Expert: Cooper P. Abrams III - 12/3/2010

Question
QUESTION: But wait...how do we know that out of all the other denominations and sects that claim to be the true, Bible-following faith that Smythe was right?
What is the pont of church really anyway if there seems to be no definite right or wrong way to interpret Scripture?


ANSWER: Hi Jerry,
  All religions, "faiths" and churches are true only if they follow God's word the Bible. That is why God gave us the Bible and has perserved it for us.  However, we know that many differing churches with different beliefs all claim to believe the Bible.   Problem is that in reality, when examined closely, you will find that many churches that say the follow the Bible do not in fact believe or truly follow the God's word.   The Bible is God's written word and it and it alone establishes what is truth, which is what God has said.
   It may seem difficult at first to determine who is believing and practicing God's truth, but in reality it is not that hard.
   For example.   A true biblical New Testament church accept only the Bible as its sole authority for its faith and practice.  That means a biblical church will not differ from what the Bible says and will reject the teachings of any man, church, prophet, pope, etc unless it strictly follows the Bible.  God cannot bless false teaching that contradicts the Bible.
   For example.   Nowhere in the Bible do you find it saying that a church or person can be forgiven of their sins unless they accept Jesus Christ alone as their Savior by faith alone apart of any works of man.  In other words the Bible says that salvation, (forgiveness of all sin and receiving eternal life) cannot be earned or merited by good works, church membership, baptism, sacraments, etc.   God's word says "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)   
   So if a church or anyone teaches you must earn your salvation by joining a church, being baptized, doing some ritual like the Roman Catholic Mass, or good works...it is a false church because they are not following the Bible.
   There are absolutely....absolutes. Truth is truth and if it is not true it is false and in fact a lie.   False teachings or beliefs cannot save a person from their sins.  It was Jesus Christ who suffered for our sins on the cross, died and was resurrected so that He having paid for our sins can offer us forgiveness.   However, He will not force salvation on anyone, but the person must first accept that they are sinners, and need to be forgiven.  They seeing the need, and believing in Jesus Christ as their Savior, by faith accept His promise of forgiveness and thereby the Lord saves them, forgives their sins and gives them eternal life.
    If you would like to read an article on How we got the Bible go to http:bible-truth.org/http://bible-truth.org/Howwegot.html .
    I also have a message at http://bible-truth.org/msg33.html titled "Whose Right?".  
    Please if I can help further please write.
Cooper Abrams
cpabrams3@gmail.com
http:bible-truth.org


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi again,
So as long as I remain loyal to the Bible, it really does not matter what church I go to or if I go ever?
Oh, and one more thing: During a Bible-study last night, my pastor led a meditation on James chapter 1. When I returned to my house, I decided that because the book of James is short, that I would continue on and finish before I went to bed. It seems to me that Chapter 2 verses 14-26 directly contradict our belief that we are saved by faith alone. Further meditation led me to discover that works really do validate faith....I can't say I really love my wife and then go cheat on her or beat her or something...how can I say I love Jesus if I don't back it up with my actions?
I am becoming very confused....

Answer
Hi Smythe,

   It matters greatly what church a believer attends.  A child of God should attend a Bible believing church and that was the point I was trying to make.   How can a church that does not believe and practice what God's word teaches us, help mature and grow Christians in the Lord.  It matters greatly.

    I have an article at http://www.bible-truth.org/James2-24.html  title "Does James teach salvation by works."   The answer is no.   James said that if a person has saving faith, that faith will produce works in their lives, and will be seen outwardly.   A person can work and to religious acts and works, but without true heart felt saving faith their works are in vain. (Eph. 2:8-9)   You gave  a perfect illustration of true love.  If you truly love, it will effect what you do...mainly in showing love to your wife.   Read James carefully, and you will see he is not confusing, but clarifying an important truth.   Also read Matthew 7:21-22.   Jesus said there were many would call Him "Lord, lord" but do not really have saving faith.   These are a early in the chapter He said were or believed false teachers.   Those Jesus said he did not know were doing lots of works in Jesus' name...but Jesus said "I never knew you."
    
     If you have further questions or comments please write.

Cooper P Abrams III
Romans 12:1-2
http://bible-truth.org
         
         "You cannot serve God without serving others."
      "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity"  (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)

For a clear explanation of God's plan of salvation please go to: http://bible-truth.org/gospel.html