Five Reasons Bible Studies
Lesson 1: Five Reasons Salvation Is Eternal And Cannot Be Lost
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
Believest thou this?
- John 11:26
Reason 1. Salvation
is eternal because it is a gift from God
The salvation we enjoy is the free gift of God thorough his
Son Jesus Christ. I receive that gift when I believe in Jesus as my Savior who
suffered in my place and for my sin. In and of myself I could not do anything
to deliver my soul from judgment and damnation.
John 10:27- 28a My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and
they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life.
Ephesians 2:8-9. For by grace are ye saved through faith and
that not of yourself it is the gift of God.
Not of works lest any man should boast.
Romans 3:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of
God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life:
he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall
never thirst.
John 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall
never die. Believest thou this?
Reason 2. Salvation is eternal by the work and sealing of
the Holy Spirit.
In the gift of the Comforter, I am continually being saved
from now until eternity. The gift of salvation is not stagnant but continues
constantly through the Holy Spirit to give us renewed life.
John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall
give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in
him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Joh 7:38-39 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath
said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (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.)
Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our
spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of
God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may
be also glorified together.
2 Corinthians 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the
earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Ephesians 1:13-14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye
heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that
ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the
earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession,
unto the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God,
whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Reason 3. Salvation is eternal Because it is God’s work.
Since I did not earn salvation by my work it should be
obvious that I cannot keep it by my work. God saved us and He alone keeps us by
His efforts not our own.
1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith
unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from
falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with
exceeding joy,
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he
which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus
Christ:
Psalms 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast
down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Reason 4. Salvation is eternal by the promise of God
We are told in scripture, that once we are his children
through grace, we can never be lost again. Dare we call God the Father and God
the Son liars by not believing this precious promise?
John 10:28b-29 ...and they shall never perish, neither shall
any man pluck them out of my hand.
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me;
and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
John 6:39-40 And this is the Father's will which hath sent
me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise
it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that
every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life:
and I will raise him up at the last day.
1 John 2:25 And this is the promise that he hath promised
us, even eternal life.
1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that
believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal
life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the
uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession
for them
Reason 5. Salvation is eternal by the power of God.
It is God’s omnipotence that saved and keeps us eternally
secure. If salvation is not forever by the power of God then nothing is sure
and everything we believe, even the victory of Jesus on the Cross, is at risk
of failure.
John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than
all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
Ecclesiastes 3:14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth,
it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it:
and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
Psalms 125:1-2 They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount
Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem,
so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
Romans 8:1 There is
therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not
after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Romans 8:33-39 Who
shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen
again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for
us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or
distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is
written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep
for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through
him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor
angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us
from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Conclusion: The hymn “Once For All” captures the confidence
and joy that a true believer in Christ experience knowing that once they are
saved they are always saved.
Free from the law, O happy condition,
Jesus hath bled, and there is remission
Cursed by the law and bruised by the fall,
Grace hath redeemed us once for all
Now are we free-there's no condemnation,
Jesus provides a perfect salvation;
Come unto Me," O hear His sweet call,
Come, and He saves us once for all.
"Children of God," O glorious calling,
Surely His grace will keep us from falling
Passing from death to life at His call,
Blessed salvation once for all
Chorus
Once for all, O sinner, receive it,
Once for all, O brother, believe it;
Cling to the cross, the burden will fall,
Christ hath redeemed us once for all.
Lesson 2. Five Reasons The Church is Local and Visible and Can’t be Universal or Invisible
Defining The Universal, Invisible Church
In the NT the church comprehends the whole number of
regenerated persons specifically from Pentecost to the first resurrection
united organically to one another and to Christ by the baptizing work of the
Holy Spirit. According to the NT definition the church is the mystical Body of
Christ of which He is the head – Unger’s Bible Dictionary.
The church invisible “consists of the whole number of the
elect that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ, the head
thereof.” This is a pure society, the church in which Christ dwells. It is the
body of Christ. It is called “invisible” because the greater part of those who
constitute it are already in heaven or are yet unborn, and also because its
members still on earth cannot certainly be distinguished. The qualifications of
membership in it are internal and are hidden. It is unseen except by Him who “searches
the heart.”
The church to which the attributes, prerogatives, and
promises appertaining to Christ’s kingdom belong, is a spiritual body
consisting of all true believers, i.e., the church invisible. – Easton’s
Illustrated Bible Dictionary
Hermeneutics
Hermeneutics is the theory and methodology of
interpretation, especially the interpretation of biblical texts, wisdom
literature, and philosophical texts.
Hermeneutics was initially applied to the interpretation, or
exegesis, of scripture, and has been later broadened to questions of general
interpretation.
The terms hermeneutics and exegesis are sometimes used
interchangeably. Hermeneutics is a wider discipline which includes written,
verbal, and non-verbal communication. Exegesis focuses primarily upon the word
and grammar of texts.
1St Principle of
Hermeneutics
Follow the customary usage of language
This means to use the language as it was customary used by
those who were the original hearers and speakers. It means that we understand
the words literally not in some spiritualized sense known only us. We can’t
ignore or change the original words, their definitions or the way in which they
were used. We must understand figures of speech, exaggeration, stories,
parables, similes and metaphors as they were understood by those who first
heard the words we now read.
Reason 1: The Definition Of The Word
The Greek word, Ekklesia is translated church in the New
Testament. Strong’s Concordance says ekklesia is from a compound ek and kaleo.
It is translated in the Authorized version – church 115 times, assembly 3 times
for a total 118 times. In New Testament times it was a gathering of citizens
called out into a public place as an assembly.
Since ekklesia was an assembly it was local. By its
definition it cannot mean unassembled and scattered (universal) and at the same
time mean a group of people coming together in one place (local). A word cannot
have two contradictory meanings. It is either local or universal; the rules of
logic prohibit it from being both and the definition shows that it can only be
local.
Reason 2. History and Etymology of the Word
Ekklesia or ecclesia is a compound word formed from the
words “ek” and “kaleo” meaning “out of” and “to call” respectively. In the
Greek city states of the past, the word ekklesia was a group of people called
out by a town crier or trumpeter to assemble for the purpose of carrying out
city business. There is an example of
such an assembly (ekklesia) in Acts 19:32-39.
Acts 19:32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some
another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore
they were come together.
Acts 19:32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another:
for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were
come together.
First, the Greek term which basically means “called out” was
commonly used to indicate an assembly of citizens of a Greek city and is so
used in Acts 19:32, 39. The citizens who were quite conscious of their
privileged status over against slaves and noncitizens were called to the
assembly by a herald and dealt in their meetings democratically with matters of
common concern. When the early Christians understood themselves as constituting
a church, no doubt exists that they perceived themselves as called out by God
in Jesus Christ for a special purpose and that their status was a privileged
one in Jesus Christ – Holman Bible Dictionary.
Jesus did not create a new word, He simply took a word
already in common use and made it His own, qualifying it as His ekklesia, His
assembly.
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not
prevail against it.
It was understood as a local assembly then and could not be
understood as universal since something that is universal cannot be assembled
and an assembly cannot be made universal. The words by their definition and
history are mutually exclusive. One is the opposite of the other. Something
cannot be a universal and at the same time assembled.
Words and language mean nothing if we don’t hold to their
accepted and logical definition and use.
2nd Principle of
Hermeneutics
Interpret by the Analogy of faith
This means that we let scripture interprets scripture. The
Bible stands as a whole, one seamless and unified message. We must always let
God do the explaining when it comes to His own words. Along with this rule is a
corollary which states that we always move from the easier understood verse to
the harder to understand verses never the other way around. We cannot let the
verses which are difficult or complicated reinterpret those which are plain and
straightforward.
Reason 3. Comparing Scripture with Scripture
1 Corinthians 1:2 – Unto the church of God which is at
Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with
all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both
theirs and ours
Galatians 1:2 – And all the brethren which are with me, unto
the churches of Galatia:
1 Thessalonians 1:1 – Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus,
unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord
Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord
Jesus Christ.
The vast majority of the 118 uses of the word ekklesia in
the New Testament scriptures shows they refer directly to a local, visible
assembly, ie., a group of people coming together to carry out the Lord’s work
in a specific location in Ephesus, Colossi, Philippi, or meeting in a house
such as Philemon.
This is the most straight-forward, simple way to understand
the church.
The Proof Text for the Universal Church
In Ephesians, Paul uses the church as an illustration about
husband and wife relationships.
Ephesians 5:23-32 For
the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church:
and he is the saviour of the body.
Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to
their own husbands in every thing.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and
gave himself for it; That he might
sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a
glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it
should be holy and without blemish. So
ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife
loveth himself. For no man ever yet
hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh,
and of his bones. For this cause shall a
man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they
two shall be one flesh. This is a great
mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Nothing in the passage would change the understanding of the
Ephesians from a local church body to a universal invisible body. They would
understand the illustration only in terms of a local visible church.
(Would they picture a universal wife, or an invisible wife?
How would such a marriage work?)
When all the members of all the churches are in heaven
(Revelation 19) then the Lord will take His bride, but it will still be a
visible and local assembly.
Nothing in Ephesians 5 negates or modifies the definition or
history of the word used 111 times directly referring to a local visible
assembly.
Reason 4. The Institutional Sense of Church
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not
prevail against it.
Here the word ekklesia is used in a way which does not
directly refer to a local, visible assembly, instead it is used in an
institutional sense.
To refer to the institution of the church means that once
Jesus established the church it would continue to exist and grow. It refers to
all true churches in existence at any one time.
Jesus uses the word church, in this verse, in the same way a
entrepreneur might use it in talking about his business plan, "I will
build my business and the competition will not beat it out." Yet if you
asked him to show you his business he would then take you to a local store, or
several local stores. This "business" would grow into more and more
stores each one in several locations, but all of them visible and local. The
same is true of the church as an institution, it is a generic or abstract term
which in no way contradicts or even modifies the traditional common usage of
the word in the New Testament.
Though the church exists as an institution, this does not
mean it is something other than a local, visible assembly. Any time an example
of the institution is seen, it is a local, visible body.
Reason 5. The Authority of Christ as Head of the Church
Ephesians 1:22-23 And
hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things
to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. –
Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up
into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Colossians 1:18 - And he is the head of the body, the
church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things
he might have the preeminence.
If the church is universal then Jesus cannot be the head of
the local church, but only of the invisible, universal church. Now in order for
the visible church on earth to function it must be under the authority of a
Pope, a Bishop, Synod, a Presbytery or council.
Another authority other than Christ takes power over the
local church. This is exactly what has happened to many so called Christian
Churches throughout history.
This is one of the great dangers of the Universal, Invisible
Church belief.
The error of the universal, invisible church began not in a
study of scripture but in opposition to the error of the Universal Visible
church which was the Roman Catholic church. Protestants, not wanting to be
associated with the Roman Church, argued that the church was not a universal
visible church, with its head the pope at Rome, to a universal invisible, with
it's head in heaven. Though this rightly denied the Pope as the head of the
Lord's Church, it ignored the authority and autonomy of the local church with
Christ as her head.
The pope was replaced with another extra-church authority
and Christ was ignored in the leading of the local body.
Conclusion: Why It This Important?
A belief in the Universal, Invisible Church ultimately leads
to weak local churches and ever stronger, over powering, denominational
hierarchies. It denies that Jesus can and must be the head of each local
assembly and replaces Him with a human authority.
This leads to greater error as a fallible person now
dictates to hundreds or thousands of churches.
In addition, the abdicating of local church authority in
carrying out the Great Commission results in weaker missions, weaker preachers
and finally in much weaker churches.
A belief in the universal, invisible church is not just a
different opinion on the Lord’s church, it is a church killing heresy and is
one of the major reasons so many, who used to believe the Bible as the only
rule of faith and practice, have now become nothing more than social clubs,
preaching a easy believism to make the world a better place today instead of
preaching the Gospel to save souls for eternity.
Lesson 3: Six Reasons You May Not Be In a Biblical Church
Reason 1: Bible Only
If your “church” accepts anything other than the Bible as
the Word of God and rule for the Christian life, you are not in a Christian,
Biblical Church.
Example - The pastor/founder is called a prophet, or apostle
and claims to receive direct revelation from God outside of or in contradiction
to the Bible.
Ellen G. White (7th Day Adventist) claimed to have received
over 2,000 visions and dreams from God. Joseph Smith saw Jesus in a vision and was
given a Golden Book, containing the Book of Mormon. Mary Baker Eddy (Christian
Science) published "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures"
She claimed it was the final revelation of God to mankind and asserted that her
work was inspired of God.
Tongues/ Pentecostalism/ Charismatic
Example - The church practices tongues, signs, prophetic
utterances, etc. that are extra-Biblical. This “personal revelation” from God
can and often does supersede and ignore the teaching of the Word.
Instead of one founder or leader thinking they are hearing
directly from God now an entire “church” believes they are a direct pipeline of
pure revelation.
Accordingly there is no longer a need to study the Bible or
even believe the Bible since tongues/ visions/ prophecies are a much faster,
fresher and direct channel to God.
Rule: The Bible Is The Only Authority
The Bible is the final authority in all matters of belief
and practice because the Bible is God's very word and carries the absolute
authority of God Himself. Where the Bible speaks Baptists speak where it is
silent we are silent. What it commands we do. What it prohibits we avoid. There
is no authority equal to the Bible and no person or group may change, add to,
override or contradict it's authority. It was complete with the book of Revelation
and is true in every word and thought.
2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:20, 21;
Jude 3; Mat 5:17-19
2 Timothy 3:15-17 And that from a child thou hast known the
holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith
which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto
all good works.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God
without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of
us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of
God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
2 Peter 1:20, 21 Knowing 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.
Jude 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you
of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort
you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered
unto the saints.
Matthew 5:17-19 Think not that I am come to destroy the law,
or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto
you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass
from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and
shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but
whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the
kingdom of heaven.
Deuteronomy 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I
command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the
commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
Proverbs 30:6 Add
thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth
the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things,
God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
Reason 2: Local Church Authority
If your “church” is not a Spirit led democracy but instead
the pastor, elders or a board govern the church, over and above the members of
the church, you probably aren’t in a Biblical church.
Examples – Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians,
Catholics all believe that the local church has no authority and that all local
churches are under the power of the “Church Hierarchy” ie. Pope, Bishops,
Elders. Also any individual pastor who
usurps this authority is no longer leading a Biblical church.
Rule: The Autonomy of the Local Church
A true, Biblical church is an independent body accountable
only to the Lord Jesus Christ, who founded it and is its head. All authority
for governing the local church resides within the local church itself. The
church is autonomous, or self-governing. No religious power or hierarchy
outside the local church may dictate a church's beliefs or practices. A true
church may and should fellowship with other churches around mutual interests,
but that church cannot be a "member" of any other body nor under the
authority of any organization outside the church in matters of the Gospel and
Great Commission.
Acts 5:29; Colossians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 19, 23
Acts 5:29 - Then Peter and the other apostles answered and
said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Colossians 1:18 - And he (Jesus) is the head of the body,
the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all
things he might have the preeminence.
2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 19, 23 - Moreover, brethren, we do you
to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a
great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty
abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear
record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us
with much intreaty that we would receive the gift and take upon us the
fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we
hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of
God.
And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches
to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of
the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and
fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the
messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
Reason 3: Direct Connection To God
If a “church” uses an intermediary between the believer and
God, either in prayers or instruction then that is not a Biblical church.
Example: Confessionals and the practice of confession as
practiced by the Catholic Church.
Or those in the “church” who interpret dreams, visions or
impressions to tell you God’s will for your life.
Rule: Priesthood of the Believer
Every true believer is a priest of God and may enter into
His presence directly through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. No other
mediator is needed between God and His people. As priests, we can study God's
Word, pray for others, and offer spiritual worship to God. We all have equal
access to God because each of us is indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God.
1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 5:9, 10; Hebrews 4:14-16; Rom
8:26-27
1 Peter 2:5, 9 - Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a
spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices,
acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy
nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who
hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Revelation 5:9-10 - And they sung a new song, saying, Thou
art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast
slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and
tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests:
and we shall reign on the earth.
Hebrews 4:14-16 - Seeing then that we have a great high
priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast
our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the
feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet
without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Rom 8:26-27 - Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our
infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the
Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be
uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the
Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of
God.
Reason 4: Church Ordinances and Offices Not In The Bible
If you are a member of a group of people who call themselves
a church but who have rituals, practices offices or ordinances that were not in
the first church founded by Jesus Christ, then you are probably not a member of
a Biblical Church.
Example: The Catholic Mass and Seven Sacraments, Mormon Baptism for the dead, Infant Baptism
of Methodists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, etc.
Rule: Only Two Ordinances
The local church should practice two ordinances: Baptism of
believers by immersion in water, identifying the individual with Christ in His
death, burial, and resurrection, and The Lord’s Supper, a memorial of His death
upon the cross for us. These ordinances are purely symbolic and have no saving
or sustaining merit in themselves.
Definition: ordinance – 1. An authoritative command or
order. 2. A custom or practice established by long usage. 3. A Christian rite.
Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
Matthew 28:19 – 20 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost: Teaching them to observe all
things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you I, even unto the
end of the world. Amen.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - For I have received of the Lord
that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in
which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it,
and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in
remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had
supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft
as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and
drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
Rule: Only Two Offices
The Bible mandates only two offices in the church--pastor
and deacon. The terms pastor, elder, bishop, or overseer all refer to the same
office. The two offices of pastor and deacon exist within the local church, and
are elected or removed by the authority of the local church and only the local
church.
1 Timothy 3:1,8; Acts 20:17,28; Philippians 1:1
1 Timothy 3:1,8 - This is a true saying, If a man desire the
office of a bishop, he desireth a good work..
Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not
given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
Acts 20:17, 28 - And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and
called the elders of the church.
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock,
over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of
God, which he hath purchased with his own blood
Philippians 1:1-2 - Paul and Timotheus, the servants of
Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the
bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you,
and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Reason 5 Freedom of Conscience
If the organization you belong to has ever held the same
power as the civil government or state
and if that power was used to dictate what anyone should or must
believe, then you are probably not in a Biblical church.
Example: The Holy
Roman Empire, The Lutheran Church of German, the Presbyterian Church of
Scotland, The Anglican Church of England.
Rule: Individual Soul Liberty
Every individual, whether a believer or an unbeliever, has
the liberty to choose what he believes is right in the his own heart as regards
spiritual truth. No one should be forced to profess a belief against his own
convictions or will.
Romans 14:5, 12; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Titus 1:9
Romans 14:5, 12-13 - One man esteemeth one day above
another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in
his own mind.
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to
God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather,
that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
2 Corinthians 4:2 - But have renounced the hidden things of
dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God
deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every
man’s conscience in the sight of God.
Titus 1:9 - Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been
taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince
the gainsayers.
Rule: Separation of Church and State
God established both the church and the civil government,
and He gave each its own distinct sphere of operation. The government's
purposes are outlined in Romans 13:1-7 and the church's purposes in Matthew
28:19 and 20. Neither should control the other, nor should there be an alliance
between the two. Christian influence should be exerted through opinion and the
election of moral leaders by involved Christians as well as praying for our
leaders but the line between influence and control must be clearly understood.
Romans 13:1-7; Matthew 22:15-22; Matthew 28:19-29
Romans 13:1-7 - Let every soul be subject unto the higher
powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of
God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God:
and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works,
but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is
good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to
thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not
the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath
upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for
wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also:
for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues:
tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear;
honour to whom honour.
Matthew 22:15-22 - Then went the Pharisees and took counsel
how they might entangle him in his talk. And they sent out unto him their
disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and
teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou
regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it
lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their
wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought
unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and
superscription? They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render
therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things
that are God’s. When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him,
and went their way.
Matthew 28:19-20 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Reason 6 Salvation and Church membership
If a “church” makes a person a member by any other means
than by a profession of faith and voluntary submission to baptism and the
church, then that church is not a Biblical church.
Example: Infant baptism makes a baby a member of the church
even before it can talk. A person is considered a member of a church because of
their parents, nationality or background.
Rule: Saved and Baptized Church Members
Local church membership is restricted to individuals who
give a believable testimony of personal faith in Christ and have publicly
identified themselves with Him in believer's baptism. Salvation is by grace
through faith and is once for all. Salvation cannot be earned but only received
as a gift of God through faith. Once a person truly believes, they can never be
lost again, they are eternally secure by the power of God. Membership in the
church is based upon baptism by immersion of an individual old enough to
understand the consequences of sin and the choice they must make in Christ.
Acts 2:41-47; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 4:3; Matthew
3:13-16; Acts 8:36-37
Acts 2:41-47 - Then they that gladly received his word were
baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand
souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship,
and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and
many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were
together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and
parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with
one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their
meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour
with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be
saved.
2 Corinthians 6:14 - Be ye not unequally yoked together with
unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and
what communion hath light with darkness?
Ephesians 4:3-4 - Endeavouring to keep the unity of the
Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are
called in one hope of your calling;
Matthew 3:13-16 - Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan
unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to
be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him,
Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.
Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out
of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit
of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
Acts 8:36-39 - And as they went on their way, they came unto
a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me
to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou
mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of
God. And he commanded the chariot to
stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the
eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the
Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he
went on his way rejoicing.
Conclusion
There are millions of good people and possibly millions of
Christians in organization that do lots of good things but are not a church
according to the rules and examples we see in scripture. You don’t have to be a
member of a Biblical Church to be saved, but the odds of you knowing how to be
saved in a counterfeit church are not in your favor.
If you are saved then find a church that meets the Bible
standards we looked at tonight. If you are depending on your church and your
connection to it, to save you, then you really are not in a true church and a
lot more is at stake than just these teaching points.
Accept Jesus as your personal savior, accepting His death
upon the cross as God’s gift of grace this is salvation and when that is real,
finding the real church will be a lot easier.
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