"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost" (Luke 19:10). Who are the "lost" Jesus was speaking about here? Are these folks simply unbelievers in God, or perhaps those who know God, yet deny Him and suppress the truth concerning Him per Romans 1:18-21? What about believers in God, but not in Jesus as God's Son? What about believers in Jesus, apart from baptism (faith only)? What about those baptized as infants, or for obedience, not salvation? What about those of Christ's church who have rejected their Lord? ..... Additionally, what about those who are in denominations? Are these people secure in their salvation, as we read in God's Word?
Denomination can be defined as a religious division caused by false teaching; therefore, it could be argued that its origin dates to the beginning of creation, as seen in the account of Cain and Abel. Abel followed correct doctrine with his sacrifice, as God 'respected' it. In contrast, Cain chose to alter whatever instructions God had spoken on the subject, choosing instead a different doctrine or' denomination,' and offered a sacrifice which God did not 'respect,' one in which God had not ordained. (Genesis 4:3-5)
Most denominations today attempt to follow some of the teachings or practices of Jesus and His apostles. However, these have been modified to fit human ideas. We see this practice exhibited, even inthe Old Testament. Israel "feared the Lord" (seemingly giving God some worship), yet they also served other gods, according to the nations around them (2 Kings 17:32-33). Mixing truth with non-truth makes discernment of God's desired worship much more difficult, and "worshipping in vain" much more of adanger. (Matthew 15:9).
This volume (and the ones to follow) seeks to examine several of the more popular mainline denominations and compare each to the Scriptures and to Christ's church, as He established in the first century, in areas such as origin, organization, authority, belief, doctrine, and worship protocol. It is hoped that by doing so, some light will be shed on what appears to be a very gray area for many on this subject.
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Born in Columbus, Ohio, John grew up in the Lutheran denomination. Shortly after graduating from Ohio State Univ. with a bachelor's degree in business, he met and married Charlene in the Spring of '74, a strong member of the Lord's body. Led by his dear wife, who was just following Peter's words, he was reached byan "incorruptible beauty of a gentile and quiet spirit" (1 Peter 3:1-4). John was soon baptized into Christ. He now works and worships at the North Lexington Church in Kentucky.