November 1999 Issue

Did You Know Series...

Contradictions in Religion
by Dick Ward

Did you know many plain truths of the Bible are flatly contradicted by various denominational preachers in your community? Yes, false teachers seem to lack reverence and respect for God's Word and are willing to fly into the face of plain, spiritual truths.

Faith vs. Faith ONLY

Obviously, the Bible points out that we are saved by faith (Romans 5:1; Hebrews 11:6; Mark 16:16). But to agree we are saved by faith is NOT TO AGREE we are saved by FAITH ONLY! Why do the creed books of various denominations contend for salvation by faith only when God's Book plainly says: "by works a man is justified, AND NOT BY FAITH ONLY" (James 2:24)? Is it not ture that such a contradiction forces YOU to make a spiritual decision? Are you going to stand with the false teaching of men in their creeds or are you going to take a firm stand with the inspired writer James? God allows the choice to be yours - but do not forget the consequences of denying God's Word and supporting false doctrine (2 John 9-11).

Fall From Grace vs. NOT FALL From Grace

The Baptist Manuals plainly take a stand for the false doctrine of "once saved, always saved" (Article XI, in both Hiscock's and Pendleton's Baptist Manuals). Consider Paul's writing, "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace." (Gal. 5:4 KJV). Actually, there are over 2500 warnings in the Bible about the possibility of falling from grace! Once again we see the contrast between a plain Bible statement (Gal. 5:4) and the creeds of men. You are called upon to make the choice - do you choose the Word of God or the words of men?

Baptism Does NOT SAVE vs. Baptism Saves

False teachers have been preaching for years and will continue to teach that baptism does NOT save. Let me make myself perfectly clear. I do not believe, nor do I know of anyone who believes that "baptism ALONE saves"! I realize that many different things combine to provide salvation for the lost soul. The Scriptures teach we are saved by love, by Jesus' blood, by faith, by repentance, by the gospel, by mercy, etc. yes and by baptism too. Peter wrote, "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:" (I Peter 3:21 KJV). As Joshua once said, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15 KJV). You must also choose whom ye will serve!

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Thanks to Dick Ward for the article! He can be reached at 18 El Dorado East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405; 205.556.2407).

Email the Editor at markjward@yahoo.com