False Unity and the Assault
On The Gospel of Christ
Rock of Offence Special Commentary
This Commentary May Contain
Offensive Material
We make the following statement due to the controversial and emotional nature of this study. Rock of Offence is not a church and does not promote a particular fellowship or denomination. We take a literal view of the Holy Scriptures and embrace the call of a watchman as a responsibility God gives to all ministers of His Word. When studying the New Testament Scriptures, the “good news” of Christ’s freely given redemption is on display for all to see ("freely given" is a term that means Grace or the unmerited favor of God). Yet, for various reasons (none of them good), a shocking number of church leaders and their followers "twist Scripture" (or abuse the context of the Bible), which redefines the salvation of Christ into something that God says He does not honor or respect. Saint Paul condemns this practice and calls the redefined teaching, "a different gospel of Christ". Stop and think about the serious eternal consequences connected to this practice. The authentic, yet controversial salvation teachings from the Bible are often treated as unimportant differences of opinion that should be set aside because they cause division. Yet, God warns that we are led astray in our faith by these erroneous and modified teachings that replace them.
We do not present our Bible commentaries and studies to deliberately offend readers. However, when eternal consequences are involved, sounding a warning, no matter how offensive, is necessary. A person’s spiritual life could unknowingly be at risk. Many people, churches, denominations, movements and organizations that call themselves “Christian” do not represent the New Testament redemptive program of Jesus Christ or our Heavenly Father. As a result, some people won’t learn about their true spiritual condition until it’s too late. Many believe that God has some special obligation to honor their personal religious beliefs just because they seem to originate from the Bible. This is a spiritually lethal assumption and will end in disaster for millions of church members. Due to the influence of certain erroneous systems of theology, the Bible is easily misinterpreted and misrepresented. Often this is done to advance the personal agenda of a particular leader (or an entire denomination). It’s been an ongoing problem for hundreds of years. Misleading doctrine and religious deception operates under many different good-looking (and "feel good") Biblical disguises, which crosses all denominational lines. Our Lord Jesus Christ used offensive teachings as a way to get His audience’s attention concerning these dangers, which are skillfully hidden in popular religious teaching and cultural beliefs. That’s why this website carries the name “Rock of Offence”. It was one of the titles given to Jesus Christ, who is the original "Rock of Offence" (1 Peter 2:6-10).
The following is a special insert included on certain commentaries
dealing with the misunderstood subject of "Peace, Safety and Unity"
as the end of the age approaches. It will repeat some things already
addressed in this study, but may also provide answers to some questions
not previously covered.
A Misleading Agenda
For The Last Days
"And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. AND HIS POWER SHALL BE MIGHTY, but not by his own power: AND HE SHALL DESTROY WONDERFULLY, and shall prosper, and practice, AND SHALL DESTROY THE MIGHTY AND HOLY PEOPLE. AND THROUGH HIS POLICY also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and BY PEACE SHALL DESTROY MANY: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand."
(Daniel 8:23-25 (KJV -- Emphasis Added)
The world is moving more and more into a dangerous chaotic condition. Christians watching for the return of Jesus Christ, know what’s happening. The rest of the world can sense that something is seriously wrong. They are looking for answers, but usually in the wrong places. Without a correct knowledge of Bible prophecy there’s little hope of finding truth. Their lack of knowledge places the public at the mercy of those who use fear and insecurity as a method of control. Thanks to science and psychology--political, educational and religious leaders have the knowledge necessary to effectively use our fears and weaknesses against us. This is not just about terrorism. All the governments of the world and, unfortunately religious institutions skillfully use fear as a powerful motivational force for the purpose of control.
A recent news commentary warned that officials in certain government agencies were quietly recruiting clergy from major denominations to help them indoctrinate and control the people for the global economic crisis that's soon to hit. The mission of these corrupt ministers is to use their position to persuade the people that any opposition to certain lifestyles, considered sin in the Bible, is hateful and un-Christ-like. Other programs were designed to persuade the more religious patriotic sector of society that abandoning their freedoms during a crisis is their “godly duty”. This kind of control and indoctrination is part of a political agenda specifically designed to look like it’s in everyone’s best interests. However, history proves that surrendering liberties "for everyone's safety" is a dangerously naive way of thinking. Also, this misleading ideology does not come from God. It’s the same psychological tactics Communism used during the days of World War 2 and the Cold War to enslave a whole generation. It's principles and policies LEGALLY ALLOWED the killing of millions of people IN THE NAME OF SAFETY AND SECURITY--AND IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN.
Today, the term “Communism” has been pushed into the dustbin of history hoping that the public will forget the painful consequences of embracing its seductive promises. Since it's now out of sight and out of mind, the supporters (many are congressional leaders, news media officials, clergy, university professors and teachers in public education) of this political agenda insist that the public concerns are "obsolete and paranoid"--and that the threat is gone. They teach our children in school that its now part of history and that their “new version” isn’t the same and will solve all our social problems if we all get behind it. But, it’s not gone and it's the same agenda with a different names and participants. Like a chameleon, it has just changed its colors to match its surroundings TO HIDE IT’S EXISTENCE. It operates under new deceptive labels such as liberalism, climate-change and health-care politics, gun control, immigration amnesty and "Progressivism”. Governments want to use the clergy for this task because they have the power to persuade naïve and uninformed people that they are obeying the will of God. Authentic ministers of the Gospel will not cooperate with this program of disinformation. Unfortunately, most of the religiously minded public will believe the propaganda presented in out-of-context Bible teachings. But, thankfully, some will not.
"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."
(Luke 21:25-26 KJV -- Emphasis Added)
So, why all the political talk? The devil’s agenda for the end times is political in nature. It will be a mixture of a powerful global political program AND RELIGION. In Luke chapter 21 (quoted above), “men’s hearts will be failing for fear” as we enter the last days just before Christ returns. Fear will drive the devil’s agenda. Tormenting fear will motivate the uninformed public to want “a peace no matter what”. A powerful leader will emerge that will promise and temporarily deliver the so called “security” that they long for. Thousands of years ago, the prophet Daniel warned that this future world leader will “destroy many through peace”. Here's another way of saying the same thing; "Many will be destroyed through believing his false promise of safety and security". At this very moment the American public is being disarmed and left defenseless through the political propaganda of "safety and security", which is designed to succeed by exploiting the lives of our families and children. The killing of school children by deranged psychopaths is shamelessly used by corrupt politicians to justify and further their global peace agenda. It actually has little to do with caring about the safety of our children. That's just the mask hiding the hideous face of what lies underneath. This is an incredibly wicked and evil political program that few understand.
On the surface, peace is a good thing that should be obtained WHENEVER POSSIBLE. Yet, sometimes it isn’t possible for very good, righteous and godly reasons. Sometimes you have to give up peace for the sake of truth. Peace should never be acquired AT ANY COST. Why? If the cost was sacrificing your eternal salvation, would you still want peace? Remember that we’re talking about ANY COST.
As we approach the end of the age, a majority within the institutional Christian Church is pushing this kind of peace. They call it “Unity” and it’s falsely presented as “God’s highest goal”, which requires us to set aside all other truths to achieve it. Within the present-day institutional church, almost everything is subjugated to unity, which translates into happy people willing to give their money to support its work. We redefine the Bible in order to change God’s original intentions if it interferes with our desire for unity and church growth. Over the last few decades, some refer to this as being “seeker sensitive”. But, what good does it do if we are sensitive to the feelings of others and fail to give them the knowledge that leads to eternal life? Few professing Christians seem to understand that the cost of this ungodly peace agenda is “the truth of the Gospel”. The Scriptures (God’s Word) describes the Gospel of Christ as the truth that opens the door to eternal life. That means God has made the authentic Gospel of Christ HIS HIGHEST GOAL. Yet, many are asking us to set it aside if it stands in the way of unity. When you throw out the true Gospel to achieve unity, ALL THAT IS LEFT IS A RELIGIOUS-BASED SOCIAL ORGANIZATION THAT GOD NO LONGER ACCEPTS AS THE CHURCH--AND FAILS TO PROVIDE ETERNAL LIFE.
This is the devil’s current plan to destroy the Church of Jesus Christ AND SILENCE THE AUTHENTIC GOSPEL.
Justification by Faith: The Last Battle
For the Survival of the Church
It is not the goal of this commentary to cover all the different beliefs found in the Protestant Reformation. There are literally hundreds of theological commentaries (in hard-cover book form) that explore these various teachings. Many of these commentaries were written by popular preachers of the Reformation and the “The Great Awakening” revival that followed. Some were written to challenge the message of other preachers in the same movement. As with any revival, you also have “under-cover ministers and theologians” from the opposing side who disguise themselves as “colleagues and associates”. Their goal is to sow Scriptural confusion and disinformation in order to destroy the movement.
In spite of these issues, the overriding objective of nearly all participants was to expose false and misleading Roman Catholic dogma that dominated nearly all of the Christian Church of that era. Yet, each preacher tackled this problem in a different way. Untangling the various doctrines of the Reformation is a tedious and exhausting endeavor. Everyone is using Scripture, in addition to theological terminology that gives the average student of the Bible a headache. For the purpose of this commentary, we attempt to bypass all the controversies and concentrate on the most important issue. According to several prominent leaders of the Reformation, no topic is more crucial for the Church than “Justification by Faith”. Our commentary attempts to stay focused on this one issue.
For additional insight, we provide two Bible Studies on
the two different versions of "Justification by Faith"
that existed in the Reformation movement.
How Reformed Theology Distorts The
Meaning of "Justification By Faith"
The True And False Sides of the
Protestant Reformation And
How Reformed Theology
Distorts Our Understanding Of Salvation
Some believe that Reformed theology is a generalized term that identifies the combined teaching of the Protestant Reformation. Yet, this understanding is misleading. When you condense everything down, there were two main competing factions (or sides) within the movement. Each one used Scripture as its defense. Both sides correctly claimed that “Justification by Faith” was the most important doctrine of the Church. From that standpoint, it seems like they are saying the same thing, which makes the disagreements look unimportant. Nothing could be further from the truth. Each side taught a different understanding of justification. Yet, both commonly refer to their doctrine as “justification by faith”.
GROUP #1: Taught “Justification by faith in Christ" only through the confession of the mouth WITHOUT WORKS--FOUND IN THE EPISTLES OF SAINT PAUL ADDRESSED TO THE CHURCH. Paul said that this kind of justification (understood as the core truth of salvation) now comes through “the word of faith that we preach” in Romans chapter 10.
GROUP #2: Taught “Justification by faith in Christ VALIDATED OR AUTHENTICATED THROUGH WORKS--FOUND IN THE EPISTLE OF SAINT JAMES ADDRESSED TO THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL.
God's Intention Is Found in the
Salutation of these Epistles
The key to ending the controversy is found in the target audiences of these New Testament writers. One is addressed to the Church, while the other is addressed to the twelve tribes of Israel. However, one dominant side of the Reformation (that continues to exist today under different names) insists that both these epistles are written and apply to the Church, even though they are clearly addressed to two different groups. They illegally mix both administrations together and teach a justification by faith in Christ that must be accompanied (or validated) by works to be authentic. But Saint Paul, God’s chosen apostle to the New Testament Church, DID NOT TEACH THIS KIND OF JUSTIFICATION.
The Two Classifications of Information
Found in the Bible
There are two categories or classifications of information in the Bible. The first is doctrine that is binding upon its target audience (its laws, rules and principles are to be observed by that group). The second category is information that educates and informs all students, scholars and readers of the Scriptures. The apostle Paul, who wrote nearly half of the New Testament Scriptures, WARNED THAT THE BIBLE HAS A CONTEXT THAT MUST BE OBSERVED IF WE ARE TO WALK IN TRUTH. That means preachers and those that follow them can ignore context (or claim that it's not important), quote the Bible AND LOOK LIKE THEY'RE TEACHING GOD'S TRUTH, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE NOT. This is the reason it is possible for a Bible believer to interpret and believe the Bible wrong. Observing the correct context of Scripture generally involves keeping two groups separated. THE FIRST GROUP is Jewish people under the Mosaic Law program of the Old Testament. THE SECOND GROUP is the New Testament Church under the Grace of Christ (also called the New Covenant program). The book of Hebrews refers to these two positions as, The first covenant and the second covenant. Contrary to some popular yet wrong fundamental Bible teaching; the second covenant IS NOT A CONTINUATION OF THE FIRST BECAUSE IT REPLACES THE FIRST.
"But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He (Jesus) is also MEDIATOR OF A BETTER COVENANT, WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED ON BETTER PROMISES. For if that FIRST COVENANT had been faultless, then no place would have been sought FOR A SECOND." (Hebrews 8:6-7 NKJV)
"IN THAT HE (JESUS CHRIST) SAYS, "A NEW COVENANT," HE HAS MADE THE FIRST OBSOLETE. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away." (Hebrews 8:13 NKJV)
The apostle Paul says the same thing to the Galatian congregation in a more detailed and slightly different way;
"Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, which things are symbolic. FOR THESE ARE THE TWO COVENANTS: THE ONE FROM MOUNT SINAI WHICH GIVES BIRTH TO BONDAGE, which is Hagar -- for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children (speaking of the first covenant) -- BUT THE JERUSALEM ABOVE IS FREE, which is the mother of us all. For it is written:
"Rejoice, O barren, You who do not bear! Break forth and shout, You who are not in labor! For the desolate has many more children than she who has a husband."
NOW WE, BRETHREN, AS ISAAC WAS, ARE CHILDREN OF PROMISE. But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? "Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman." SO THEN, BRETHREN, WE ARE NOT CHILDREN OF THE BONDWOMAN BUT OF THE FREE (SPEAKING OF THE SECOND [OR NEW] COVENANT)." (Galatians 4:21-31 NKJV--Emphasis Added)
Paul gives us more information about the existence of these two different spiritual programs in his epistle to the Galatians.
"....when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me (speaking of Paul), as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen (uncircumcised), and they unto the circumcision." (Galatians 2:7-9 NKJV – Emphasis Added)
Carefully read this section of Scripture. Paul mentions two gospels and two groups of apostles that are assigned to each one.
THE GOSPEL OF THE UNCIRCUMCISION: The term “uncircumcision” refers to the Gentiles in Scripture. Unfortunately, this term causes much confusion. Under the Old Testament, God’s salvation was exclusively Jewish. Yet, all of this changed in Acts chapter 10 when the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit. God literally broke thousands of years of religious tradition at this event. In the New Testament, the term “Gentile” is an all inclusive racial term. It means that all racial groups of the earth, including the Israelites, can now participate in God’s salvation. It is a unique term that applies to the Church after the New Covenant was revealed. God appointed Paul and Barnabas to oversee the preaching of this “gospel of the uncircumcison”, which taught a “free justification” (without works) through Christ’s blood (Romans 3:24-26--See also Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:18-21, Romans 4:4-8).
THE GOSPEL OF THE CIRCUMCISION: The term “circumcision” refers only to Jews as the offspring of Abraham (and participants in the Abrahamic covenant sealed through circumcision) in Scripture. It was designed for “law abiding Jews” who wanted to believe on Jesus Christ as their Messiah. God appointed Peter, James and John to oversee this gospel, which taught a “justification that was validated (or authenticated) by works” as outlined in the epistle of James and required by the Law.
It’s important to notice that God does not associate James with Paul’s gospel message designed for the mostly Gentile Church. Also notice that these two groups and their doctrines are listed separately, each using different names. The New Testament keeps them separate BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT THE SAME. Most Christians are conditioned to believe that these two gospels teach the same thing. THIS IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE. Most of this corrupt kind of Bible interpretation comes from the dominant side of Reformed theology that insists on illegally mixing these two administrations together, which is a violation of Biblical context.
Those that “rightly divide” the Word and those that mix everything together (refuse to rightly divide the Word) set the stage for a fierce internal church war that continues today. But, God only honors one of these justification doctrines.
The error that causes this spiritual struggle is a failure to understand what’s going on in the New Testament Scriptures. A TRANSITION IS TAKING PLACE between the administration of Old Testament Law that ruled Israel; and the New Testament administration of Christ that now governs the Gentile Church. As with any transition, both sides are present for a period of time. But, the previous program gradually “transitions” into the newer one. (Important Note: The transition does not mix the two together) Some Bible scholars speculate that this process continued for a period of 7 to 10 years after the cross. The transition ended with Paul’s encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus and the Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit at the household of Cornelius in Acts chapters 9 through 11. The New Covenant didn’t get fully implemented until the Gentiles were included in Christ’s salvation. That’s why the event at the house of Cornelius is important. If you read the whole account, the inclusion of the Gentiles caught the Jewish members of Peter’s evangelistic group completely off guard. Why? Up until that time God’s salvation was exclusively Jewish. But, God Himself broke this Old Testament tradition in a way they couldn’t refute or ignore.
The reason the translators divided the Bible into the Old and New Testaments was to illustrate an important division. The old administration was passing away and a new administration (or Christ’s New Covenant designed for the Gentile Church) WAS TAKING ITS PLACE.
"But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He (Jesus) is also MEDIATOR OF A BETTER COVENANT, WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED ON BETTER PROMISES. For if that FIRST COVENANT had been faultless, then no place would have been sought FOR A SECOND." (Hebrews 8:6-7 NKJV)
"IN THAT HE (JESUS CHRIST) SAYS, "A NEW COVENANT," HE HAS MADE THE FIRST OBSOLETE. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away." (Hebrews 8:13 NKJV)
As the New Testament Scriptures were being written (before and after the cross), both administrations are represented. Paul’s epistles to the Church outlines the principles of the new redemptive government of Christ. James, on the other hand, was addressing his epistle (or letter) to the twelve tribes of Israel, who were under the dominant works-oriented administration of the Law. James’ intended target audience is found in his epistle’s salutation for all to see. It wasn’t until 70 A.D. when Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed (and the Jewish people were scattered), that Christ’s New Covenant, revealed in Paul’s epistles, became God’s only accepted program for what is now called, "The Church Age". However, before the destruction of Jerusalem (and the temple) we see two spiritual programs in operation. Both are represented in the New Testament canon, BUT MUST BE KEPT SEPARATE WHEN INTERPRETING ITS WRITINGS. These programs must be separated, or as Paul taught “rightly divided”, because each one operates by a different set of covenant laws. Once again, this is why Paul commanded his disciple Timothy to “rightly (or correctly) divide the Word of Truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Merging these two spiritual programs together creates a dangerous heresy that disguises itself as fundamental Bible truth. It currently deceives many in the world-wide Christian Church.
A vast number of believers are fooled into thinking that
the teachings in this commentary can't be true because
"God never changes". Unfortunately, this is a very common
misconception propagated by various experessions of Christian
fundamentalism, Reformed theology and Calvinism. It results
from ignoring or distorting the context of the Bible. If you
find yourself in the group that believes this way, refer to
the information at the following link.
What Does It Mean When God Says
'He Doesn't Change'
Martin Luther’s Influence in the
Protestant Reformation
As we previously learned, the Reformation did not have just one generalized theology as most Christians think. Several prominent preachers set the overall agenda. Men like; Martin Luther, William Tyndale, John Calvin, John Knox and John Winthrop were the most popular. The theology of these men can be condensed down into two crucial positions; Free justification by faith in Christ requiring no works--and justification by faith in Christ, where faith had to be validated or authenticated by works. Once again, the confusing part is that both sides commonly identify their doctrine as “justification by faith” without revealing the major differences.
The “free justification” group took its teachings directly from the epistles of Saint Paul in the New Testament. William Tyndale and Martin Luther (and others in agreement with their doctrine) preached this kind of justification message.
The “justification by faith authenticated by works” group took its teachings from the epistle of James and was supplemented and influenced by the doctrine of the famous Catholic theologian Augustine who lived over 1000 years before the Reformation. John Calvin and John Knox (and others) were biased toward this kind of justification message commonly found in churches that embrace modern-day Reformed theology and its close relative of Calvinism.
More information is available at the following
link concerning the importance of Martin Luther :
Our Position on Martin Luther
The Reformation’s Hidden Relationship
To Catholicism
It’s important to know that the Roman Catholic Church establishes its salvation doctrine on the “works-related” aspects of the epistle of James and the teachings of Augustine. Yet, there was also a powerful faction in the Protestant Reformation, represented by Calvin and Knox, that kept this doctrinal relationship to James and Augustine intact. Luther, Tyndale and their group did not accept or agree with this brand of “Reformed theology” because it distorted the free justification of Christ taught by Paul in the New Testament. LUTHER AND TYNDALE WERE RIGHT BECAUSE SAINT PAUL WAS RIGHT.
The “Achilles heel” of the Church
Currently, there is some debate about the popular quotations of Martin Luther. Some theologians that embrace Catholicism are accused of deliberately misquoting Luther to discredit him. Others just get some of the words wrong, but keep the original meaning intact. Since the Reformation took place over 600 years ago, it’s understandable if the exact wording didn’t always survive and occasionally gets skewed, especially when translated into English (Luther was German by birth).
There’s one quotation of Luther that’s especially insightful. The quotation below carries his full intention regardless of its “English-friendly” rendition.
“If the doctrine of justification stands,
the church stands. But, if this doctrine
collapses, the church collapses”
Once again, the reader needs to understand that Luther was referring to the “free justification” that comes from the redemption of Christ’s blood found in Romans 3:24-26. He wasn’t speaking of the “justification by faith in Christ authenticated by works” taught by other preachers within the Reformation movement. Luther suggested that all the other doctrines, Bible teachings, seminars, conferences and programs of any church are far less important than its beliefs about justification. This is why, when evaluating any church or teaching, we always FIRST EXAMINE their understanding of "justification by faith". This is crucial to evaluating any fellowship, church or movement. As we previously discovered, claiming to believe in and preach "Justification by faith" can be misleading. Not all definitions of this term are correct. If it’s wrong here, it corrupts everything else the fellowhship stands for.
Mocking The Free Justification
Purchased by Christ’s Blood
The modern church is currently collapsing because it has embraced a popular counterfeit justification theology, just as Luther warned. Recently, I heard an Anglican Episcopal Bishop exclaim, "LUTHER'S REFORMATION IS OVER, IS YOURS?"
NOTE: The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide
Anglican Communion and both lean "Calvinistic."
He was talking about the new friendly relationship the current Pope is seeking with “Charismatic Christians”. Yet, when the pressure is on, the leadership of the Catholic Church will never renounce their conditional salvation, their justification through works doctrine--or their insistence that the Pope is the head of the Christian Church. The Scriptures teach that Jesus Christ is the only head of the Church.
"For the husband is head of the wife, AS ALSO CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH; and He is the Savior of the body." (Ephesians 5:23 NKJV -- Emphasis Added. Also read Ephesians 1:15-23)
To renounce their original foundational and historical doctrine would cause Catholicism to self-destruct. These are the same issues certain leaders of the Reformation tried to address. THESE ISSUES WERE NEVER PERMANENTLY RESOLVED AND REMAIN TODAY. Unless a major change in the core doctrines of Catholicism occur, you are being deceptive (or spreading religious propaganda) by saying that “Luther’s reformation is over”. It was never just “Luther’s reformation” anyway. The movement included many different preachers--and he was only one. Only the opponents of “free justification by faith in Christ” would try to discredit this truth by referring to it (actually he was mocking it) as “Luther’s reformation”. It could be considered more Paul’s reformation against the unbiblical religious teachings of the 15th century, which happened to be the same ones (using different names) that he fought in the first century. Luther was just amplifying what Paul taught in his New Testament epistles. The same religious errors that Paul fought in the first century (and Luther fought in the 15th century) are still alive and well in the world-wide Christian Church of today. THE MODERN UNITY AND CHURCH GROWTH MOVEMENT IS ENGAGING IN A COVER-UP OPERATION TO HIDE AND MINIMIZE THESE IMPORTANT BIBLICAL ISSUES BECAUSE THEY ANGER CHURCH MEMBERS AND INTERFERE WITH THEIR VARIOUS PROGRAMS, WHICH MAY NOT NECESSARILY COME FROM GOD.
The Painful Task of the Watchman:
The Truth of Christ’s Gospel Is
More Important Than Unity
We continue to have major disagreements with the historical and traditional core teachings of Catholicism. But, we also have major disagreements with some teachings of Protestantism for many of the same reasons. Regardless of these problems, the Catholic Church has many authentic Christians as members. It is understood that some (but certainly not all) of its cardinals, bishops, priests and ministers have changed their more traditional views concerning Christ’s Salvation since the 15th century. These exciting changes are the direct result of the “Catholic Charismatic Renewal”. Insiders claim that some in the Vatican were generally not happy with this move away from tradition, even though they publically supported the movement. The information below may shed some light on this quiet behind-the-scenes disagreement.
The main part of the Renewal took place between 1958 and 1985 (some say it continues) and spilled over into the Protestant side of the church. It is believed that the movement began at Duquesne University (a Catholic institution) in Pennsylvania. I was involved in this revival, which changed my life -- and I am not Catholic. I met some Charismatic Catholic evangelists that preached a correct Jesus-centered New Covenant message. Some rejected dead religion and came to a saving knowledge of Christ during this time. However, I never lost sight of the fact that the Catholic Church still operates according to its historical edicts, doctrines and council declarations. Some of its cardinals, priests and bishops may have shifted “somewhat” away from historical tradition, but the core government of the Catholic Church has not. According to the warnings of some theologians, the Catholic Church continues to adhere to the Council of Trent (1545-1563) and has never officially renounced its tenants. This doctrine establishes the foundation for faith of the Catholic Church and condemned the beliefs of the Reformation as heresy. It distorts and redefines certain core New Testament teachings, such as “Justification by faith”, which was one of the issues that energized the Reformation movement. It is not our goal to discuss this complex topic. However, when pressured, the Catholic Church will always embrace the decisions set forth in Trent. On the surface, it is always in the best interests of the leadership (speaking mainly of the Pope) to appear tolerant and accommodating toward groups that hold contrary beliefs. But, until they make official changes to their dogma (and announce these changes publically), this apparent compromise and acceptance of Charismatic (and Pentecostal) Christians is probably done to enhance public relations (or some other hidden agenda). Personally, I want to believe that their offer is sincere. Yet, as long as the doctrine of Trent remains in force, there are plenty of reasons TO BE VERY CAUTIOUS, especially when they tell us something we want to hear. The Bible warns about “throwing caution to the wind and jumping to conclusions” in such matters.
We should remember that Roman Catholicism, and all its different expressions, represent somewhere around 60 per cent (or nearly two thirds) of what is called “The World-Wide Christian Church”. However, the Bible warns that just because a majority exists--doesn’t mean that they represent the truth. In the Bible, a majority usually represents just the opposite. God always seems to enjoy working with a small minority or remnant. There are many examples. When we consider Bible prophecy, it is entirely possible (but unknown at this time) that the leadership of the Catholic Church will be a “major player” in organizing the “one world religion” of the last days. The Bible warns about this global religious system. This is why the Vatican’s effort to embrace certain groups and preach about “the virtues of Christian unity” must be carefully examined. The Charismatic and Pentecostal side of the Christian Church should be especially careful. They must avoid being blinded by their desire for unity and, as a result, abandon or compromise the truth of Christ’s Gospel. Regardless of what any church leader or denomination tells you, GOD INSISTS THAT UNITY IS NEVER MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE TRUTH THAT DEFINES CHRIST'S SALVATION. If you are forced to choose between the two, the believer's choice must always be the truth of the Gospel established on "free justification by faith in Christ" based on Romans 3:24-26, Romans 4:4-8, Romans 5:18-21 and Titus 3:5-7. The authentic Gospel of Christ (as outlined in the epistles of Saint Paul) continues to oppose the unbiblical works-based gospel and many of the declarations found in the doctrine of Trent that establishes the official tenants of Roman Catholic faith.
This is an especially difficult and painful commentary to write. Yet, when we consider current events all believers should carefully weigh their decisions concerning what they believe. Contrary to the teachings of the popular unity and church growth movements, these decisions carry serious eternal consequences.
More information is available on this
subject at the following link.
The Tragic Consequences of the
Christian Unity Movement
We hope you find this material beneficial in
your walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.
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