I find it interesting that Christian Denominations are so divided over non-essentials. Yes I know we have differences when it comes to our faith, but within Christianity, there is so much division that it gets in the way of the message of Christ. Jesus summed all of the Law (see the Pentateuch) in two concepts. I paraphrase them by saying "Love God First and Best and Most of All" and "Love Everyone No Matter What". We often call it "The Great Commandment". But Jesus gave us another charge, telling us that He has ALL the power for ALL time, and with that power we are to Preach The Gospel, Make Disciples, and Baptize every one who believes. We often call that charge "The Great Commission". When the church takes on issues that fall outside of The Great Commandment and The Great Commission, they enter into dangerous and often heretical territory. I know Baptists that think Catholics are all going to Hell. I know Lutherans that think they are the ONLY true church. I know Pentecostals that think if you don't speak in tongues you are not Saved or Going To Heaven. I know some who believe that every time you sin, you have to get saved again. I know some who believe that Grace means once you are saved, then you have done all you can do, and it becomes a license to sin. All of those ideas are in error. There are more, but you get the idea., I hope.
Let me be clear, I am not talking about groups that are Apostate (outside of Christianity) and teach something other than what the Bible is clear about. John 14:6 is the one verse that does it for me. There are others that echo it, but when Jesus said that no one can come to the Father except through Him, that pretty much settles it. There is not another way, except through Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Conceived by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary, Was Crucified, Died and Rose Again, Sent us the Holy Spirit to empower us, He will judge everyone, He carries out his mission through the Church (the church are the people who have made a confession publicly of the Lord Jesus Christ - Romans 10:9-10) and that He is coming back just like He said. If you take a look at The Apostles Creed, it sums it up nicely. If you can't agree with The Apostles Creed, then I don't believe you can really be a true Christian.
Does baptism save? Absolutely not! Does Communion save? Nope. But I would have to question a persons decision to follow Christ if they refused either one. The only thing that saves someone is Faith in Jesus Christ. If you look in Hebrews 11 you find that it was by FAITH the Old Testament Saints were counted as righteous. (that doesn't mean they were actually RIGHTEOUS, just that they were COUNTED as righteous.)
But just to be clear, there are groups who believe they are Christian, but in reality, they are not. Why? Because they are in error, according to Scripture, on WHO Jesus is. The may say things like: Jesus was a Good Man. Jesus was a prophet, but not the Son of God. Jesus is one of many gods. Jesus is Michael the Archangel. Jesus is the brother of Lucifer/Satan. We are like Jesus - or little gods. These statements exclude specific groups from Christianity. I'll let you guess what groups they are.
Back on track, Christian Rifts. There is too much fighting between denominations over non-essentials. I pretty much believe that The Apostles Creed is a good start on what to believe. If it contradicts that, then, it's in error.
Love God. Love Everyone. Preach The Gospel. Makes Disciples. Forgive Everyone No Matter What.
Why complicate it?
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