Therefore, the "headquarters" for the Lord's church is in Heaven, and not on the earth! Jesus also has all authority in Heaven and earth (Matt. 28:18). If Christ has "all" the authority, how much does that leave for you? Me? Now, is your church's headquarters in Heaven or on earth? Is it in Rome? Is it in Salt Lake City? Is it in Nashville? Philadelphia? New York? Etc....

The Lord's Church Follows God's Plan For Salvation. Denominations Do Not.

God's plan for the salvation of men is clear. He expects men to hear the gospel, which produces faith (Rom. 10:17). Man must believe that Jesus is the Son of God (Jn. 8:24). It is then required that men repent of their sins (Lk. 13:3). They must also confess their faith in Christ (Matt. 10:32). Finally, God requires that a man be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). We can read about men following God's plan for salvation in places like Acts 2:36-38, 16:30-34, 22:16, etc. When one follows God's plan of salvation, then God will add him to His church (Acts 2:47)!! The denominational world does not teach this plan. Most teach that "faith only" saves men. Yet, the only time the Bible talks about "faith only," God says it DOES NOT SAVE (Jas. 2:24)! Others will say that a little baby needs to be saved, and so they will sprinkle water on the baby, and say that he/she must believe later and will be "confirmed" at a later time! Is this what the Bible teaches? No!

The Lord's Church Worships As God Directs. Denominations Worship As They Please.

God wants people to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth (Jn. 4:24). He expects His people to worship Him in song, in doctrine (teaching His word), giving as we have been prospered, partaking of the Lord's Supper, and prayer (Acts 2:42, 20:7; Eph. 5:19; I Cor. 16:1-2). All of this is to be done every first day of the week! Most every denomination tries to worship God with the mechanical instrument. They will take the Lord's Supper at their convenience. Most do not teach the Bible, but their creeds and/or other opinions. They demand people give to them at times other than the first day of the week, and use bingos, raffles, car washes, etc. as ways to make money as well. Does this sound like they are worshipping as God directs?

Conclusion

There are other differences between the Lord's church and denominations that we could study. But, the things mentioned above ought to encourage all of us to study and learn whether or not the church to which we belong is the Lord's church or not. Remember, we need to "receive the word with all readiness of mind and search the Scriptures daily..." (Acts 17:11). Are you a member of the Lord's church?? (Romans 16:16)

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