Expert: Cooper P. Abrams III - 12/27/2006

Question
Hello,  Can you help shed some light on my plight, pardon the rhyme :)  
Regarding christinanity:
If you believe in God and you believe that his son died for our sins, then as Christians we are all in the same boat to that point...also, would you agree that those two facts are the most important facts to all Christians? when we move past this agreement is when we all start going in different directions on the interpretations of the bible and how each of our own personal denominations translate this awesome story... my problem is, logically speaking, not all of us are right, it only happened one way...so either one of us is correct or none of us is correct but not all of us are correct... so, again, logically speaking, why invest your time and life into a denomination? why not invest your life into just being a Christian and giving glory to God....the rest is so vague and un-sure, afterall if we weren't unsure and had proof it happened according to your personal denomination there there wouldn't be any others, we would all be one...
My question is, whats the point of denominations, we all (christians) agree on the main two things, why scatter out after those two facts...is that really logical...isn't the smartest move to practice your Christian faith non-denominational?

thank you

Answer
Hi Jackson,
  Sorry to be so slow to respond.  I had to go to the hospital in Salt Lake and was not well for a few days.
   You are correct in that not all churches are doctrinally correct.  There are many many churches who teach and practice false doctrine.     The reason for denominations is the differences in beliefs.   The name of a denomination identifies it with its beliefs...so I think that is good.   For example you know a Baptist church traditionally believes the Bible and practices scriptural baptism by immersion.    A Methodist church believes on can lose their salvation (which is false) and sprinkles for baptism (which is in error).   Presbyterians are Calvinists and believe God predestined some to heaven and the rest to hell and a man has not choice in the matter (which is false).  These are examples so you can see the differences.    
    However, the Bible correctly interpreted is the only truth and we measure and test all religious beliefs by what God has said.   Of course men and churches twist God's word to say what they want to...and many just ignore the Bible.
    But because men sin and do wrong does not mean that God's plan is wrong.   There are many people who truly love God and honestly, literally and correctly read and interpret God's word.   We are not in the majority....but that has always been the way things are.   Jesus said in John 3:19, "Men love darkness rather than light beause their deeds are evil.'
   And...doctrine is important.   If a belief or practice is not supported by the Bible or is unbiblical...then it is sinful and God cannot bless error.    Jesus in Matthew 7:
    "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:21-23)
   Note Jesus said these false churches and people preached, cast out demons, did wonderful works...in Jesus' name, BUT Jesus said He never knew them and they worked iniquity."
   May I suggest, that you find a good sound biblical church such as a Independent Fundamental Baptist church and visit them.   See what they believe and practice and compare it to the Bible.    
   Note what Paul stated:  "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it" (Ephesians 5:25)   This makes is clear that going to church is important and that Christ gave his life for the institution of the local church.
   Note what God instructs us in Hebrews...."Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:22-25)
    Yes, the main thing is that a person by faith believe in Jesus Christ and receive salvation.   However, note what God said.
   "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."  (2 Timothy 3:16-17)     For us to please God we must know and live by God's word.   The opposite is also true.  
   God says "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." (John 4:24)
   Further He tells us "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."  (Ephesians 2:10)   We are to do good works...and that means being doctrinally correct also.   
   So attending church and living a godly life are important and God has given us a local congregation of Bible believing Christians to be our companions and for our fellowship.
   In Ephesians God tells us why the local church is so important:
   "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 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:   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; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:  (Ephesians 4:11-15)
   So I hope I have encouraged you to seek a good solid Bible believing church where you can worship the Lord, be edified, meaning to be taught and to grow spiritually in the Lord.   And where you can also have the fellowship and encouragement of other believers.
   I hope this has helped some.  If you have futher comments or question please write.    You know...the Devil wants to side track us all who love the Lord.  He wants to discourage us and keep us from experiencing God's best.  Let's not let him do it....
God bless you.
Cooper Abrams
http://bible-truth.org