Which Denomination Follows the Bible the Closest?

Albion said:

They are the ones which consider the Bible to be authoritative but merely one source of such information. These include the Orthodox Eastern churches, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Old Catholics and other split-offs from any of the above. These all believe in Sacred Tradition, also called Holy Tradition (custom, legend, folklore, theological speculation, etc.) and use it to create doctrines, in the belief that this source is the equal of the Bible.

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Ah dear brother - you know (I hope) that I have great respect for you. But this is an inaccurate representation of how Orthodoxy views Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition. I wouldn't speak for Catholics or any others. But it can cause confusion to leave such statements unchallenged. (Not that I want to argue.)

God be with you.

The "branch" which "follows the Bible most closely" would certainly be that "branch" which wrote and canonized the New Testament, right?

RussianSlavicMan said:

Hello everyone, I suspect that this question may have been asked before, but I was unsure. But just in case, I'll ask it again just to make sure.

Anyways, I was just wondering what branch of Christianity follows the Bible the closest. I wanted to also join whichever branch that follows the Bible the closest because I don't know what type of Christian I am. I was a Baptist then I was an Eastern Orthodox then I was a Protestant - I just don't know what to follow. I don't want to follow something that Jesus said not to do or something not mentioned in the Bible. I just simply want to follow a branch of Christianity that follows the Bible the closest with everything the Bible mentions; scripture and all. I looked into the Seventh-day Adventist church because I was told that they do follow the Bible the closest, but my friend (Jim) said not to join because they are cult-like and I don't want to be in any cult and be looked down upon with ill intentions and avoided. All I want is pure Christianity and no modifications or add-ons to it, just pure Christianity. I definitely don't want to be in any cult either. I then considered being Catholic but my friend said that they don't follow the Bible closely either and they have traditions that they have created that are not in the Bible. My friend Jim sent me links to support his reasoning, and I believe him.

The Plain Truth about the Roman Catholic Church
The Sad Truth About Seventh Day Adventism

Thank you.

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It is the fault of the sinners that we are that we cannot find THAT church. I finally decided that NONE are perfect. Instead, I go to worship Jesus, to engage in the fellowship of like believers, and to give my tithe. I sit in class and discuss the bible with like believers. I go to the sermons and pray that God will induce His word through the mouth of our preacher, because he asks the same thing. And I go to learn, live, and love. No church, no denomination is perfect or even comes close to the Glory of God! So rather than worry about what food they have on the table, consider what plate you can bring for others to share. That will help make it closer to your idea of the perfect denomination. Be blessed friend. You are on the right track.

~Anastasia~ said:

Ah dear brother - you know (I hope) that I have great respect for you. But this is an inaccurate representation of how Orthodoxy views Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition. I wouldn't speak for Catholics or any others. But it can cause confusion to leave such statements unchallenged. (Not that I want to argue.)

God be with you.

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I appreciate your tone and your friendship, as always, but I stand by what I advised our friend. Orthodoxy certainly does dogmatize on the basis of Holy Tradition. Fortunately, it is more restrained than the Catholic Church in so doing and it is more careful that what is defined in this manner is actually traditional, but these churches are definitely not committed to establishing doctrine on the Bible only. That is what our inquirer is seeking. Had he said the opposite--that he wanted a church that was not set on Bible as its sole guiding principle--I would surely have included Orthodoxy on my list of recommendations.

RussianSlavicMan said:

Hello everyone, I suspect that this question may have been asked before, but I was unsure. But just in case, I'll ask it again just to make sure.

Anyways, I was just wondering what branch of Christianity follows the Bible the closest. I wanted to also join whichever branch that follows the Bible the closest because I don't know what type of Christian I am. I was a Baptist then I was an Eastern Orthodox then I was a Protestant - I just don't know what to follow. I don't want to follow something that Jesus said not to do or something not mentioned in the Bible. I just simply want to follow a branch of Christianity that follows the Bible the closest with everything the Bible mentions; scripture and all. I looked into the Seventh-day Adventist church because I was told that they do follow the Bible the closest, but my friend (Jim) said not to join because they are cult-like and I don't want to be in any cult and be looked down upon with ill intentions and avoided. All I want is pure Christianity and no modifications or add-ons to it, just pure Christianity. I definitely don't want to be in any cult either. I then considered being Catholic but my friend said that they don't follow the Bible closely either and they have traditions that they have created that are not in the Bible. My friend Jim sent me links to support his reasoning, and I believe him.

The Plain Truth about the Roman Catholic Church
The Sad Truth About Seventh Day Adventism

Thank you.

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I believe the conservative Lutheran churches follow the Bible most faithfully...WELS Lutheran and ELS Lutheran churches...there are a few other Lutheran synods which are no longer faithful to the Word.
But why ask...I mean it's nice to get input on this, but I would be so determined to find this out for myself if I were in your position and I was that fervent to find that all I read was truly practiced in the church I grew up in.
Read, read, read and then look at the statement of faith for each church you are inquiring about...found on-line usually...and see if that denomination measures up to the Truth. It is wisest to pray about this matter and search it out yourself. In this way you will not only be able to make that church determination/selection for yourself, but you will learn about the other church denominations. The real church is an invisible church known only to God who knows man's hearts and minds and intentions. I believe we will find some believers in many different denominations and so does my church. However, one is responsible for what he knows about the Scriptures and must find that church he is willing to align with. Know ahead of time that almost all, if not all, churches require you to pledge to their statement of faith to become a member and it is often only the members that fully participate in Church work. May God guide you!

~Anastasia~ said:

The history of the Christians is always good to understand.

I wish we had a more sure understanding of how the peshitta came into existence. I think it must have been extremely useful for all who were reached in their language, without doubt. But the textual base might mean it could be better read alongside the Septuagint and the Greek NT? Depending how many languages one knows, lol. I'm still working on the Ancient Greek and at this rate, probably will be whatever is left of my life.

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In aramaic the word camel and rope are synonymous. It some what clarifies a Jesus parable about a rich man.
I brought an English translation of it, after studying the swiss reformation. Some one convinced the swiss to rebel. I think it was a Syrian Christian( hypothesis. ). From Antioch Christian church.

Albion said:

I appreciate your tone and your friendship, as always, but I stand by what I advised our friend. Orthodoxy certainly does dogmatize on the basis of Holy Tradition. Fortunately, it is more restrained than the Catholic Church in so doing and it is more careful that what is defined in this manner is actually traditional, but these churches are definitely not committed to establishing doctrine on the Bible only. That is what our inquirer is seeking. Had he said the opposite--that he wanted a church that was not set on Bible as its sole guiding principle--I would surely have included Orthodoxy on my list of recommendations.

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Oh I'm not meaning to advise the OP. I'm curious as to what his objections are (very specifically, not generally) but since he hasn't invited that question I'm not pressing.

But I meant specifically that you seemed to be implying that Orthodoxy holds the Holy Scriptures on the one hand, and Holy Tradition in the other, and looks to them as being equally authoritative on establishing doctrines. This is not true.

The Holy Scriptures are not separate from Holy Tradition. Holy Tradition is all of that received from the Apostles, which includes the Holy Scriptures. And Holy Scriptures are the central and most authoritative part of Holy Tradition - that's part of why those writings became Scripture.

There are other kinds of Tradition and other parts. They are recognized as having lesser degrees of authority though.

But overall it can admittedly be quite intricate, especially when you consider that the authority of the Holy Scriptures is in the way it has been received and understood. It would never be what someone in modern times decided it must mean because of his private interpretation.

Forgive me, but the former (which you seemed to imply) is very wrong, and I hope you won't mind me wishing to set the record straight for any lurkers or future searchers, when I'm able to do so.

RussianSlavicMan said:

If the only true church is the church that Jesus set up, then what church practices only that? Is there a name to it? Because all I see around where I live are churches devoted to the denomination that they are and not the church that Jesus set up. Each denomination separates each church, but which one is only reliant upon the church that Jesus set up? In other words, which church practices the entirety of the Bible and not the traditions of that branch of Christianity? Why must there be branches? Why not have a church devoted to it all? Which church does that? Which church only looks at the Bible and only relies on that for all sources of information? You know, like Jesus wanted. That's the church I'm looking for. No extra stuff, no denominational stuff, just what Jesus wanted.

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I am in 100% agreement with you on this. I have also began a search for bible believing only churches. I have yet to encounter one in person yet. Most hold to some kind of tradition of some kind like having a big building whereby they gather believers and unbelievers in the same building to worship God and they desire the unbelievers in their proper time to do an altar call when they are ready to accept the Lord. But the Bible says what fellowship does light have with darkness? The Bible teaches that fellowship was in each others homes and no unbelievers were invited to fellowship with them and or to praise God (Without first being converted to Christ). Also, many churches today justify a sin and still be saved type belief of some kind. So following Jesus is optional for them. Many think they do not have to dedicate their life to following Jesus, and yet, they think still be saved. Some will say that you have to obey, but then they will turn around and say at another time that you can sin and still be saved.

The only church I found online that takes holiness seriously is:
"Christ’s Sanctified Holy Church."


You can see videos of their sermons at YouTube.

Granted, they gather in big church buildings, but they do take following the Lord seriously.
Unfortunately, there is no church like this near where I live.
So I am seeking an alternate means to remedy this situation (Lord willing of course).

RussianSlavicMan said:

If the only true church is the church that Jesus set up, then what church practices only that? Is there a name to it? Because all I see around where I live are churches devoted to the denomination that they are and not the church that Jesus set up. Each denomination separates each church, but which one is only reliant upon the church that Jesus set up? In other words, which church practices the entirety of the Bible and not the traditions of that branch of Christianity? Why must there be branches? Why not have a church devoted to it all? Which church does that? Which church only looks at the Bible and only relies on that for all sources of information? You know, like Jesus wanted. That's the church I'm looking for. No extra stuff, no denominational stuff, just what Jesus wanted.

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You might also be interested to read these two threads, too.

God's Order in the Church vs Man's Order
The Pastor King (New)

Markstrimaran said:

In aramaic the word camel and rope are synonymous. It some what clarifies a Jesus parable about a rich man.
I brought an English translation of it, after studying the swiss reformation. Some one convinced the swiss to rebel. I think it was a Syrian Christian( hypothesis. ). From Antioch Christian church.

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I'm not saying it's not useful. Particularly in such idioms. I've been wanting to get a copy myself, though of course I need it translated into English.

My concerns are more with OT writings, since I think they were possibly translated from potentially problematic Hebrew texts? From what I understand, no one actually knows for SURE ... so I'd suggest the Septuagint (or a translation based on it) to at least identify places they disagree.

But from the NT it may be another couple of "generations" of translation, but having included local and ancient Christians, it could be quite valuable. I'd love to make comparisons verse by verse myself someday. Though again, I'd probably compare it to the Greek (which it's mostly a translation from I think?) and/or the English text produced by the Greek Church. I think it could be an edifying exercise.

Thanks for bringing out the specific example.


I really do need to get a copy.

RussianSlavicMan said:

If the only true church is the church that Jesus set up, then what church practices only that? Is there a name to it? Because all I see around where I live are churches devoted to the denomination that they are and not the church that Jesus set up. Each denomination separates each church, but which one is only reliant upon the church that Jesus set up? In other words, which church practices the entirety of the Bible and not the traditions of that branch of Christianity? Why must there be branches? Why not have a church devoted to it all? Which church does that? Which church only looks at the Bible and only relies on that for all sources of information? You know, like Jesus wanted. That's the church I'm looking for. No extra stuff, no denominational stuff, just what Jesus wanted.

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Note: I wanted to add that the only way a big church can work is if they make sure that everyone who is sitting in attendance is a professing believer in Jesus Christ before they worship or praise the Lord. For Jesus says we must worship God in spirit and in truth (See: John 4). The church also has to allow other church members in attendance to speak the Word of God, and or offer a psalm, or share their experience. It should not be a one man show always. Anyways, the most important thing we can do is inspire people to follow the Lord.

Here is a movie that I am really looking forward to seeing soon. It is a movie about a Youth Pastor encouraging a set of youths at the church to follow Christ.


It's getting back to following the Lord alone according to the Bible alone.

RussianSlavicMan said:

If the only true church is the church that Jesus set up, then what church practices only that? Is there a name to it? Because all I see around where I live are churches devoted to the denomination that they are and not the church that Jesus set up. Each denomination separates each church, but which one is only reliant upon the church that Jesus set up? In other words, which church practices the entirety of the Bible and not the traditions of that branch of Christianity? Why must there be branches? Why not have a church devoted to it all? Which church does that? Which church only looks at the Bible and only relies on that for all sources of information? You know, like Jesus wanted. That's the church I'm looking for. No extra stuff, no denominational stuff, just what Jesus wanted.

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The church today is divided though...into the various denominations....and so that is what is left for you to examine. Denominations began after reformation and the splinter groups or denominations exist because some church members believed...rightly or wrongly and out of real devotion and fervor for Truth...that they found error in what their church taught and needed to correct it. When a majority in those church bodies do not see the errors...real or imagined...these "reformers" leave and set up a church which they believe teaches the pure Word. Sounds noble, but sometimes these are immature Christians...in their understanding of the Word...and so it becomes more a matter of sin which causes the division. No doubt, corrections should be made when necessary, however...
II Timothy 3:16:
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

Therefore, I must say again, you are left, as a Christian today, to sift through those denominations...I consider all names for churches denominations...Catholics too. I know Catholics believe they have the church Christ set up, I disagree because they fail to embrace the Gospel truth that Jesus alone accomplished their redemption and the veil was torn when He died on the cross signifying that believers can approach God in prayer and supplication directly..not mediators. That's like saying God's hand is too short.
I still advise you to examine, on-line is most convenient, statements of belief, and see which covers God's Word to your understanding most clearly.

Jesus Christ founded one Church, said it was to remain one, and promised that one Church "The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth", and "Whatsoever you bind upon Earth is bound in Heaven", and "He who hears you hears Me". He also clearly stated His will concerning His followers - "that they all may be one, even as I and My heavenly Father are one". In other words, He plainly taught that no other churches were to exist, and that no other churches could teach the fullness of truth. The bishops of the one Church He founded compiled the Bible from its own writings, at the direction of the Pope, in the mid-4th Century, which is the only way we have of knowing that the Bible is the Word of God, and that one Church is also the only source of accurate and authoritative interpretation of its own book. Unauthorized manmade denominational churches have "borrowed" the Bible from His Church, but have been totally unable to interpret it accurately, and as a result have fragmented into thousands of conflicting denominations that can't agree with one another on the meaning of a single biblical verse - total doctrinal chaos in just a few hundred years. Meanwhile, His Church remains one in belief, one in teaching, one in worship, one in biblical understanding throughout the world after 2,000 years, with no conflicting denominations. You just can't beat God's plan.

RussianSlavicMan said:

If the only true church is the church that Jesus set up, then what church practices only that? Is there a name to it?

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No. Christianity has developed over the centuries, so you cannot find a church that is exactly what it was 2000 years ago.

The trick is to find one, if possible, that may have changed the non-essentials but not the IMPORTANT or CRITICAL elements. And I say "trick" because it requires very careful study.

Why not have a church devoted to it all? Which church does that? Which church only looks at the Bible and only relies on that for all sources of information?

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Because, for one thing, different people have different opinions about interpretation. We have the Bible, but we are not agreed about what everything in it is saying to us.

TuxAme said:

The "branch" which "follows the Bible most closely" would certainly be that "branch" which wrote and canonized the New Testament, right?

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Before there were branches, in other words.

Today, as we look at them, all the denominations are branches from that church which is often called the "undivided church"...and it doesn't exist anymore.

RussianSlavicMan said:

Hello everyone, I suspect that this question may have been asked before, but I was unsure. But just in case, I'll ask it again just to make sure.

Anyways, I was just wondering what branch of Christianity follows the Bible the closest. I wanted to also join whichever branch that follows the Bible the closest because I don't know what type of Christian I am. I was a Baptist then I was an Eastern Orthodox then I was a Protestant - I just don't know what to follow. I don't want to follow something that Jesus said not to do or something not mentioned in the Bible. I just simply want to follow a branch of Christianity that follows the Bible the closest with everything the Bible mentions; scripture and all. I looked into the Seventh-day Adventist church because I was told that they do follow the Bible the closest, but my friend (Jim) said not to join because they are cult-like and I don't want to be in any cult and be looked down upon with ill intentions and avoided. All I want is pure Christianity and no modifications or add-ons to it, just pure Christianity. I definitely don't want to be in any cult either. I then considered being Catholic but my friend said that they don't follow the Bible closely either and they have traditions that they have created that are not in the Bible. My friend Jim sent me links to support his reasoning, and I believe him.

The Plain Truth about the Roman Catholic Church
The Sad Truth About Seventh Day Adventism

Thank you.

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Maybe you should ask which churches follow the Holy Spirit the closest?

Remember Ezekiel's vision - the living beings moved wherever the Spirit went - they were responsive. We don't live in a society that existed 2000 years ago - what is the Sprit Telling us to do Today? Are we stuck in the past or moving in line with God wants us to do now?

~Anastasia~ said:

Oh I'm not meaning to advise the OP. I'm curious as to what his objections are (very specifically, not generally) but since he hasn't invited that question I'm not pressing.

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I understood him to have already made his decision to eliminate from consideration some church bodies, but that he was also asking us to help him with the ones that are left.

But I meant specifically that you seemed to be implying that Orthodoxy holds the Holy Scriptures on the one hand, and Holy Tradition in the other, and looks to them as being equally authoritative on establishing doctrines. This is not true.

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I know that that is what Orthodoxy says. Whether or not that is what it has done is a separate issue. And it is not surprising to have the churches, any churches, insist that whatever it is that they teach has Biblical support, regardless of whether or not that is correct to say.

Hey RussianSlavicMan,

I read your post and then skimmed through some of the replies, and just wanted to share my thoughts on your question. Asking questions like that is kind of like walking to a car dealership and telling the salesman you are thinking about buying a car.

There have been many times in the past when the Church has had to deal with certain issues that become institutionalized into a mainstream denomination. Let me give you an example: the conflict over how to be a Christian in a Greek culture during the time of the Roman Empire was institutionalized into the Orthodox Church. When I say that I am not trying to insult or demean Orthodox Christianity.

Here is another example: When Jerome translated the Latin Vulgate, he chose to use the word "penitence" as the equivalent to repentance, and as a result the Roman Catholic system developed into an institution (that Martin Luther later protested).

You mentioned Seventh Day Adventists, which I was associated with briefly. In the Bible, Pastors have authority to make decisions for the local Church. In the SDA, they tend to give Prophets (particular Ellen G White) more authority than the local Pastor. Their approach became "institutionalized" and created problems/issues you would not have at a Baptist Church, just to
pick a different group at random.

The simple reality is that we all begin struggling to live the Christian life at different places, with different obstacles we have to overcome along the way. We all have blind spots that we may or may not be aware of. I recently heard a sermon about Daniel in the Old Testament, that pointed out something I have never considered before: Daniel made it a point to surround himself with people who were loyal to Israel's God, but during one of his first visions the godly people with him could not hear the voice as loud as thunder which was speaking to Daniel.

I guess what I am trying to say is I think the best thing to do is to take one issue at a time, and listen as carefully as you can to what people say about it, and then let the Holy Spirit tell you what your opinion on the matter should be. I would like to help you out. Its always important to have a guide on things like this, and I have been working on something that can help you think this through carefully.

You can find some free resources at www.exploringchristianityonline.com that I hope will help you.

I don't think any of them are exact matches to the Early Church in terms of both theology and practice, but I think Eastern Orthodoxy and Anglicanism come pretty close. Runners-up would be Lutheranism, Catholicism, and Coptic Orthodoxy.