Expert: Marvin Howard - 1/7/2007

Question
I still don't get it. Those who are in denomination will not be saved? But the thing is that people have already divided Christ. Then can I ask... Does every church have a denomination?
-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hello, I'm 14 years old and searching for God. But I'm really confused by what other people are saying. Because they all say different things.

Like, what is the difference beween Catholics and Christians? Isn't Catholicism one of the denominations under Christianity? Somebody told me that it's like Christianity has many branches. Catholicism, Methodist, etc. Adding that Catholicism is actually the original one.

But who even created all these denominations? If Catholic is really the original one, then why is it under Christianity and not Christianity or Catholic itself? In the Bible, it doesn't say anything about Catholics or Methodists and the other denominations the world has now. So, what is the real one? I'm so confused.
-----Answer-----
Hi!

Jessica, it does me so much good to see someone searching for the truth (Jude 3). It is commonly said, “He who wins the war, writes the history.” While the war is not over in the case of religion, there have been many battles fought. The people who won these battles have tried to write history in a light favorable to themselves.

Whenever the voice of God contradicts the voices of men, it is always the wisest course to listen to God, in the Bible, even if that means going against conventional wisdom (1st Corinthians 2:5 and 3:19). This applies to what I say, as well. Check everything I say against Scripture and valid, historical references. Make sure that what I say is not misleading.

With all of the denominations in existence, it is no wonder that confusion exists. I am going to go against all of the denominations, by giving you an answer from the Bible, as best as I can. However, since much of history happened after the Bible was written, we will focus on prophecies, and their fulfillment, as they relate to the church, its history, and its practices. You are correct that the denominations are not named in the Bible. The only option we have is to examine the actions of certain groups, and see if those are covered in prophecy, and whether those actions have come to pass.

Satan transforms himself as an angel of light (2nd Corinthians 11:4). This means that anything Satan creates (on his own or through the hands of man) is going to contain part (or even much) of the truth. At first glance, it is going to look like the genuine article while being an imposter and fraud the entire time.

1st Corinthians 14:33, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”

Let us begin with the premise that any confusion did not come from God. Any confusion comes from Satan and man. If denominations cause confusion (and they do), then they do not come from God. They are the spawn of Satan, created by man, and are not the church that Jesus promised to build.

1st Corinthians 1:12-13, “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?”

Here we clearly see God's attitude on religious division. Many of Paul’s day were already following certain teachings by some men (the teachings they liked), and ignoring others. They denominated themselves (or renamed themselves, claiming to be but one piece or branch of the whole) claiming for themselves the name of their favorite teacher. Some claimed to follow Paul. Others followed Apollos. Still others followed Peter (and still do today in the first and biggest denomination, after it defeated the other denominations of the day). Yet, some remained true to following Christ.

Today, many use this passage in an attempt to say that we cannot even claim to follow Christ. This attempt clearly demonstrates the understanding that religious division is wrong; that it is sin. Paul’s statement ends with rhetorical questions. They required no answer, for the answers were already well known. Christ is not divided. Paul was not crucified for us; Christ was. We are not baptized into the name of Paul; we are baptized into Jesus (Romans 6:3 and Galatians 3:27). The only acceptable conclusion is that we should call ourselves after the name of Christ; not the name of some man, or even after a certain set of practices or beliefs.

Matthew 10:32, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.”

If we confess that Christ died for us (a syllogism for the entire plan of salvation), then Christ will confess us. Christ will declare us worthy (because of His blood) of a place in Heaven. With this thought in mind, consider the following:

2nd Peter 1:10-11, “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Notice, if you will, that our entrance into Heaven is an election. I did not change the subject. Part of every election is the naming of one (or a few, Matthew 7:13-14) as worthy of the position sought. This naming is a confession. We know it by a different name in politics. We know it as a derivative of the word, “naming.” Every election has a nomination process. It is simply putting forth the names of whoever is qualified (or worthy) of the position. We are nominated for a position in Heaven.

Hold on to your hat. Find a seat. We have established a principle from God’s Word that is going to sound harsh when it is applied. It is going to sound narrow-minded. Even so, it is no more narrow-minded than was Jesus when He said few would find Heaven, while many would just wander into Hell, even if it is by accidental negligence. To get a handle on the application of this principle, a question is necessary. What is the opposite of nominate? What is the opposite of nomination? Since this is not a back and forth conversation between us, I will answer. The opposites are denominate and denomination.

Take a minute and think about that.

If a group denominates itself, that group is saying that they do not want Christ’s nomination (confession) to get into Heaven. If a group claims to be a denomination, that group is saying that Christ’s nomination (confession) does not belong to them. They may be sincerely ignorant, they may be sincerely misled, but ignorance of the law of Christ is no longer an excuse (Acts 17:30). Saying you are denominated or in a denomination is saying that you are not going to Heaven.

Now that it is proven that no one in a denomination is saved, that none of them are going to Heaven, let’s look at a few prophetic actions.

1st Timothy 4:1-5, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”

Today, catholicism demands that “priests” and “nuns” cannot marry. In times past (and still in its orthodoxy) they refused to allow their adherents to eat meat on Friday. Both of these are said to be “doctrines of devils.” These are teachings that are taught by devils. Since they are and were taught by catholics, the catholics are devils. They are not Christians, and they are not Heaven bound, having departed from the faith.

Catholicism is the fifth, successive world empire seen in the visions of Daniel (Daniel 2:31-44, especially v. 43). Babylon (gold) was succeeded by the Medes and Persians (silver), then the Greeks (brass), the Romans (iron), and “Holy” Rome through Constantine. In the Revelation 17:5, this is known as “BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS.” God often uses the term “harlot” to describe those which were once His but have gone astray (Isaiah 1:21; Jeremiah 2:20; Ezekiel 16:15; and Hosea 4:15, to name just a few). If catholicism is the “Mother of Harlots,” then that which is born of her is a harlot. This includes all of the protestant denominations, since they were born of catholicism and her abundant abuses.

2nd Timothy 4:2-4, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

This applies to catholicism, and by extension, all of her daughters. Anyone who teaches something other than the Bible is following their “itching ears.”

Galatians 1:6-9, “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

Before I close, I want to look at two items that distinguish Christians from denominationalists: worship and salvation. We will see what the Bible says about both. This way, when you investigate a group, you can know whether it is true or false. If a group is false in one point, it is false in its entirety. There are many distinguishing characteristics, but I have found that every imposter religion is wrong in either one or both of these points. Anyone who does one thing more is not the church. Anyone who does one thing less is not the church. Anyone who violates either of these points is not a Christian, regardless of their false claims.

In Scripture, I have found five practices, which are performed each time the church meets publicly for worship. They are as follows:

1. Prayer (Acts 12:5)
2. Teaching/Preaching (Acts 20:7)
3. Partaking of Communion/Lord's Supper (Also Acts 20:7)
4. Giving of Their Means (1st Corinthians 6:2)
5. Group Participation in “Of - the - Chapel” Music (Ephesians 5:19)

You may think it odd the way I listed number 5. There is a reason. We all know what a chapel is, but to be doubly sure, it is a place where the church meets. Am I right? Necessarily, music where the church meets must be of the type of music to be conducted in places where the church meets. This may seem redundant, but believe me; it is needful that I say this. You see, most of the religious world, in fact, all of the denominational world, has for its music such as is not the type held in places where the church meets! They just plain miss the point of this. Allow me to explain. “Of - The - Chapel” is a translation from a Latin phrase. Anyone care to guess what it is? The phrase is “A Capella.” Have you heard of that? Verify that in any Latin Lexicon you choose. I am sure many of you can see where I’m going with this. “A Capella” music is purely vocal -- absolutely no mechanical instruments are involved. That is simply its definition, and it can be verified with any unbiased musician. “A Capella” music is the type conducted in church buildings! People want to say “ψάλλω” in the Greek means “play.” Of course, “ψάλλω” means “play!” At the same time, though, you must be made aware of the portion of scripture they omit. God can effectively communicate with us in our own language. This means that He uses all of the rules of language, or He would be the author of confusion, and we know He is not. This will include all verb tenses, etc. Yes, verb tenses are a part of Scripture, and they cannot be omitted or changed! Well He did speak in a manner we can understand, if we want to do so! This particular form of “ψάλλω” has a verb tense which absolutely demands the instrument be named. People say God did not name an instrument; therefore they think they are free to choose one of their own devices. Did God name an instrument? Why sure! He named the heart (not - the - harp). To do anything else is to add to His Word, expressly condemned in Galatians 1:8-9. People who refuse to accept this simply do not want to understand! People who refuse to accept this really do not care what God says! The Word of God here offends many. People get defensive and come up with, “Well, David played a harp!” AMEN, DAVID PLAYED A HARP! David also had animal sacrifice as part of his commanded worship. To use this defense demands animal sacrifice be used by people wanting David's support for instruments. They are not willing to do this. Why? That Law (Old Testament) was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14)! Therefore, if there are mechanical instruments there, it cannot possibly be the church to be saved by Jesus at His return, but rather a counterfeit not planted by God to be   rooted up at that time, and   cast into the fire.

To force any other instrument into the context than the one named (the human heart) would be the equivalent of adding hamburgers and cokes to the altar for communion. We have no authority for either, therefore, we can do neither. Also, the grammatical construct of Ephesians 5:19 demands that all people use the same instrument. Scripture names the human heart as that instrument. If it was even possible to force another instrument into that passage (and it isn’t) then only the people playing the instrument would be free from sin. Everyone sitting in the audience and NOT playing would - be - in - sin!

For the record, Jesus said all of the following in regard to salvation:

Matthew 11:15, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

John 8:24, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”

Luke 13:3, “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

Matthew 10:32, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.”

Mark 16:16, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

Well, my friends, the wisdom of the world, that is those outside the church, just went flying out the window! Jesus said do these things! He didn’t say do some of them. He didn’t say one of them is good enough by itself. “Reverend” So and so knows these scriptures exist. These scriptures just make it difficult for them to have their large congregations and large paychecks as a result, so they are ignored. They are not there to serve God, but their own bellies (Romans 16:18). When you hear a preacher - any preacher - deny God’s plain Word, in favor of either more or less, it is time to run for the hills. It is time to get out of that place, get out of that setting, and out of that false teaching.

In response to hearing the truth, I often hear, “But, preacher, those are works. Works can’t save us.” They proceed to lift Ephesians 2:9 out of context to prove a point. Their version of Ephesians 2:9 makes Paul call James a liar when he wrote his letter, in chapter 2 and verse 24. If the afore mentioned works were works of men, they would be correct. For example, we cannot go out and decide that because we pay for an orphanage that we are saved. That isn’t commanded. It would be our work. Our works will not save us. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try. What is commanded is love. Purchasing an orphanage would only be one of many acceptable ways of showing it. We cannot bind where God has not bound and command that it be done. If we are saved, we will love both God, and man, enough to do these type things, even if not the same specifics. By the same token, we cannot loose where God has not loosed. We cannot give permission for activities when there is none in Scripture, but that is another sermon.

However, the works God commanded are not our inventions. It is not our own personal scheme of redemption in which we can glory. God’s works, if we do as commanded, will save us. How does this happen? How does baptism save us (1st Peter 3:21)? Why, then, should I do these works? The answer is simple, that is faith, doing things we don’t understand, just because God said so! It is God’s scheme of redemption, which is all that matters. We do not have to understand. If we do these things in the covenant, for the reason God gave us for doing them, God will be faithful to the covenant. We will - only then - be faithful. Not doing these things, or fighting them, demonstrates to the world, and more importantly to God, our complete lack of faith. Without faith, which includes all of the aforementioned commands, we - will -not - make - it - to - Heaven!

This, my friends, is how we are nominated for a position in Heaven. This is what we must do for Jesus to confess us before the Father! We saw, earlier, that our election might be unsure, as well. I will give a few examples from Scripture demonstrating this truth, so denied by the world.

1st Timothy 1:19-20, “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.”

At one time, Hymenaeus and Alexander were faithful. Yet, both had made that faith shipwrecked, or void. Their nominations were removed, and they were delivered to Satan. They were no longer in the race (2nd Timothy 4:7) to be elected.

Galatians 5:4, “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.”

Writing to Christians at Galatia, Paul told them they could fall from grace! Why? It was because they were adding into Christianity something that was familiar to them, but no longer an acceptable part of religion: the Law of Moses. Their nomination was removed. You cannot fall from a place where you never were in the first place, so these people had grace; they were saved.

Hebrews 10:26, “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,”

Those who have already had knowledge of their salvation, yet sin intentionally, no longer have Jesus’ blood covering their sins! Their nomination has been removed.

Revelation 3:16, “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

The entire congregation at Laodecia was rejected of God because of indifference! They were as vile as vomit! Their nomination was removed.

Having your nomination removed means that Jesus will no longer confess you before the Father. Now, having studied the nominating process, let us turn our attention to the election itself.

Jesus, Himself, is not going to admit us to Heaven. -- This thought scares people. So, before we go too far in depth with this, let me be perfectly clear.

1st Corinthians 15:24, “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.”

The Father is the one who will admit us to Heaven, not the Son. However, if we have obeyed the Son, and he has nominated us, and we finish our lives without having this nomination removed, then we may be elected. Our - election - has - not - happened, - yet. We need to make sure that it does, according to 2nd Peter 1:4-11, which we read earlier.

Jessica, I know this has been long. I pray that it has not been boring. I know it sounds as if I just condemned every church to Hell. I did none of it; these are the words of God, and He does condemn every false and imposter religion to Hell. You are seeking the truth. There remains a group that wears no name but Christ. It is the group from which catholicism initially split in the first century when they started calling Peter their first Father (pope) in 1st Corinthians 1:12. As this group was dying in Europe, others here did the same things they first century Christians did to become Christians. This began in 1793 in America with a man named James O'Kelly, exactly 1260 years after catholicism completed its break from Christianity (Revelation 12:6) in 533 when the pope was finally declared “Lord of the Church,” in place of Jesus. This banner of being Christians the way the Bible said to be Christians was also embraced, independently, just a few years later by some more famous men; Barton Stone, Alexander Campbell, and Thomas Campbell. People in denominations try to say these men started a new denomination, but such is not the case, as you will see in the third link I provide for you below.

This group is named in the Bible. People are warned to flee from anyone who teaches differently from us. Jessica, I invite you to investigate a congregation of the church near you, and forget about denominations, for they are inherently evil.

Romans 16:16-18, “Salute one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”

Jessica, the churches of Christ are not a denomination. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I am more than happy to help. In the meantime, here are 3 more, historical resources for you to study:

http://www.geocities.com/preacherman_1962/ChurchHistory.html

http://www.traces-of-the-kingdom.org/

http://www.evangelismupdate.com/ARTICLES/grimm_article.htm

In His Service,
Marvin Howard
preacherman_1962@yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/preacherman_1962

Answer
Hi!

Jessica, just because people think that they divided Christ, or think someone else did, does not make it so. Christ is not divided. That is Scripture. The catholics left Him. They did not succeed in dividing Him. Since it is proven that Christ is not divided, the only option is that those who left Him, or never came to Him in the first place, are not Christians. The world may say it is so, but that does not make it true.

Suppose, for a minute, that everyone in the world (except about 3 million people; the approximate number of Christians out of a 6 billion population) declared that all zebras are solid black in color. Does that make it true? I know this is a ridiculous proposition, but it is no more ridiculous than it is to declare that Christ is divided. At one time, the vast majority of the world's population KNEW the earth was flat. This didn't change it from being round.

There is not one Christian, anywhere, in any denomination. This includes catholicism and all the 4000+ protestant denominations worldwide. There may be a small handful that know it and don't care; preferring their positions of power and prestige over their particular group than learning or teaching the truth. However, I dare say, over 999 out of 1000 actually believe they are Christians, even though they are not. They have fallen for the deception of Satan. They might as well believe the earth is flat, or that all zebras are black for all the truth it causes in them.

I am sorry that this is the case. The majority of the world believes it is Christian. Yet, this does not change the teaching of Jesus that a minority (and a very small one at that) are Christians; being Heaven bound. I may want everyone to be saved. All I can do is keep trying. I just have to recognize that what I want is not going to happen. If I believed it were possible that everyone would be saved, and I was not convincing them, then I would have to admit defeat, and throw in the towel.

Let me say it plainly. There is not one Christian in catholicism. There is not one Christian in protestantism. Every church cannot have a denomination, for their is only one church according to Ephesians 4:1-7 (which says there is one body) and Colossians 1:18 (which says the body is the church). Catholicism and protestantism are not churches at all. They are not even a piece of the church as they falsely claim. Denominations are not part of any church. They are fakes and imposters. They have been called out of nothing: the very definition of the church is those who are called out of the world. Denominationalists are still in the world.

I know this is a new teaching to you. With only 3 million out of 6 billion being Christians, it is going to be foreign to almost everyone. All I can do is tell you they are not, in hopes of steering you clear of them, tell you what I know (which is supported by Scripture), and encourage you to study it for yourself, and investigate the various groups to see if there is one thing in any of them which differes from the Bible. If such is found, that group is not a congregation of the church, and you should continue with your search.

If you need help finding a congregation near you, go to the following site:

http://www.church-of-christ.org .

I would ordinarily ask for your ZIP Code and do the search for you, but with your age, some might not feel that to be appropriate.

In His Service,
Marvin Howard
preacherman_1962@yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/preacherman_1962