. . . This is an example of what I call, "dogmatic divisions"; These
are issues or positions that are elevated so high, that the message of the cross
is overshadowed, if not eliminated completely. These issues also are notorious
for an "exclusive, 'WE have the "real" truth.' attitude. They have
been successful at dividing Christian believers, and preventing people who think
they are Christians from ever attaining a true saving faith. Let's take a look
at a few other examples. Specific formulas for baptism. "You must be baptized
in Jesus' Name", says the United Pentecostal Church. (In the name of the
Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit wont cut it) Other groups, such as some Churches
of Christ, say you must be baptized in THEIR church or you're not a Christian.
Some believe that babies need to be baptized. Still others say if baptism is necessary
for salvation.
While baptism is a command
of Christ, It is an outward demonstration of death to the old sinful life, and
rising to new life in Christ. It's that initial repentance, and putting faith
in Him, receiving His free gift of eternal life [JOHN: 3:16], that saves us. Jesus
told the thief on the cross next to him that he would be with Him in Paradise,
in his last minute confession of faith. The Last I checked, it didn't say that
the thief leaped off the cross, ran to the nearest river for a quick dunk, then
scampered back to the cross, and then died.
Methods of worship... This
is another big one. The Seventh Day Adventists say the worship service must be
held on Saturday. Well, I think that's fine. My Wife and I use to attend a church
that had services on Saturday night. It also had services on Sunday too. Does
that disqualify it from being a legit church? The 4th commandment says, "keep
the Sabbath holy", but I haven't read anywhere where you can't gather with
other believers to worship on any other day of the week. Moreover, the Church
of Christ says that in Eph. 5:19 where it says "singing making melody in
your heart", means, "NO musical instruments allowed in church!"
Give me a break!
Still, there are other
individuals and groups that take the even more extreme position in declaring that
musical instruments can be used, but ONLY in context of certain rhythms or beats.
If the up or down beat is arranged a certain way in the measure, it then moves
into the demonic realm. Hence, anyone who performs or listens to music this way
may be under the influence of Satan. I know, it sounds absurd, but these beliefs
are out there, and are dividing people and causing arguments. Again, no Biblical
grounds can be found for these positions. PS. 150 encourage praising the Lord
with various instruments, and Psalm 33 says to "play skillfully" to
Him. Many other passages could be sighted.
Now, still more dividing
issues persist, such as The King James Version only controversy. There is a group,
which says that out of all the various translations available out there today,
the King James is the only legitimate version. ALL others are wrong. These people
make a huge issue out of this and set themselves apart as having THE only true
Bible. The King James version is a good translation, but it was introduced in
1611, written in the language of the day. Though beautiful and poetic, such as
the well-memorized 23rd Psalm, many of the terms and wordings are different than
that we use today. This can cause a hindrance to someone, especially a young person,
wanting to read or study the Bible.
Take for instance, Acts
28:13, in Luke's account of a journey at sea, the King James says, "from
thence we fetched a compass". Most people today would think they went and
got a compass. In reality, this, in old English really means, "we sailed
around." Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking the King James if you prefer
it and can understand it, but there are other translations that some may find
easier to understand, such as the NIV, NASB, or the NKJ, because they are translated
into the language of today. As for accuracy, it has only gotten better due to
the fact that since 1611, more manuscript evidence and more advanced translating
capabilities have been utilized.
Some other divisive issues
are, women can't wear pants or makeup, (I heard a teacher on the radio go so far
as to say that a "woman is not to wear any clothing that shows any contours
of the body"..), (I guess a potato sack would be an appropriate garment!).
Now how about the proper way to address God… (Some say that all those who
call Him God or Jesus are off base, you must use the letters YHVH) Many other
issues consist, not to mention gifts of the spirit, the debate of if they exist
today. How Satan, the enemy of our souls, must delight in so many people clouding
their minds, using up so much precious time and energy to defend these issues,
and thus veil the message of the only hope for mankind to have a relationship
with the Father and go to Heaven, through His Son, Jesus Christ. It was once well
said," In the essentials unity, in the non-essentials liberty, in all things
charity".
Chris A Hyde
7-14-01
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