In a world where opinions are often presented as facts and human traditions are mistaken for divine commands, honesty becomes a rare but essential quality for discovering spiritual truth. Honesty is the fertile soil upon which the Word of God can be planted, grow, and bear fruit. Without it, we risk distorting the Scriptures to suit our own desires or those of others.
As followers of Christ, it is vital that we approach the Bible with a heart willing to accept its teachings, no matter how they might challenge our current beliefs or practices. Many people today are deceived by promises that are not grounded in the Word of God but are instead built upon the traditions of men. These promises may be comforting, and they may even sound spiritual, but if they are not aligned with Scripture, they can lead us astray from the truth that leads to eternal life.
The importance of approaching God’s Word with integrity cannot be overstated. Jesus Himself warned against being led astray by false teachings, saying in Matthew 15:9 (NASB), “But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.” The Bible calls us to be diligent seekers of truth, even when that truth is uncomfortable or requires us to make difficult changes in our lives. In John 8:31-32 (NASB), Jesus says, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
With this conviction in mind, we ask you to reflect honestly on the following questions, which challenge popular beliefs in the religious world today. These questions, rooted in Scripture, require sincere reflection, not based on what we may have always heard or practiced, but based on what the Word of God actually says. These are not abstract theological discussions—they are questions that hold eternal significance for our souls. Will you approach them with an honest heart, willing to submit to the truth of God’s Word?
Is One Church As Good As Another?
In today’s world, many believe that it doesn’t matter which church you belong to as long as you believe in Christ. But is this view supported by Scripture? The Bible teaches that Jesus established only one church. Ephesians 4:4-5 (NASB) says, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” The idea that any church is as good as another ignores the fact that Jesus prayed for unity among His followers. In John 17:20-21 (NASB), Jesus prays, “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.”
Furthermore, the apostle Paul condemned division in the church, writing in 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NASB), “Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” When we understand that there is one church and that Jesus desires unity, how can we say that one church is as good as another?
Does It Matter What A Person Believes?
Another common belief is that it doesn’t matter what someone believes as long as they are sincere. However, the Bible says otherwise. In Matthew 7:21 (NASB), Jesus states, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” Sincerity alone is not enough if we are not doing the will of God. Jesus also warned about following the commandments of men, saying in Matthew 15:9 (NASB), “But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.”
The truth of God cannot be compromised by human opinions or traditions. As 2 John 9 (NASB) warns, “Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.” Following Christ means adhering to His teachings, and deviation from the truth leads to error. Blindly following the doctrines of men will not lead us to salvation.
Can A Person Be Saved By Faith Alone?
Many teach that salvation comes by “faith only.” But the Bible paints a different picture. James 2:24 (NASB) says, “You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.” While we cannot earn our salvation through human works, the Bible teaches that true faith results in obedience to God. John 6:28-29 (NASB) shows that even belief is considered a work of God: “Therefore they said to Him, ‘What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.’” Faith alone is not sufficient if it does not lead to action.
Even the demons believe in God, as James 2:19 (NASB) tells us: “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” Clearly, belief alone is not enough to save us if it is not accompanied by obedience to God’s commands. Jesus emphasized the importance of doing God’s will in Matthew 7:21 (NASB): “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.”
Can One Be Saved Without Baptism?
Baptism is another critical element that many overlook or misunderstand. The Bible clearly teaches that baptism is necessary for salvation. Acts 2:38 (NASB) says, “Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Baptism is not optional; it is a command directly tied to the remission of sins.
In Mark 16:16 (NASB), Jesus states, “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” Additionally, 1 Peter 3:21 (NASB) declares, “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Baptism is the act of obedience that allows us to be united with Christ, and without it, we cannot enter the kingdom of God.
Can Infants Be Proper Subjects for Baptism?
The Bible also addresses who should be baptized. Some teach that infants should be baptized, but this contradicts Scripture. The Bible teaches that those who are baptized must believe and repent, as we see in Matthew 28:19-20 (NASB): “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.” Infants cannot understand the gospel, repent of sins, or make a decision to follow Christ. Matthew 18:3 (NASB) also shows that children are pure and have no sins to repent from: “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
The act of baptism is reserved for those who have reached an age of understanding and who can respond to the gospel with repentance and faith. Baptism is a decision that requires maturity and personal conviction.
Conclusion: Accept and Obey God’s Word
These questions represent only a few of the many topics in which modern religious practices differ from what the Bible teaches. We are called to follow the truth, even when it contradicts human traditions. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB) tells us, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” If we are to be followers of Christ, we must abide in His Word and not go beyond what is written.
Let us return to the simple, powerful message of the New Testament and restore the church to its original form. Do not rely on the promises of men, which often contradict Scripture. Instead, obey God’s Word with a sincere heart. In doing so, we will be walking in the truth and preparing for eternity with Him.
The Simple Gospel 