Can the various Christian churches unite - are the differences over? Can the protestant churches unite with the Universal Church? Has the Universal Church really changed? There is a lot of talk about reconciliation and unity among various churches. Is this really feasible? From just an outside glance, it may seem very good and desirable. Although mutual agreements were signed between some protestant and the Universal Church in 1999 and 2005, the differences still exist. Some agreement has been reached on some points like salvation by grace. However we should remember, Luther’s protest was not based only on one point. It was really a movement based on a lot of theological differences – a reformation. The protestant reformation based their doctrines solely on the Bible and moved away from the then powerful Church based in Rome. Our questions is whether these scripture based doctrinal differences abolished as yet? There is a lot of attention on the ecumenical movement trying to unite the various Christian churches, and bring them under Roman banner. Are we going in a certain direction, as predicted in the Bible? Is this this “all the world wondered after the beast.” (Rev. 13:3) We cannot say that division among claimed believers is not biblical. The bible says that word of God divides. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword” (Heb. 4:12). Even Jesus said “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.” (Matt. 10:34). Apostle Paul asked us “come out from among them, and be ye separate.” (2 Cor. 6:17). In fact Christian church was born, when some of the Jews, the apostles and disciples of Jesus stood for the truth and the big Jewish church was divided. Even in the last days of earth’s history when remnant Christians stand for the truth, there will be division again. Many advocates of Christian unity may say that only thing which is important is love and experiencing the power of God. They think it is this glory or experience this power which glues together believers, not the doctrines. The popular charismatic movement seen in various Christian denominations, is a form of spiritualism. More emphasis is put on the spirit than on doctrines. They teach that if the presence of Christ is in you that is all that we need, because God will solve all our problems with doctrines when we go to heaven. However doctrine is very important. Jesus said “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”. (John 8:32). When Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, the people were amazed by His doctrine. (Matt. 7:28). This mantra of “love” is the one which we are going to hear over and over again in Christian churches, while they drift away from the truth of the Word of God. The world is being shaken now. There will be only two groups when Jesus come. One having the seal of God (Rev. 9:4) and another having the mark of the beast (Rev. 13:16-17). As if we know there are 33, 000 Christian denominations and something should happen to polarize them into either of these two groups. How is it possible? Downplay the doctrine and downplay the Bible. Just use the word love and unity. Are these differences between them rectified? 1. Bible teaches that we should not bow down to statues (Lev. 26:1; Ex. 23:24; Daniel 3:10) – part of the Ten Commandments or Gospel. This church promotes or at least does not prohibit its followers to bow down to statues, by allowing statues inside the churches. 2. Bible accepts that all have sinned except Jesus (2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 3:23). But this church teaches, that Mary was also sinless. 3. The bible teaches that Jesus is the only mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5). This church teaches that Mary is a co-mediator. 4. The bible teaches that Jesus offered his sacrifice once for all on the cross (Heb. 7:27). This church teaches that priest sacrifices Jesus on the altar whenever he conducts mass. 5. Bible teaches that all Christians are saints and priests. (Eph. 1:1; 1 Peter 2:9). This church teaches that saints and priests are special class within the Christian community. 6. Bible teaches that we should not call any religious leader “father” (Matt. 23:9). This church teaches that we may call priests and pontiff father. 7. Bible teaches not to pray in vain repetitions (Matt. 6:7). But this church teaches that we can say some prayers like “Our father” and “Hail Mary” in vain repetitions. 8. Bible teaches that you confess your sins to God only and only God can forgive sins (1 John 1:9). This church teaches that you should confess your sins to the priest. 9. Bible teaches that before baptism the person should be taught the gospel, the commandments of Christ, believe and repent (Act 2:38). This church that little infants should be baptized, or if they die before that they will go to hell. 10. The teachings of limbo, purgatory and prayers for the dead are nowhere in the scripture, but they are the relics of paganism. Thus we see a great difference theologically, for which the Protestants have died for and shed their blood. Almost 30 to 50 million people were executed by the Universal church, because those Bible believing Christians did not deviate from the Word of God and recognize another authority. Of course Jesus prayed for unity in John 17:20-23. But it is also written “sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). What is going to unite us? It is the spirit of God. The spirit is the truth of God. John 16:13 says “when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth...” (John 16:13). It is this truth which unites Christians. In fact Jesus is the truth or word made flesh. May God unite us in truth, through Jesus the Word of God! We need to have a daily, personal relationship with Jesus based on His truth and His word. Do you walk with the Lord? Truth will set you free. Is anything holding us back from fully surrendering to Jesus? Let us take our cross and follow Jesus. If you like this message, please visit my page, like and share it with your friends https://facebook/SomeTruthsThatYouShouldNotMiss
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 16:02:52 +0000
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