5. It is true that the denominations disagree
regarding certain doctrines and practices, but these are unessential matters.
Concerning the essentials, such as belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God,
acceptance of the moral precepts of the Bible, etc., the denominations are
united.
This is based upon a false concept of the unity of the denominations. There is
in fact, nothing God has revealed through Jesus Christ and the New Testament
that is not essential. Why would God burden us down with non-essential
matters?
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)
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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
"All Scripture" is able to make a man of God complete and ready to do
God's will.
2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV)
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to
be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
We must study to show ourselves approved to God. We must know how to handle the
Word and how to make a proper application in our lives and doctrines that we
teach and practice.
2 Peter 1:3 (NKJV)
as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and
godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
2 Peter 1:4 (NKJV)
by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that
through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the
corruption that is in the world through lust.
God has given us His Word. This is all that we need concerning salvation and
the rules that would please God.
Matthew 28:20 (NKJV)
"teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I
am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
When Jesus gave "The Great Commission", He said to teach the
believers all things He had commanded. He did not say teach some or most, but
all.
2 Timothy 2:2 (NKJV)
And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these
to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
Paul said that all of his teaching and practices were to be taught to others
who would teach others who would teach others.......etc,etc.
1 John 4:6 (NKJV)
We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear
us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
John said that those who hear and accept his teachings would be acceptable to
God. That is how we know right from wrong. By following and keeping his
teachings, which were the teachings of the Holy Spirit, which were the
teachings from God.
Luke 6:46 (NKJV)
"But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I
say?
No one can be loyal to Christ and God and at the same time be dis-loyal to the
Bible.
1 Corinthians 4:6 (NKJV)
Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and
Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is
written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.
This argument being discussed here is definite admission by those in
the denominations that theirs is a failure to follow God's word, by going
beyond His law.
What they are saying is that they know their teaching is different from the
Word of God, but by claiming that it is non-essential or un-important justifies
their right to practice or teach it. If any part of God's Word is un-important
or non-essential, then we can easily dismiss that any of it is important or
essential. Are you willing to concede that the Bible is not the Word of God?
That it has no authority?
Return to the Arguments index