A while back, someone wrote to Billy Graham asking if he thought all the churches would ever get together. The questioner complained that he was confused by all the different churches and did not know which one to believe.
The answer included this statement "Don’t let minor differences between denominations confuse you, for they are just that -- minor." Is that true?
Denominations differ on the standard of morality. Some permit homosexuality; others disapprove (1 Corinthians 6:9). Some condone divorce and remarriage for most any reason (but see Matthew 19:1-9); others (at least officially) do not allow it at all. Some march in favor of abortion, others march across the street against it. Some oppose gambling; others make it a regular part of their fund-raising.
In view of the fact that sin separates us from God, I have a difficult time categorizing questions of what constitutes sin as "minor differences." What do you think?
Churches disagree about what we must do to be saved. Some say we can do nothing; it is wholly a matter of divine predestination, a choice God made irrespective of any response on our part. Some say all will be saved (but see Matthew 7:13-14, 21-23). Some say we must receive the sacraments. Some say we are justified by faith only (but see James 2:14-26). Some say we need to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. Many say all we have to do is accept Jesus as our personal Savior, without ever explaining exactly how to do that. One church says that people can be saved for their ancestors who did not themselves obey the gospel.
In view of the fact that my eternal destiny hangs in the balance, I have a difficult time considering the question, "What must I do to be saved?" as a minor matter. What do you think?
Religious groups do not agree about the condition of the saved, either. Some affirm that once you are saved, you cannot subsequently ever do anything that would cause you to be lost. Others say the opposite. Some teach that you may go through a partial punishment after this life for your lesser wrongs, but following that you can go to heaven.
Again, in view of the fact that this issue directly affects my eternal destiny, I have a difficult time putting it into the realm of "minor differences." What do you think?
Worship is another matter of discrepancy. Not all churches worship on the same day. Some limit music to singing, others use instruments. Some say God requires a tithe; others say He does not. Some eat the Lord’s Supper weekly, others quarterly or even less often. Some allow their members to eat only the bread, and one or two omit it altogether. Some have only men preachers; others use women in that role. Some leap and shout, others are quite stoic. Some pray to Jesus’ mother. Some have people speaking gibberish that no one can understand.
In view of the fact that the Bible plainly teaches that not all worship is acceptable to God, and some is even an abomination to Him, I have a difficult time dismissing these contradictions as "minor differences." What do you think?
Conclusion
The attempt to sweep away the problem of religious division as "minor differences" is futile. These are major disagreements on matters of the greatest import. Do not be deceived. Read your Bible and learn the truth about these and similar questions. Abandon the false religions of men and follow Jesus. He will add you to His church, the saved.
If you want to know what the Bible says about the answers to these questions, please email me.
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