Biblical Topics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right vs. Left

Although many topics divide Christianity today, the predominant line drawn is between the right and the left. This line doesn't just divide denominations but even exists within churches, bible studies and among friends. Here is the problem. While there are some 200 verses in the Bible stressing the assurance of our salvation, there are some 500 verses stressing the importance of being obedient once we are saved. Now does this means the right wins because there are more verses supporting their side? Or can the left just take comfort in how convincing the 200 verses are in supporting their views? And here is where the problem lies. To choose either of these options, one would have to conclude that the Bible contradicts itself. Now conversely if the Bible does not contradict itself, do you realize what this means? That both sides, the right and the left are wrong. This means that what rather than arguing against either side, we should be focusing on how to harmonize these 700 verses.

Mat 16:27 For the Son of Man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He shall reward each one according to his works.

Rom 3:20 because by the works of the Law none of all flesh will be justified in His sight;

The pages linked in this section are created to help you understand how to harmonize the Bible on the most important topics. If you take the time, you will learn that truth is not as complicated as it appears. Our hope of understanding truth does not lie in hearing panels of church leader duke it out. In fact, the only thing that prevents any of us from learning the truth is ourselves. Our fear of learning something that we think we wont like, or our passive reliance upon our shepherds or church to guide us. Even if God's hand is blessing and guiding our Church, this does not guarantee that we have the truth. God is blessing and guiding all of His people. On the other hand, the solution is not to throw in the towel and join a non-denominational that avoids doctrine.

The Bible stresses the vital importance of seeking truth for yourself and not relying on others. Trusting others leaves one susceptible to being deceived by "wolves in sheep's clothing" as a result of not "trying those pretending to be apostles, and have found them liars." Jesus has said He alone is our "Teacher" and that "the Helper," His Spirit will lead us into all truth. Not our church leaders or favorite pastors or friends. So being a Seventh Day Adventist, am I contradicting every thing I just said? Absolutely not. Many churches including the Adventist church contain 2 sub-groups. Those who believe they can trust their church to the end and carry them to the promise land, and those who accept that man is corrupt and that prophecy warns all churches, including mine will be a part of the "great falling away," and that we must always be watchful that we do not follow our church in accepting errors.

It is absolutely essential for all Christians, no matter what their denomination, to hold this attitude. Our calling as Christians is to be in the remnant of God's true people, even when we are "hated by all nations for my name's sake." That's right.. to hate or be hated is the decision we must make. Jesus and then the disciples constantly warned that accepting any false doctrine or leaven would ruin us entirely.

1Co 5:6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?
7. Therefore purge out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For also Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.

Where do we find this leaven? Any Christian leader who use manipulation and character assassination as a tool to create bias against something that goes against their teaching. When statements like "some people actually believe...." are used rather than openly looking at scriptures vs scripture. These very same tactics were used against Jesus and His disciples. Then later to persecute millions of Christians. And where did this persecution usually come from? The mainstream church and even the mainstream Christian church.

My sole motivation in creating these pages is that you learn to use the Bible and the Holy Spirit alone in determining truth. And that you realize that even though there are countless versions of doctrine out there, that truth is easy to understand when you open yourself to being guided by God alone. Ultimately what this means is that you will be a part of the remnant and not be spoiled by accepting a little leaven.