Tag doctrine of Christ

any OTHER gospel? Galatians 1:6-9

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“6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9)

The Uncompromising Gospel: A Warning Against Deviation

The Apostle Paul’s words in Galatians 1:8 are a thunderous declaration of the exclusivity and purity of the gospel: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” This verse is not merely a caution but a divine boundary, safeguarding the truth of Christ’s gospel against distortion. Paul’s warning underscores the danger of deviating from the apostolic teaching, structure, and practice of the church as revealed in Scripture. Any alteration, whether in organization, doctrine, hierarchy, mission, or worship, risks leading souls astray. Let us explore this verse through the lens of biblical fidelity, examining why deviations are perilous and why Paul’s response is so severe.

No Other Centralized Organization Beyond the Local Church
Scripture establishes the local church as the sole earthly organization for God’s people, with Christ as the head and heaven as its headquarters (1 Corinthians 11:3). The New Testament knows no centralized authority—such as denominations, synods, or councils—beyond the autonomous local congregation. Each church, under the oversight of its elders, answers directly to Christ, who reigns from heaven. Introducing hierarchical structures or external governing bodies usurps Christ’s authority and distorts the simplicity of His design. Paul’s warning in Galatians 1:8 condemns such innovations as a departure from the gospel, for they shift allegiance from Christ to human institutions.

No Other Doctrine of Christ
The gospel is singular and unchangeable, rooted in the teachings of Christ and His apostles. Second John 9 warns, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.” To preach “another gospel” is to introduce teachings foreign to the New Testament—whether adding human traditions, altering the plan of salvation, or diluting the truth with cultural compromises. The doctrine of Christ encompasses His deity, His sacrifice, His resurrection, and His commands for obedience (e.g., faith, repentance, baptism, and perseverance). Any deviation risks severing fellowship with God, making Paul’s curse a necessary defense of eternal truth.

No Other Hierarchy Beyond Elders, Deacons, and Saints
The New Testament prescribes a simple leadership structure for the church: elders (overseers), deacons, and saints (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-10). Elders shepherd the flock, deacons serve practical needs, and all members are saints, called to holiness. No additional offices—such as popes, cardinals, or regional bishops—are authorized. Introducing such hierarchies elevates human authority above Scripture and undermines the priesthood of all believers. Paul’s anathema in Galatians 1:8 applies to those who impose unbiblical structures, as they distort the gospel’s call to humility and submission to Christ alone.

No Other Work Beyond Making, Teaching, and Helping Saints
The mission of the church is clear: make disciples, teach them, and provide limited benevolence to saints in need (Matthew 28:18-20). The church is not a social club, political organization, or community activity center. Its work is spiritual—evangelizing the lost, edifying believers, and assisting struggling Christians (e.g., widows, as in 1 Timothy 5:16). Romans 16:16 identifies congregations as “churches of Christ,” not entertainment hubs or welfare agencies. When churches prioritize secular goals over spiritual ones, they preach “another gospel” by redefining the church’s purpose, incurring Paul’s curse.

No Other Worship Practices
True worship is regulated by Scripture, limited to specific acts that honor God and edify the church. Acts 2:42, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, and 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 outline these practices: partaking in Communion, hearing biblical preaching, singing understandable vocal songs, praying for God’s help, contributing financially to the church’s work, and encouraging one another to love and good deeds. Adding instrumental music, theatrical performances, or other innovations introduces “strange fire” into worship, akin to Nadab and Abihu’s unauthorized offering (Leviticus 10:1-2). Such practices deviate from the gospel’s pattern, inviting the condemnation of Galatians 1:8.

Why Was Paul So Harsh?
Paul’s pronouncement—“let him be accursed”—is jarring, but its severity reflects the stakes involved. The Greek word for “accursed” (anathema) denotes something devoted to destruction, cut off from God. Paul’s harshness stems from the eternal consequences of a corrupted gospel. The true gospel saves souls (Romans 1:16); a false gospel damns them. By invoking this curse, Paul emphasizes that no one—not even an apostle or an angel—has the authority to alter the message delivered once for all (Jude 3). His zeal mirrors Christ’s cleansing of the temple (John 2:17), protecting the purity of God’s truth from human tampering.

The Galatian churches were being swayed by Judaizers, who added circumcision and Mosaic law to the gospel (Galatians 1:6-7). This distortion threatened to enslave believers and nullify Christ’s sacrifice (Galatians 5:4). Paul’s curse is not vindictive but protective, urging believers to cling to the unaltered gospel. For modern readers, this serves as a sobering reminder: deviations in organization, doctrine, hierarchy, mission, or worship are not mere preferences but assaults on the truth that saves.

Galatians 1:8 is a blaring trumpet call to preserve the gospel in its pristine form. The church must remain a local, autonomous body under Christ’s headship, teaching only His doctrine, led by elders and deacons, focused on making and nurturing saints, and worshipping according to Scripture’s pattern. Any deviation risks preaching “another gospel,” leading souls to ruin. Paul’s harsh curse underscores the gravity of this truth: the gospel is not ours to modify. Let us heed his warning, holding fast to the faith delivered to the saints, ensuring that our churches reflect Christ’s design and our worship glorifies Him alone.

agape

Take Heed unto the Doctrine

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The denominational world is trying to CHANGE the church, which means they’re trying to CHANGE the doctrine of Christ.

DOCTRINE DEFINED. Doctrine is Teaching.

DOCTRINE DIVINE & DOCTRINE DELIVERED.

DOCTRINE that is DIFINITIVE, and DOCTRINE that is DENIED.

DOCTRINE to be DEFENDED, and a DOCTRINE so DEAR.

Why so urgent about the Doctrine of Christ? Because heaven is at stake. Fellowship with God and His Son Christ Jesus demand it.

Agape,

Spencer

Spencer is an evangelist for the church of Christ at Franklin & Juniper st. in Borger Texas. You’re invited to visit one of our services to learn more about the doctrine of Christ.

Letter to a Friend (2o3)

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Dear Friend, (continued 2o3)

The church is to be subject to Christ in all things (Ephesians 5:23,24). Jesus is the head of the church (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22,23), not any representative on earth. The church that belongs to Christ requires a “thus saith the Lord,” a scriptural reason for everything that it says and does (2 Timothy 3:16,17; 1Peter 4:11; 2 John 9; Revelation 22:18,19). The church cannot go beyond that which is written. If a man teaches something other than the truth he is to be cut off from the church (Galatians 1:6-10; 2 John 9-11). That means the church will do what Christ has authorized; no more, no less (Colossians 3:17; Acts 4:7). There must be a “thus saith the Lord” before the church can act. As the army of Christ, composed of soldiers of Christ, it cannot advance unless given the command of Christ.

The commands of Christ are found in the New Testament, Jesus took the Old Testament out of the way, nailing it to the cross (Colossians 2:12-14; Ephesians 2:14-17; Galatians 3:1-5, 17-29; 4:21-5:5; Hebrews 8:1-28; 12:18-29; 13:11-12; 2 Corinthians 3:1-18). We are not under the Old Testament, for Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace (Galatians 5:4).

The conditions for pardon and fellowship are given in the New Testament. Those who receive pardon and are accepted into the fellowship of the church are:

  • those who, having HEARD the word of God, and have FAITH (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:1,6);
  • those whose faith causes them to REPENT (Acts 17:30; 2Peter 3:9);
  • those who CONFESS their faith in Jesus as the Son of God (Acts 8:36,37; Romans 10:9,10; Matthew 10:32,33);
  • those who are IMMERSED in water in order to obtain the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Galatians 3:26,27; 1Peter 3:21);
  • those who REMAIN FAITHFUL in obedience, for those who walk disorderly are rejected John 15:1-6; 2Peter 2:20-22; Revelation 3:15,16). Any other conditions are commandments and doctrines of men.

The church is subject to Christ in organization. There is no organization revealed in God’s Word larger than the local congregation. The local congregation is to have a plurality of men who watch over that congregation who are known as elders, overseers, bishops, and pastors (Acts 14:23; 20:17,28; Titus 1:5-7; Ephesians 4:11). This is not one individual, but a group of individuals. These men must meet all of the qualifications set forth to serve (1Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). There is no record of a singular pastor over a congregation. The local congregation also has deacons who meet the qualifications (Philippians 1:1; Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:8-13). 

The local congregation also has preachers, or evangelists (Acts 21:8; 2Timothy 4:1-5). The church no longer has living apostles or prophets (Acts 1:21-26; Ephesians 2:20).  There is no separation of clergy and laity, for all are priests unto God (1Peter 2:5,9). A congregation can exist without elders, deacons or a preacher.  But no man has the right to assume the eldership without the correct credentials.  We cannot make up our own government for the church.

The church is to be subject to Christ in its worship. The local church meets together in one place upon the first day of the week, every week, and partakes of the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine in the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7; Matthew 26:26-30; 1Corinthians 11:17-34). The church as it gathers together sings without instrumental music nor specialized singers (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). The worship also includes prayer (Acts 2:42; 12:5), preaching (Acts 20:7), and a free will contribution (1Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6,7). During the assembly the women are to keep silence (1Corinthians 14:34,35; 1Timothy 2:11-15).

  • Friend, do the “churches” that you are attending realize and teach that the church is the saved, and since it is that which Christ shed his blood for, and is the Savior of, you must be a part of the church to be saved?
  • Do the “churches” that you are attending teach and practice that Christ is the head of the church, rejecting all creeds and councils for the church, and accepting the New Testament as their only creed book?
  • Friend, Do the “churches” that you attend justify their actions from the Old Testament? or do they abide by the doctrine of Christ?
  • Do the “churches” you attend teach and practice the conditions of pardon and fellowship that the apostles revealed by inspiration, or do they have other conditions?
  • Friend, do the “churches” you attend have the organization found in the New Testament? or do they have a state, regional and/or national organization?
  • Do the “churches” you attend follow the New Testament plan for worship in partaking of the Lord’s Supper every week, having congregational singing without instrumental music, praying, preaching the word, and having a free-will contribution?

Ask the preachers if they have a creed book. Ask them if they have a ruling council. Ask the preachers if they justify their actions by the Old Testament. Ask them what it takes to become a member of their denomination. Are the answers to these questions the answers which are given in the New Testament? Are they the church you read about in the New Testament?

(continued next week)

MANIFOLD wisdom pt8, the DOCTRINE of Christ

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There is a DOCTRINE of Christ to be followed.

This last lesson is about the Doctrine of Christ. Some would have you believe the error that there is no law under the New Testament. They will claim that there are no commands to be followed, worship is personal and that Jesus accepts you as you are without repentance. This also includes that a person cannot so sin as to lose their salvation. This is wrong.

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” [2John 1:9]

Since there is a DOCTRINE of Christ, what is it and what are we to do with it?

As we begin this study, let’s be reminded of the words from Jesus;

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”

[Luke 6:46]

This article is unable to give you every point about the Doctrine of Christ, nor shall it be a creed. The Doctrine of Christ is the New Testament scriptures. I will address 8 key points about the Doctrine of Christ.

Doing some of Christ’s Doctrine would not do if we haven’t completed the primary part. That is to obey the Gospel for salvation. The gospel is the Death, Burial & Resurrection of Jesus [2Thess 1:8-9; 1Cor 15:1-5; Heb 5:8-9]. How do you obey the DBR? Our Baptism is the culmination of our Faith in Christ. When we’ve Heard the Gospel, Believed it with all our heart, Repented of our sin, and Confessed that Jesus is the Christ, we become eligible to follow Christ into His Death, Burial & Resurrection [Rom 6:3-4]. God working through our faith [Col 2:11-12].

It then follows that OBEDIENCE to the Doctrine becomes the way of life for the Christian. “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” [1Tim 4:16; cr. Rom 6:17-18]

Before His ascension into heaven, Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” [Mat 28:18]. What this means is that CHRIST has all authority. We as the created have no authority to make up a law of requirements for other men to follow. CHRIST, as the Head of the church, has that authority. He has given us all thing pertaining to Life & Godliness and we are to do our best to follow. [2Peter 1:3-5]. This is not limited to the ‘words in red.’ The entirety of the New Testament are His commands as given to the Apostles & inspired writers through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. [1Cor 14:37; John 16:13; 1Peter 1:20]

After Jesus commanded that we obey the gospel, He then said that His doctrine was to be TAUGHT to these new creatures. “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:” [Mat 28:20; cr. 2Tim 2:2] It would not do for the Christian to remain in their former understanding of morality [1Cor 6:9-11]. The Christian is to “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ” [2Pet 3:18; Heb 5:12; 1Peter 2:2; 2Tim 3:15-17].

The Doctrine of Christ teaches that it’s possible to neglect, sin, and shipwreck our faith [Heb 2:3; Gal 5:4; 1Tim 1:19]. Therefore, we are to be on guard and REMAIN Faithful. This would be easy if our faith wasn’t under attack [1Peter 4:12; Eph 6:10-17]. Christ calls us to remain faithful even if it causes our death. [Act 2:42; Rev 2:10]

Christ, through His Doctrine, also expects us to INCREASE our faith, to abound in Love, Good Works and thanksgiving [2Pet 1:5-12; 1Co 15:58; 2Co 8:7; Php 1:9; Col 2:7; 1Thess 4:1; 2Thess 1:3; Rom 15:13]. Christians grow, mature, and produce, each according to their ability & opportunity.

“And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:” [1Thess 3:12]

Throughout the Old Testament we see warnings for the people of God not to revert back to their former sinful ways. It should come as no surprise that the Doctrine of Christ has this same warning and admonition. We are to NEVER, NEVER, NEVER Turn Back! The Apostle Peter said it in a very descriptive way; “But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” [2Peter 2:22] When you understand that a Christian has their sins “washed away” [Acts 22:16; 1Cor 6:9-11] then this verse makes perfect sense. Do you suppose that a Christian that quits the faith, “turning to his own vomit” “a sow wallowing in the mire” is going to heaven? There are so many passages warning us to NEVER turn back. [Heb 6:4-6; 10:29; the Book of Galatians; Lu 9:62]

“See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:” [Heb 12:25]

The Doctrine of Christ teaches us to perform a self-EXAMINATION as to whether we’re even in the faith. This self-EXAMINATION is to be done daily, and weekly in worship [1Cor 11:1; 2Cor 13:5]. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”

When we recognize that there IS a Doctrine of Christ, it follows that it is to be kept & obeyed. “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,” [Titus 2:7]. The doctrine also recognizes our weaknesses & failures. It gives instruction, hope, and assurance about that as well. [1Joh 1:5-10].

There is only one DOCTRINE of CHRIST and we are not to change it by adding to it or taking from it. [2John 9; Rev 22:18; De 4:2; 12:32; Pr 30:6]. Neither do we blend it with the Law of Moses. [Col 2:14]

The MANIFOLD wisdom of God

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The MANIFOLD wisdom of God.

One thing that keeps us from talking to others about the Gospel of Christ is the fear someone will challenge us with something we don’t know how to answer. We are also afraid of steering anyone in the wrong direction, so we do nothing.

What if I told you that the vast majority of challenges you will encounter could be traced back to just a few simple principles? What if I told you that if you learned these handful of principles you could answer most OBJECTIONS to the gospel? How would that affect your confidence?

We need not study the teachings of denominations. If we study these few truths, we will be equipped.

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” [John 8:32] 

How would you like to learn just a few biblical truths and be able answer all these errors…?

COMMON ERRORS taught by denominations.

Saved by Faith only, Grace alone, Eph 2:8-9 only, There’s Nothing man can do to be saved, Baptism does not save, John 3:1-5 is physical birth, The Jailor was told to just believe, What if you’re in a desert without water, Infant Baptism, What if you’re on the way to be baptized and die, What’s in the water, It’s a good idea to be baptized but not necessary, The Bible Doesn’t say we can’t do ___, We have liberty to do whatever is not spoken against directly, We don’t have to be accurate with the word of God, You’re a Legalist, The End justifies the means, We draw people in with Bands, brews & burgers, varying Worship activities & practices, varying days of corporate worship, Tithing v giving, Rapture, TULIP (Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, Perseverance of the saints), Racial Prejudice, Men & women roles, women preachers / pastors, Popes, Cardinals & Priests, “God spoke to me,” Predestination, “I’m too sinful to be saved,” Marriage Divorce & Remarriage, Marriage perversions, Holy Spirit gifts, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, Mormons, Speaking in tongues, “God called me,” Seeing visions & dreams, Premonitions, mediums etc, Hardening pharaoh’s heart, Why does God allow evil, God is not good because of evil & pain, God isn’t good if He doesn’t end evil, God is not good if He can’t stop the evil, God has a plan for you, Demon possession, Direct operation of the Holy Spirit, Instrumental music in worship, David used instruments, Sabbath keeping, Feast days of the Old Testament, the 10 commandments, “What about the Thief on the cross,” “John 3:16 is all I need,” It’s just love, Love not Legalism, “You hate people because you judge them,” “there are Many ways to Christ,” God’s Love is so big that He has Many drawers (one for every denomination), Denominationalism, division in Religion, “God called you to your church and He called me to my church, Many churches, There are many ways to Christ, “many ships headed to one destination,” Institutionalism, Herald of Truth, In Search of the Lord’s way, Missionary Societies, church sponsored institutions, the sponsoring church, clothing rooms, general benevolence, “Christians aren’t supposed to debate,” “Let’s agree to disagree,” Once Saved always saved, Emotionalism, Gnosticism, “you think you’re the only ones going to heaven,” “You’re closed minded,” and more.

Yes, you can. By thoroughly learning a few foundational biblical truths, you can answer all of the above errors.

8 Foundational Truths…

  1. Everyone MUST obey the Gospel to be saved.

[2Thess 1:8-9; Heb 5:8-9]

  • All AUTHORITY is in Christ, and His commands are written in the New Testament.

[Mat 28:18; Luke 6:46; 1Cor 14:37]

  • God is NO RESPECTER of persons.

[Acts 10:34; James 2:1-12]

  • The INSPIRATION of the Holy Spirit is complete.

[John 20:30-31; Eph 3:3-4; 1Cor 13:8-13; 2Tim 3:15-17]

  • The FREE WILL of man is never infringed.

[Deut 30:19; Josh 24:15; Mat 15:14; Philemon]

  • The Old Testament Law has ended.

[Hebrews 7,8,9,10; Col 2:14]

  • LOVE does not mean the acceptance of sin or that repentance is not required of us.

[John 13:35; 14:15; 15:14; Luke 6:46; 1John 5:3; 1Cor 13]

  • There is only one DOCTRINE of CHRIST and we are not to change it by adding to it or taking from it.

[2John 9; Rev 22:18; De 4:2; 12:32; Pr 30:6]

These 8 truths, if learned well, will aid you in facing nearly all of the challenges you will face in your personal evangelism.

May God Bless you all.

I Don’t Keep Any Of The Ten Commandments

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Image result for 10 commandments
I Don’t Keep Any Of The Ten Commandments
William J. Stewart | Odessa, Ontario, Canada
 
When speaking with folks about the distinction between the Old and New Testaments, I will, to make a vivid point, often declare, “I don’t keep any of the Ten Commandments.” You ought to see the look such a statement elicits on the face of some people. Now, what do |I mean by that statement? I acknowledge the God of heaven and worship Him alone. I do not serve false gods. I do not misuse the name of God. I worship on the day which God has prescribed. I render the appropriate respect to my parents. I do not murder. I do not commit fornication. I do not steal. I do not lie. I do not covet other people’s goods. And yet, I earnestly say, “I don’t keep any of the Ten Commandments.”
 
The Ten Commandments (and indeed, the whole Law of Moses) were not given for me to keep, but for the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 4:44-45; 5:1-3). As we consider the testimony of Scripture, it ought to become evident that we are not under the Law of Christ, not the Law of Moses. Consider:
 
MATTHEW 5:17-18
Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.
 
Many will use this text to affirm that the Law would never cease, but the careful Bible student will realize that Jesus is saying just the opposite. In verse 17, the Lord states unequivocally that He came to fulfill the Law. In the next verse, He plainly indicates what would take place once it was fulfilled – it would pass away.
 
A parent may tell a child not to get off a chair until his “time out” is over. A union leader may tell management that the workers will not return until all their demands are met. There are countless statements where a given result will occur once a condition has been met. Shall we leave the child on the chair even after the “time out” is completed? Shall the workers forsake their jobs even after their demands have been satisfied? Of course not. Neither should we affirm the perpetuation of the Law, for the Lord has fulfilled it.
 
ACTS 15:1, 5
Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. … It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
 
These two statements were made by some first century Jewish Christians with regard to the Gentile converts to Christ. They, like some today, were proponents of the Law, and sought to bind it upon believers. Notice what the apostles had to say of them and their position:
  • Peter asked, “…why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither you nor your fathers were able to bear?” (15:10)
  • James, considering the coming of the Gentiles to Christ, in view of prophecy, stated, “…we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God…” (15:19)
  • The apostles distinguished themselves from the Law proponents, declaring, “…we gave no such commandment…” (15:24)
  • The apostles, inspired of God, wrote to the Gentiles, saying, “…it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.” (15:28-29)
Those who affirm that we are still subject to the Law of Moses today set themselves against the apostles of Christ and the Holy Spirit himself.
 
GALATIANS 3:23-26
But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
 
Paul revealed the purpose of the Law of Moses. It guarded the hearts of the Jews until faith came. Not personal faith, for personal faith has existed since creation began. The faith spoke of is the law of faith, which would be revealed in Christ. But notice, when the faith came (ie. the New Testament Law, the Gospel), then “…we are no longer under a tutor.” The purpose of the law had been served. Now, we are God’s people, not by the Law of Moses, but “…through faith in Christ Jesus.” (NOTE, it was only the Jews who had been kept under guard by the law, the Gentiles were never under the law)
 
HEBREWS 8:7-13
For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Because finding fault with them, He says, ‘Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah – not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the days when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the LORD. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.’ In that He says, ‘A new covenant,’ He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
 
Two covenants are under consideration here, the first being established through Moses, the second, through the Christ. In bringing forth a new covenant, what did God plan for the former? Was it to remain, and be kept in conjunction with the second? The Hebrew writer uses words such as “obsolete,” “growing old,” and “ready to vanish away” to describe the Law of Moses. We are not subject to the covenant established by God with Israel at Mount Sinai. We are subject to the law established with the entire world through the Christ at Calvary.
 
GALATIANS 5:1-4
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Indeed, I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 
 
Those who contend that we are still subject to Moses’ law today fail to be consistent with their own claim. Paul indicated that if one presumes to keep part of the law, they are indebted to keep the whole law (v 3). Do those who claim to keep the law today continue in the sacrifices prescribed? Do they observe the feasts in the way they are commanded? Do they hold to the penalties instructed for crimes and offences under Moses’ law? Some who claim we should keep Moses’ Law even fail to keep the Sabbath day as instructed in the Law. Their claim fails support through their actions.
 
In Galatians 5, Paul wrote to Gentile Christians whom Judaizing teachers pressured to receive circumcision in obedience to the Law of Moses (the same issue which existed in Acts 15), Paul’s message was clear – don’t do it! You have been made free in Christ, why would you turn to a law of bondage (cf. Galatians 2:4)? To seek to be justified by Moses’ law is to separate oneself from Christ.
 
COLOSSIANS 2:14-17
…having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.
 
What was the handwriting of requirements that was against and contrary to us? It is the law of Moses. Recall Peter’s statement in Acts 15 – the law was a yoke “…which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear.” It was “taken out of the way … nailed to the cross.” The Law of Moses had “become obsolete” and was “ready to vanish away” (Hebrews 8). That being the case, Paul urged the disciples not to allow people to judge them in matters related to the Law – food, drink, festivals, new moons, sabbaths. The disciples of Christ are not subject to these laws or any laws from Moses. He identifies the Law as a shadow – the reality, the true, is found in Christ and His law, the gospel.
 
Well, hang on. I said earlier that I acknowledge the one true God, worship Him alone, I don’t misuse His name and I worship on the day He prescribed. I have respect for my parents, I do not murder, commit fornication, steal, lie or covet my neighbour’s goods. By definition, am I not keeping the Ten Commandments? Nope, not a one. All of the commandments (except the Sabbath law) are repeated in the New Testament (Matthew 4:10; 1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 Timothy 6:1; Colossians 3:20; Romans 13:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Ephesians 4:28; Colossians 3:9; Hebrews 13:5). The Sabbath is not repeated, for the prescribed day of worship in the New Testament is the first day of the week (Matthew 28:1-2; John 20:19; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).
Friend, we are not subject to Moses’ law. It was not and is not our law, not even the Ten Commandments. We are subject to Christ, to the message of the gospel as revealed through the New Testament.

GONE WITH THE WIND

The Preacher Leave a comment

I’ve never heard of a ‘BOMB CYCLONE’ until last week. In case you missed it, the panhandle of Texas (along with other areas) experienced winds gusting over 75 mph. That kind of wind tosses a lot of things around and not a few people. Videos show roofs being blown off and semi-trucks toppling.

Let’s use this occasion of high winds to talk about the high winds of denominational doctrine. The Holy Spirit warns about this through Paul’s letter to the Ephesians:

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;” [Eph 4:14]

This is brilliant imagery, especially considering last week’s winds and the damage it caused. Upon examination of this verse we come to a few conclusions

  • There is a true doctrine. “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” [Titus 1:9; 2:1, 10; Heb 6:1; 2John 1:9]
  • The negative doctrines are from men. [cr doctrines of men; Rom 16:17; Col 2:22; 1Tim 1:3, 10; Heb 13:9; 2John 1:10; Rev 2:14, 15,24 and doctrines of devils 1Tim 4:1]
  • These men use sleight (tactic used in gambling)
  • These men use cunning craftiness (trickery). The same word describing Satan; “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” [2Cor 11:3]
  • These men use deceit (lies). It’s called error in 1John 4:6 “We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”
  • These men are lying in wait, which is also said of thieves who hide in dark places to attack an innocent. [Proverbs 1:11]
  • The persons unable to distinguish between the doctrine of Christ and the doctrines of men are children, immature.
  • The doctrines of men are varied and often opposite of one another.
  • The child caught up in the wind is tossed and carried away by the false teaching. We’re expected to mature in spiritual understanding. “Brethren, be not children in understanding:” [1Cor 14:20a]

Paul continues this thought in chapter 5: “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” [Eph 5:6]. Just as the winds that tore through the panhandle, so too the winds of doctrine can tear through the church doing terrible damage. Unlike the physical damage of a wind, this is spiritual damage that tosses people into disobedience.

There is another way that wind is used for a SPIRITUAL WARNING, it’s our faith.

“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” [James 1:6]

James continues in this context and says that the one wavering in faith should not expect anything from God. Additionally, he calls the one with a wavering faith an unstable person. This smacks in the face of the admonition of the Christian to…

  • Stand Fast: “For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.” [1Thess 3:8]
  • Stand perfect & complete: “…that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” [Col 4:12]

It is my firm belief that the most damaging wind of doctrine is the utterly contemptible doctrine of ecumenism (the promoting of unity among denominations without unity of doctrine). An idea our Lord never promoted. He demands unity in His teaching. [1Cor 1:10]