JULY/AUGUST 2007 ISSUE

WHAT IS THE FAITH?

PART TWO 

  What is the faith? This is a question which must be given careful attention to, especially in this day and age in which we live. So many differences abound among Christians today that we've gone to the extreme of dividing over non-essentials and majoring on the minors. Hair-splitting delicacies seem to be more important than basic essentials. What I mean by non-essentials is not things of lesser importance (for all Scripture (the whole counsel of God) is equally important, but all things in Scripture whether spoken by satan, men or animals has not equal authority in the life of the Christian), but certain things in Scripture which are so extremely focused on as fundamental doctrine to the point of unnecessary division which fulfills the devil's will of sowing discord among the brethren. So many professing Christians are so dogmatic in their church beliefs that they act as if they're the final authority instead of the Bible. On the other Hand, some are so liberal that they will accept any and just about everything in order to do the work of God. In this study, we will once again take a brief trip through the Bible but striving to put more solid emphasis and balance on what the faith is among all true Christians in spite of our differences, what we can agree on and what's worth dividing over. Enjoy the study!
     The second common error we hear much of today whether in the pulpit, in books, or in articles, etc. is the traditional  statements taken out of Scriptural context which leads to split-haired divisions concerning "churches of like-faith or like-minded faith; Christians of like-faith, etc." These statements have been erroneously used by well-meaning people of different Christian denominations, etc. to compartmentalize the one true Christian faith of the Bible into different certain historical Christian group beliefs such as the Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Pentecostalists, Anglicans, Puritans, Episcopalians, Brethren, Lutherans, and Catholics, etc. etc. etc. I once read a tract called "What is the True Church?" given to me by a member of the Church of Christ. At first it listed some Christian denominations (Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, etc.) and mentioned how these denominations were started by men. For example, the Baptists was started and established by John Smyth, and the Methodists were started by John Wesley. Then after a brief explanation of the Christian denominations and its founders, it started to explain what the true church is. The Church of Christ of course!?!? But as I read about them claiming to be the only true Church of Christ, I came to find out that they believe in baptismal regeneration or remission. This is the clear mark of a cult no matter what it calls itself. What the tract first recorded historically about the Christian denominations and its founders is absolutely true. But the tract used this historical truth to prey on the victim with its false doctrine. True , those Christian denominations were started and established by men (real Christians) who had their faults, flaws, errors and theological differences in many areas, but they all had one thing in common. They believed that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ and His Word alone. The great watchword for the Protestant Reformation was "Sola Scriptura." The general message of the Gospel which is the death, burial and resurrection of Christ was their standing ground. The false doctrine of baptismal regeneration is totally contrary to the precious Gospel of the Bible that our founding fathers of the historic Christian denominations, etc. sternly held to. Out historic Christian heritage is rich and has much Biblical truth whether denominational or non-denominational, etc. But we who are true Christians along with them believe that the Bible alone is our only final authority (Sola Scriptura) and that Christ alone (Sola Christos) is the one and only way to heaven. Dear precious reader, whatever denomination or non-denomination, etc. you are a part of, if you are a true Christian, you will not so deceived as to believe everything your church teaches and you will learn to grow in clinging to Christ alone as His Spirit guides you through His Word alone.     
      Again, those presuppositional statements are theologically and historically based on the authority of man. They have their political manipulative basis in sectarianism (church religion) which causes schisms foreign to Christ, our only Head.  The errors of church authority has crept into many of our churches today. Robert J. Sargent says on page 45 in his "Landmarks of Expository Bible Teaching" concerning church authority: "This kind of authority is best seen in the Roman Catholic Church, which has subjugated the authority of the Word of God to the Church." Sad to say, this error has also found its way into most fundamental, evangelical Bible-believing churches of America today. We must weed it out at all cost and stand with Christ alone. He will be there to strengthen you when everyone else forsakes you. (Read II Tim. 4:16; Rom. 8:35-39; II Cor. 11:26; Gal. 2:4; Psalm 109:22-31) Again Sargent says on page 91, "A private interpretation is one whereby the interpreter himself establishes the meaning of a Scripture according to his own definition. Such an interpretation is very likely to reflect the denominational, traditional, or philosophical bias of the interpreter."
     "Of all the principles of hermeneutics, this one rule stands supreme: "Interpret Scripture with Scripture." He says, "This is the golden rule of Bible interpretation." Sargent also mentions that "Scripture is its own interpreter!" But I would have to disagree at this point with that because Scripture is not a person but it is inseparably connected to the person of Christ; it is the letter that killeth, but the Spirit giveth life. (See II Cor. 3:6) I see another principle of Bible interpretation that is so often ignored today. Many professing 'Christians' in churches, colleges and schools, etc. pursue the Scriptures intellectually without any thought to this important and indwelling must have truth. Well, who is the interpreter? Remember in part one when I mentioned what true Christian doctrine is? It is inseparably connected to the indwelling  Holy Spirit. (Read again I John 2:26-28; John 16:13; I Cor. 2:9-16) So really the foremost principle of hermeneutics which is inseparably connected to interpreting Scripture with Scripture which means you will have to search the Scriptures thoroughly is: "Yield to the indwelling anointing alone who teaches you the whole of Scripture alone and guides you into all truth." It is two-fold in nature. He will never lead you astray. You may sometimes think wrongly about a certain text. Make sure you spiritually sense the anointing in it and pray for more light as the Spirit leads. The worst enemy that can lead you astray is yourself if not the devil or somebody else. (Read Matt. 22:29; II Pet. 3:11) Don't continue in it without the anointing and light.  (Read Prov. 28:26; Isa. 8:20; 50:10-11) You may think that this two-fold principle is my idea, but let's look at the Scripture again. Read carefully Matt. 22:29; Mark 12:24; John 6:63; II Cor. 6:7; I Cor. 4:19-20 compare with Rom. 14:17) If Christ said it, that settles it! And if Christ authorized and allowed others to say it in Scripture, it has just as much equal reliability as His own Words. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God . . ." (II Tim. 3:16) Now let's reason together from a Scriptural view point as we continue this study.
     To take those previous statements in full context according the Scriptures means something very different from what we normally hear or read today. Let's continue with a basic passage in I Corinthians. I Cor. 1:10-12: "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.  Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ." We clearly see from this passage that their divisions were the results of looking to man instead of God. Noah Webster says in his 1828 Dictionary on the meaning of schism: "In Scripture, the word seems to denote a breach of charity, rather than a difference of doctrine." These Corinthians may have had a difference of doctrine but that was not the root cause of the problem. (Read I Cor. 11:19; Rev. 2:4) For example, say there were two brothers in this Corinthian Church that held basically the same opinion in an area of doctrine but slightly different but not of  great fundamental importance. Then as the two brothers grew in the faith, one began to have a more different belief in that area of doctrine which he believed was closer to the Scriptures. The other brother became bothered by this so he broke partnership in ministry with this brother and the conflict continued to rage until they eventually went their separate ways. The problem is they began to focus on each other instead of the enemy which was trying to separate and destroy them and their ministry. The problem was not really the difference in doctrine in spite of its growing concern but the lack or loss of love and focus on Christ alone these two brothers failed to strive for and the unity of the brethren in ministry which could have continued to exist for the sake of Christ and His Gospel.
     Now let's examine a phrase in this passage that is so many times taken out of context for the purpose of siding with a party or person, etc. Notice the phrase, "that ye all speak the same thing." What does this refer to in the context of this passage? What does it mean to speak the same thing? Well, if we compare I Cor. 1:23 with I Cor. 1:10, we see that the answer is "Christ crucified." Then as we read further in I Corinthians, we continue to see that Brother Paul puts the main focus and emphasis on "Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (Read I Cor. I:18; 2:2-5; see also II Cor. 4:5; 13:3-4; Gal. 2:20-3:3; 5:19-26; 6:12-18)
     The Spirit of crucifixion in Christ no longer held the mainstream focus among these brethren because they were focusing on individual Christians and their teachings which developed into certain different groups which sided against eachother. The deifying of the flesh became self-destructive in nature as it worked its way like leaven through this local body of believers. Even those who claimed to be of Christ were wrong because they thought they were better than the other brethren which made them into a special distinct group of 'Christians.' God is against distinct groups of this nature in the church because it focuses on opinions and differences of doctrine instead of Christ alone which results in schisms and divisions and eventually separation.
     When a 'Christian' in a church strives to make other Christians believe and conform to his distinctive doctrines for church fellowship and ministry, a sect is formed around him which results in automatic division to any one who differs or objects. For example, Paul and Peter differed greatly and came into collision concerning the practice of the Gospel in Galatians 2:11-14. Whether Peter by ignorance displayed this belief to other churches, some of them would cater to him as if he was the head ruling bishop and pope. (See I Cor. 1:12)  Instead of focusing on the whole of Scripture and Christ crucified alone, they would be lead astray by small error in comparison to full truth.  For example, on the other hand, if it wasn't a preacher or teacher already doing this for themselves or another, it could be someone else in the church stirring up a division which would form a sect (group) into following a certain man who claims to be 100% sound doctrinally. Peter never claimed that for himself but it seems that Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence, would have gladly and subtly claimed such a thing for himself. (See III John 1:9)
 As I said before, you can spot this in a church where everything appears to be alright until you object or differ in an minor area of doctrine which other major and divide on. When the main focus is put on the difference, it is an indication that Christ is losing ground and a man-centered democracy is taking over. The church is not a theocracy as some would suppose. The church is suppose to be close to what our country once was in its early upbringing. Peter Marshall and David Manuel in their book, "The Light and the Glory," on pages 255-256 gives us some helpful insight and application into what our homes, churches, and communities worldwide should pray for and seek to practice   in our governments: "Liberty, equality, fraternity- these are qualities of spirit that are God's alone to give, and cannot be won by force. But once given, they are man's to preserve and protect, and to defend with his life's blood, if necessary. This was the concept which began to form in America during the Great Awakening. This fruit appeared on the vine before, but it could not come into full maturity until the colonies became the Colonies- not just the separate entities of Massachusetts and Virginia, the Carolinas, and the others." The Church, according to the Bible, believes in a representative form of government whereby saved Jews and Gentiles can be one in Christ and properly represented in spite of their differences without trying to control and manipulate one another toward his/her certain ways, beliefs, traditions, etc. I am speaking of a solid republican democracy, not some split-haired junk that we are tolerating today. The church is not a denomination, non-denomination, organization, or even a non-profit organization, etc. The church which means "called out ones" is simply an assembly and fellowship of Bible-believing brethren and pilgrims seeking to conform to Christ and the original New Testament Standard alone. (Read Acts 11:1-18; 15:1-33; Rom. 14:1-23; 15:1-13; Gal. 2:1-21; 5:1; Matt. 23:4; Luke 11:46)   
     Since we see that there is only one true Christian faith in the Bible, to use statements such as "Christians of like-minded faith or churches of like-faith" in reference to your particular church is unscriptural, traditional, and divisive, etc. True Christians of different denominations, non-denominations, etc. do have the like-minded precious faith of the Bible in spite of their differences. It's just a matter of exercising it with a right spirit. But those of other faiths and religions that are contrary to the Christian faith which essentially is the literal, bodily, death, burial and resurrection of Christ can in no way relate with the same mind to those who are void of it. Christian brothers and sisters relate to one another through Christ alone.    One of the reasons we have all these differences is because of men following men with their man-made doctrines. For example, to believe just like a Baptist or Methodist, etc. according to your church only is indeed prideful, brainwashing and very deceptive and misleading. Many professing 'Christians' react in this way to cause division and draw attention to themselves. Once again in the book, "The Light and the Glory," on pages 247-248, we see what God expects as the man of God proclaims it: " That night in Philadelphia, Whitefield preached from the courthouse steps, with William Tennent standing by his side. The streets were jammed, but the people stood perfectly still."
     "Father Abraham," cried Whitefield, "Whom you in heaven? Any   Episcopalians?"
     "No!" Whitefield called out, answering his own query.
     "Any Presbyterians?"

     "No!"
     "Any Independents or Seceders, New Sides or Old Sides, any Methodists?" 
     "No! No! No!" 
     "Whom, have you there, then, Father Abraham?"
     "We don't know those names here! All who are here are Christians- believers in Christ, men who have overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of His testimony." 
     "Oh, is that the case? Then God help me, God help us all, to forget having names and to become Christians in deed and in truth!"    Alas! Many so-called 'Christians' think they are first class which puts other 'Christians' below them because they belong to a certain church. It is contrary to the authority of God's Word as well as the liberty of conscience. I am not implying that to be a Baptist, Methodist, or of any other denomination, non-denomination, etc. is wrong and deceptive. But it is wrong, selfish and cultish to cater to your own particular group no matter what it may be. Remember Christ and His Word is our first and final authority no matter what. We should obey our authorities in the Lord God puts over us in our homes, churches and communities, but when we feel threatened as our Pilgrim and Puritan forefathers did, we should resist with the right attitude and be willing to sacrifice.  You can become so guided by church teaching and preaching, etc. that the mind of Christ God has put in you becomes so diminished to the point of easily accepting philosophies and theologies from other Christians which is counterproductive to the free independent operation of Christ in your mind through the Word alone. (See Col. 2:8) Again, the Bible is our first and final authority. When we follow our church, men, books, colleges and/or any other crazy thing under the sun that has the name 'Christian', we dumb ourselves down from the original knowledge of God's Word that we could have through hearing and reading it and cherishing it with our whole hearts and we are in danger of getting duped for the counterfeit. Want the real genuine Mc core? Go to the Bible alone and look to Christ alone. Don't settle for leftovers from me or anyone else. Take the Word as your first and final priority and authority. The devil will fight you tooth and nail to keep you from growing God's way.
     I hope and pray that this study has enriched your life. There is much, much more that could be written on it. I encourage you to continue to study the subject of faith and grow in Christ, becoming stablished in Him alone. Through the research and writing on these series, it has indeed helped me to see things more clearly. I pray that together God will show us more in the future for unity and edification in Him (Read I Cor. 3:6-9; II Cor. 9:10-15; Eph. 4:11-16; Col. 2:18-19; I Thess 3:12-13; 4:10-12) May God exceedingly bless you, my brothers and sisters in Christ. 

WRITTEN BY
BROTHER MATTHEW C. ALTMAN