IF … Then WHY?
IF it is true when people ask the following questions or bring up the following statements, then WHY does the Bible
say…
1. IF morals save us
– (i.e. I am a good, moral person) … then WHY does the Bible say:
· Acts 10:1-6, 22, 48?
· Cornelius was a devout man/feared God/just man/good reputation YET it was still necessary that he be baptized for
the remission of his sins.
2. IF your conscience is a safe guide – (I FEEL I am doing right) … then WHY does the Bible say:
· Acts 23:1, 24:16, 26:9-11
· Paul, when he was persecuting Christians, said he did it with a clear conscience, felt he was doing
it for God. But, his conscience was WRONG!
3. Faith
ONLY justifies … then WHY does the Bible say:
·
Ja 2:17, 24, 26
· Faith without works is dead
· We are justified by works and not by faith only
4. There
is nothing to do to be saved … then WHY does the Bible
say:
·
Mt 7:21, Mk 16:15-16, Rev. 22:14
· He who does the will of my father in heaven
· He who believes and is baptized
· Those who do His commandments
· This shows there is something to do to be saved
5. Gospel obedience is not necessary … then WHY
does the Bible say:
·
2Th 1:7-9, He 5:8,9
· Vengeance … those who do not obey the gospel
· Learned obedience
6. The majority is right
… then WHY does the Bible say:
· Mt 7:13-14,22,23, 1pe 3:20
· Wide…destruction…many go in by it
· Few (8 souls) … saved through water
7. We can’t fall from grace? … then WHY
does the Bible say:
·
1cor 9:27, 1Ti 4:1, He 3:12
· I shall become disqualified (Paul said even HE could become disqualified if
he did walk properly)\
·
Some will depart from the faith
·
Evil heart of unbelief (remember, Paul was
talking to Christians)
8. The doctrines of men are acceptable? … then WHY does the Bible say:
· Mk 7:13-14, Ga 1:8-9, 2Jn 1:9-11
· Broad is the way … destruction
· Any other gospel … accursed
· Anyone who transgresses … not have God
· Anyone who does not bring this doctrine … receive him not
9. Religious division (ecumenism, many churches) is a blessing … then WHY does the Bible say:
· Jn 17:20-23, 1Cor 3:3
· That they may be one … that they also may be one in us
· All speak the same thing
· When there are divisions, strife etc., Paul said they were carnal (walking as men, not as spiritual
brothers)
10.
Many churches are good? … then WHY does the Bible say:
· Mt 16:18, Eph 1:22-23, Eph 5:23-25
· I will build MY church ONE
· Church – SINGULAR
· Body – ONE
· Head (ONE) of church (ONE)
11. You can worship as you please … then WHY does the Bible say:
·
Mt 15:8-9, Jn 4:23-24
· In vain do they worship me
· God wants us to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.
12. Instrumental music is good … then WHY does the Bible say:
·
Eph 5:19, Col 3:16
· Speaking
· Singing, making melody in your
heart
·
Teaching, admonishing
· an instrument cannot accomplish this, and since it is commanded, then an instrument is an addition to the Word
13.
We use terms like Clergy, Reverend, Dr., Father … then WHY does the Bible say:
· Mt. 23:8-10, Ro 1:1, 2pe 1:1
· Do not be called … Rabbi,
Father, Teacher (of course this is meaning religiously)
· Paul, an apostle of our Lord, was simply called Paul.
14. What about having a Pastor, that’s OK, isn’t it? … then WHY does the Bible say:
· Acts 14:23, 20:17, 1Pe 5:1,2
· Paul appointed elders in every church. An elder is a pastor, true, but notice:
there was always to be pastors (plural). Also, it is a job description, and not to be used as a
Title (i.e. Pastor Smith)
15.
Lifestyle does not matter … then WHY does the Bible say:
· 1 cor 6:9-11, Ga 5:19-21”
· The unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God – “… neither fornicators,
nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards,
nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
· Lifestyle matters
16. Faithfulness is not necessary … then WHY does
the Bible say:
·
2Ti:4-6, 8, Rev 2:10
· Paul finished the race, kept the faith
· Must be faithful until death
Sermon Feb 4/07 Eric Castillo
Northside church of Christ, Calgary
