All these denominations, what to do?

[HeIsReal]

My main question is, I know there are denominations out there that obviously have tooken a wrong understanding of the Bible, I dont want to point fingers and blame stuff, im just trying to get an understanding of whats going on. Catholics, where do they possibly get the idea out of the Bible of sending their prayers to Mary, when Jesus died on the cross for us so that we may live and have a direct relationship with him. How do we know what the right denomination is? Why is Benny hinn and pentecostals doing instant healings today when my father says in end times 'instant healing' sort to speak, wont be possible. The end is certainly near but the world and its denominations are obviously scattered everywhere with some beliefs that are outrageous. Jehovah's believe there is no Hell, umm ok? How exactly do you get that. So my question is, when he returns or if someone dies believing in Jesus Christ but practiced their beliefs in such a wrong way, do they get saved or not? I'm baptist only because my parents are, but maybe baptists arent doing right things either? Don't know what but, maybe being non-denominational and only believing in Christ and be doers of his Word to be called True Christian is the best thing.

[Seeker of the Truth]

If you have questions about other denominations, I find it best to ask a question in their sub-forum.

You're probably going to get a biased answer if you ask here.

[dave90]

My main question is, I know there are denominations out there that obviously have tooken a wrong understanding of the Bible, I dont want to point fingers and blame stuff, im just trying to get an understanding of whats going on. Catholics, where do they possibly get the idea out of the Bible of sending their prayers to Mary, when Jesus died on the cross for us so that we may live and have a direct relationship with him. How do we know what the right denomination is? Why is Benny hinn and pentecostals doing instant healings today when my father says in end times 'instant healing' sort to speak, wont be possible. The end is certainly near but the world and its denominations are obviously scattered everywhere with some beliefs that are outrageous. Jehovah's believe there is no Hell, umm ok? How exactly do you get that. So my question is, when he returns or if someone dies believing in Jesus Christ but practiced their beliefs in such a wrong way, do they get saved or not? I'm baptist only because my parents are, but maybe baptists arent doing right things either? Don't know what but, maybe being non-denominational and only believing in Christ and be doers of his Word to be called True Christian is the best thing.

the best thing to do is not to worry about all these different types of denominations and follow Jesus. Im catholic but a imperfect catholic, i can't agree 100% with the catholic church, doesnt mean i will leave.

I put God before any church.

[GraceLikeRainFallsDown]

I think the blanket answer to your question of why so many denominations with different views is that "people" got involved.

I think all denominations will agree that man is sinful. (OK. . . thinking about it - I am sure there is one out there that does not believe man is sinful :)) So, once people get involved there is always the chance of screwing things up. It is not always intentional. Many mistakes are made with the best intentions in the world. The people placed in leadership really think they are following the Lord. Personally. I think "pride" is the main downfall of most leaders. (that could be another topic though)

Then, there are those who stray so far from the Lord that they become false teachers.

You asked about where the Catholic Church got certain ideas from the Bible. ( I was raised Catholic) They do not follow just the Bible. They also have Tradition that was passed down from generation to generation. Tradition is equally important as the Bible is to them. So, that is why some of their doctrine is not straight from the Bible.

I cannot answer any other direct questions about the other religions mentioned since I have never participated in them. I do not think it fair to pass on my "opinion" on them in this situation.

Are they saved if they believe in Jesus? That is between them and the Lord. All I know is that I want to follow the Lord according to how He personally taught on Earth to the best of my ability.

Final Note: It is important for us all to know the Word of God so that we can discern the Truth for ourselves and avoid as many pitfalls as we can.

[daveleau]

Some denominations are simply a difference in the method of worship, which is perfectly fine. There is no one way to worship. Some like more modern music, and less strict services. Others like traditional hymns, and solemn services. This is a cultural difference that is supported by Scripture (note Acts 15's discussion of the Council of Jerusalem.)

Others divide over theology- sometimes major theology. Some rely on tradition that contradicts Scripture, while other rely on traditions that are gleened from man's reason. This latter tradition has to do with things God has left unrevealed, but which we try to figure out anyway.

The only traditions I have seen in the Baptist churches I have attended has to do with a directed abstenance of alcohol in moderation, and a complete barring of all kinds of dance, not just the sinful forms.

Baptists also teach dogmatically about eschatology, yet this is a debatable aspect that should not cause division. I believe the Baptist teachings of the end times are correct (pretrib/premillenial), but understand that this is not explicit in Scripture and that other arguments can be supported by Scripture as well.

As for Catholic teachings, they believe the dead can intercede for us. They teach that the intercession of the saints represents their idea of Saints (they also believe we are saints (little 's'), but that there are Saints that did great works.) To them, no one is more great in humanity than Mary, and see her role as the mother of Jesus as being a very high honor that has allowed her to affect our lives through her intercession. The critique of this would be that Mary is discussed more in the Koran than in Scripture. Her role is not intended to be so pronounced, otherwise she would be talked about more in Scripture. Likewise, intercession in Scripture only refers to live human intercession and Jesus' intercession for us. It does not mention intercession by those who are dead.

Can people in any denomination be saved? Absolutely! Scripture tells us that "if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Catholics, Baptists, and all other congregations have people within them that fit this, and those that do not.

As for Benny Hinn, beware of him. He teaches a little god's theology, meaning that man is a little god that can create things himself, and who has to give God authority to work in our lives. This is a very dangerous theology. Not to mention his financial irregularities, he is one that we should be very wary of. He teaches that God wants all to be healed (physically) and have lots of money, and that with enough faith in Jesus that we can have these things. This is so utterly false that it is scary, and is based on a theology of greed. It doesn't fit Scripture.

The best thing to do is to search the Scriptures and pray. That is the only way we can ever have guidance. God's Word is our path to Him. It is infallible, and will answer your theological questions. If you see something in your church that contradicts a part of Scripture, or is not of Scripture, then beware.

God bless you in your studies,
Dave

edit: The key is to study. As 1 Thes 5 tells us, prove/test all things and hold to what is true. Look at different churchs' theology and hold it up to Scripture. Disregard the fallible tradition in light of God's Word, which is infallible. If something is not in line with Scripture, then you have to decide how bad the theology affects you. All churches have some form of incorrect theology, as we are not perfect, and Satan affects our organizations, although Satan will not prevail against us.

[dave90]

I think the blanket answer to your question of why so many denominations with different views is that "people" got involved.

I think all denominations will agree that man is sinful. (OK. . . thinking about it - I am sure there is one out there that does not believe man is sinful :)) So, once people get involved there is always the chance of screwing things up. It is not always intentional. Many mistakes are made with the best intentions in the world. The people placed in leadership really think they are following the Lord. Personally. I think "pride" is the main downfall of most leaders. (that could be another topic though)

Then, there are those who stray so far from the Lord that they become false teachers.

You asked about where the Catholic Church got certain ideas from the Bible. ( I was raised Catholic) They do not follow just the Bible. They also have Tradition that was passed down from generation to generation. Tradition is equally important as the Bible is to them. So, that is why some of their doctrine is not straight from the Bible.

I cannot answer any other direct questions about the other religions mentioned since I have never participated in them. I do not think it fair to pass on my "opinion" on them in this situation.

Are they saved if they believe in Jesus? That is between them and the Lord. All I know is that I want to follow the Lord according to how He personally taught on Earth to the best of my ability.

Final Note: It is important for us all to know the Word of God so that we can discern the Truth for ourselves and avoid as many pitfalls as we can.


the word of God meaning Jesus, or the Bible?

[daveleau]

the word of God meaning Jesus, or the Bible?

Jesus is God. God inspired the Bible (God breathed is the literal term), so my answer to your question would be "yes." :) (Or, both)