So, what are the fundamentals of the truth that those who commune under the titles of Catholic, Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Evangelical, and Non-Denominational, and over 45,000 more, align with regarding scripture? Many believe in the Trinity and the work of the Holy Spirit, and that faith in Christ as the only begotten Son of God brings salvation, essential beliefs for anyone who proclaims to be a Christian. However, everything devolves into a religious quagmire of sacraments, creeds, beatitudes, virtues, customs, traditions, and the like, all of which are not foundational excerpts within the whole body of Christ.
Eph 4:13-16 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
This is just one among many outlines in Scripture that help us understand the need for unity of faith among the entire body of Christ. And that it is for every part supplying its part in a whole that effectively works by growing to a mature stature, edifying itself in love – Agape. The latter verse cannot appear unless the former, being faith, occurs. Thus, while those who proclaim themselves to be Catholic or Roman Catholic, or whatever, and part of a Christ-nurtured community, there are many variables in place concerning faith and whether it aligns with scripture as the Holy Spirit reveals.
I am not here to pit one against the other, but I am here to bring into view the vivid discrepancies that exist among all of today’s dynamic ministerial platforms and the truth as it is revealed within the pages of scripture in my King James Version of 66 books, which we call the Bible. In the context of sacraments, it is a celebration of elements seen as divine, promoting the spiritual growth of the individual through representative symbols of baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, holy orders, and marriage. There is an intrinsic effort going on here, in that by these elements offered in grace, Christ will somehow make the world holier, and that such fortitude is necessary for one’s experience of God’s grace and love.
Col 2:16-23 (MSG) So don’t put up with anyone pressuring you in details of diet, worship services, or holy days. 17 All those things are mere shadows cast before what was to come; the substance is Christ.
Suppose when we, as believers, express our faith in Christ, should it be founded upon statutes of doctrinal precepts having attributes solely conformed to a denomination? Is not Christ the whole essence of all believers?
18 Don’t tolerate people who try to run your life, ordering you to bow and scrape, insisting that you join their obsession with angels and that you seek out visions. They’re a lot of hot air, that’s all they are.
Now, don’t get the idea I’m calling all those in leadership of the Catholic church or others a bunch of windbags. Still, it appears that a significant amount of verbal proselytizing on spiritual matters occurs within the fundamentals or basis of Catholicism and many other communal gatherings.
19 They’re completely out of touch with the source of life, Christ, who puts us together in one piece, whose very breath and blood flow through us. He is the Head and we are the body. We can grow up healthy in God only as he nourishes us.
These verses highlight the fact that everything is sourced in Christ, and nothing affects us unless it aligns with the very breath and blood that flow through Christ and humanity. And that we can fully grow up healthy in God through His nurturing us.
20 So, then, if with Christ you’ve put all that pretentious and infantile religion behind you, why do you let yourselves be bullied by it? 21“Don’t touch this! Don’t taste that! Don’t go near this!” 22 Do you think things that are here today and gone tomorrow are worth that kind of attention?
Herein lies a truth: the attributes of religious activity are, for the most part, exercises in futility when it is measured by the truth that the Holy Spirit reveals. Although memorable for the fulfillment of statutes seen as needed to maintain a spiritual status quo within denominations.
23 Such things sound impressive if said in a deep enough voice. They even give the illusion of being pious and humble and ascetic. But they’re just another way of showing off, making yourselves look important.
There is nothing statuesque about anyone posturing themselves as if they are of a spiritual stature above others. The whole body of Christ is placed into the light of God’s dear Son, Jesus Christ. None are elevated or deemed euphoric or merely ecstatic by any position held or appointed.
Col 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
As we navigate denominational statutes, we encounter another well-meaning element that many members are expected to uphold. The Nicene Creed for the Catholics and the Apostles’ Creed, recited in many other churches. While creeds are potent tools for encouraging the faithful, they are often regarded as essential to faith and are viewed as its foundation in many denominations. Though there is no harm in making this statement by the congregants, it is a proclamation that is unable to originate or foster faith growth in the individual.
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
While many of the statements contained in these creeds are based on Scripture, it is the Word of God that has the power to bring life and build faith. Therefore, when considering this, we must understand that although these creeds are seen as impacting the faith of God’s offspring, the truth concerning the growth of our faith is still confined to the Word revealed by the Holy Spirit, since only He can affirm the truth God has crafted into it. The confounded posture taken by these creeds is another precept of errors brought about by denominational accordance. Though both are similar, they are not seen as generic enough for all faiths. And the arena of speculation over what is and is not valid in the doctrines of mainline denominations continues to create a faith that is mediocre at best.
I know you’re asking how this affects the Church and its ability to train up spiritual offspring when it is proclaimed as an essential element of faith. I have stood in the church and recited the Apostles’ Creed as a testament of faith for years, however, by the Holy Spirit and His witness, I have come to find that my faith is stronger and growing when I learn the truth directly from the Word of God as He instructs, and not from my repeating a denominationally structured tenet I am expected to comply with.
Ps 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Scripture is wound around the overall work of Christ from before the foundations of this earth till He fulfilled all on the cross. It is still Christ, and Him crucified, that is the tone of righteousness throughout the Old Covenant and through the New Covenant. This isn’t about the Old and New Covenants; it’s about God and the fact that He changes not. So, what He said in the Old still applies in the New.
Ps 119:116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
Hope is a product of faith – Heb 11:1 – Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. While faith in the Old Covenant was structured relevant to the law and the righteousness it brought, in the New Covenant, it is about the Word bringing faith in Christ and His righteousness.
2 Cor 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
I think it is time I mentioned something: Almost all mainline denomination pulpits have degrees of flexibility in their interpretation of scripture, so that doctrinal obedience to their bylaws is not readily apparent. I have even had Pastors tell me it is up to them to determine what the truth is from scripture, in line with the fact that they are taught that their position holds all authority to minister in that church, according to that denomination’s bylaws.
2 Tim 2:14-15 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
For those who minister in the pulpit, it is not about professing those doctrinal accords, but about doing as the truth of the Word says by the Holy Spirit.
1 Tim 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
The doctrine God lays claim to is His Word as revealed by the Holy Spirit, who wrote the truths in it by those who were obedient to do so. The Church’s earthly leadership has hijacked the truth for the sake of power by an authority not of Christ. Doctrines, whether they be of Catholic origin or some other, are stenciled with the truth but are not wholly truthful. This can be discerned by examining the fact that there are over 45,000 different so-called denominations worldwide, each with its own variation of the gospel.
There is no such thing as a variety of truth, so it does not make much sense when you realize that if there are so many options out there for someone to take hold of, then the faith God says is to be present cannot appear. Why? Because it comes only from the truth, revealed by the Holy Spirit, who will not create confusion concerning it.
John 16:7-15 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
The Holy Spirit’s coming has many reasons, but the work to bring a plan of salvation to this earth is His alone and cannot be fulfilled by any church, let alone any denomination.
12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Does Jesus speak the truth, and did He talk about the truth when He was here on earth? And does He not say that when the Spirit of Truth has come, He will guide us into all truth? And who is it that will glorify Jesus and show us all things the Father has given to His Son, Jesus Christ? The Holy Spirit, according to Jesus himself, is the one who brings all of this into our presence, so that we may know the truth concerning all of it.
I realize I am laying down a lot of stature here, however, I believe the Holy Spirit will continuously refer to such things as we go further into this to show us that no matter what the name over the door is if what happens in the midst of those inside is not aligned with the truth as He reveals then a confounded manner of spirit will occur regarding Christ and Him crucified. (hence our present-day Church)
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