Which Denomination Follows the Bible the Closest?

Gregory Thompson

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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.

First of all I think it's more important to follow Jesus than any set of principles.

And the winner in this contest would be the worst idolater of said bible.
 
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Yeshua HaDerekh

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Which denomination does not rely on tradition? I know that I don't want to be Catholic or Eastern Orthodox because of the noted tradition that they do.

And which tradition do you disagree with in Orthodoxy?
 
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Acts2:38

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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.

If your not seeking to have your ears tickled.

If you are seeking a group the follows what scripture has laid out. "The bible only" style.

If you wish to obey the gospel and assemble with christians, edifying yourself with one another as well.

If your not looking for any more man made doctrines and traditions that you cannot find in scripture.

And much more,

Might I suggest finding a local church of Christ? You can also seek out more info at :
World Video Bible School (WVBS)

See also, "Why are there so many churches" and "why does it matter" here:


These might help you in your decision of a life time. It could mean life or death after all.
 
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ewq1938

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Anyways, I was just wondering what branch of Christianity follows the Bible the closest.

It's more important how you as a member of the body of Christ follows the bible the closest then how others do. Then you will be able to spot who is following the bible the closest because you will see when they go away from it into their own private beliefs and interpretations. So, attend church in any or all of the various denominations...take what good you can from them and leave that which is not. If you find one that seems better and more biblical than the others maybe visit that one the most or exclusively but don't "sell your soul" to any particular one because they all will have flaws. They are all somewhat at war with each other, fighting for new members and declaring themselves as the only one Christ would approve of or started or spiritually dwells within.

In the earliest days of the "church" there was no name or anything, it was people who knew Christ's teachings, followed them best they could and shared what they knew with others and lived as best and as morally as they could.
 
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Peter J Barban

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Since you don't seem too discerning about doctrine, I suggest that you

1. Go back to the Bible and learn what kind of person that God wants you to become.
2. Look for church leaders that model the kind of person that God wants you to become.
3. Follow those leaders and try to become like them.

As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)
11 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
 
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throughfiierytrial

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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!
I would like to add that in making a choice of churches you best look for the fundamentals or salvation issues being firmly adhered to as a priority. In my view you must be baptized to be saved and must partake regularly of communion. These practices then should be carefully scrutinized from a biblical perspective. However, all of the Bible is necessary to guide and guard you with the Holy Spirit as you grow...that is at some stages certain knowledge will become more necessary and more to the point than at others but fundamentals I believe should be one's core.
 
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Greengardener

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Which denomination does not rely on tradition? I know that I don't want to be Catholic or Eastern Orthodox because of the noted tradition that they do.
That's a really good question, RSM. I hope you can find one. It looks to me like it's just the way it is that man makes traditions and tries to make them into checklists for who is "in" and who is "out." You may find yourself visiting many groups, or you might decide to just plant yourself among one, imperfect though it be, and try to improve the overall situation. Whatever course you take, bring your best self into it, don't allow yourself to be overly dependent because you will surely be let down if you do, and look always to Jesus and to what He said.
 
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proverbs3

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I've only known one church that follows the bible and there's only one preacher in it he is also from my country philippines but he can speak different kinds of language and the preacher's location keeps changing he's always in different kinds of countries so he can only preaches in front of a camera nowadays unlike 2 decades ago

Church name The Old Path
Preacher name Eliseo Soriano

Here's the youtube channel and see for yourself if it's really biblical or not
The Old Path
Also here's the main channel that is if you can understand the language
Ang Dating Daan
 
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LostMarbels

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I was just wondering what branch of Christianity follows the Bible the closest.

Christianity is not about what denomination you attest to. It is about Christ, and your servitude to him. It is best to ask God what to do, or not to do. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

It is not for us to seek our own path concerning the promises and word of God. Instead we are to go to God with our concerns/questions and ask him. No man can teach you more. No religion or denomination is more righteous than Christ.

All I want is pure Christianity and no modifications or add-ons to it, just pure Christianity.

Good. I am in agreement. That is quite simple. You want to know Christ... have a relationship with him. Hit your knees and ask him with a sincere heart. He will not turn you down.

The problem with being a Christian is following Christ is not easy. You have to consider the cost.

Luk 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
Luk 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Luk 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

But the moment we become Christ's followers, our own lives and wills become forfeit; we die with Christ to sin (that is, to the right to make selfish choices; Rom 6:3-4) and choose a path that could lead any day to our own execution for Christ's name.

Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mat 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Although we may speak figuratively today of "our cross to bare", in Jesus' day, it meant being forced to bear the instrument of one's own execution; past a jeering mob, to the site of one's imminent death as a condemned criminal.

Our will is forfeit. So is our justifications of our own belief thru religion.
 
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Daniel C

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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.



Hello friend.

I'm non-denominational so do not represent any group but would like to offer an opinion to assist you in your search.

I would say it is essential the denomination is Trinitarian and believes in the hypostatic union and believes in a grace based salvation,through Christ, as our lord and our savior. You would be surprised how many self-proclaimed christian groups do not honour this simple formula. If any are missing it degrades the deity of Christ and corrupts our vision of who God is from the Bible. Any other details after that are personal choice but I believe these are essential to Christianity as demonstrated in the Bible.

Best of luck with your search. :)
 
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Servant of Yeshua

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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.
That is a wonderful question. There are no easy answers though since there may be a wide range even within a denomination. I honestly feel that the worship most like the early church is a group of believers meeting in homes to study God's word, worship in song and pray together. They reach out to their community to encourage others to come and then at the right time multiply to make more home churches. They intimately get to know each other (warts and all!) and loves deeply and 100% of their tithes and offerings goes to the Lord's work. What I do not think church should be is for a large purchased building where people which takes much of the tithes and offerings to maintain, then people just come and go as they would in a movie theater. Francis Chan's Multiply movement is spot on. Look up Francis Chan, why I left my megachurch which is about 9 min long.
When I state that I am Baptist, honestly the only thing I imply by it is that I choose believers baptism and I cannot in good conscience go to any church which practices infant baptism.
If you cannot find a home church to attend, then I would make sure if you go to a church that you get their doctrinal statements and perhaps listen to sermons online before you get attached to anyone. It is easy to go somewhere just because you meet a nice genuine person. I wish you many blessings as you ask God to show you the best place to worship for you where you can grow in the Lord. If you were in my area I would certainly invite you to a home church!! I appreciate your heart in wanting to please the Lord! Peace.
 
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proverbs3

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In order to follow Jesus every word, i guaranty you will offend all churches for one reason or another.

If you go into a church and teach others to leave there family's and deny them for Jesus no one will except you.

If you go into church and teach others to give to the homeless, most pastors will ask you not to return.

The truth is the path is very narrow and the path to destruction is a wide road full of most.

Its a lonely road also, not many there.

I have been divorced, banned, hated, lied about, jailed, and many other horrid things for teaching what Jesus spoke.
Ohh

Most pastors will tell you not to return? No wonder some of the churches here told us not to listen to united states preachers.. But where you from?

...but that is kind of a very stupid action it is indeed bad for business if they are running business disguised as a church you told them not to come back then that person who you told it to will then tell his/her friends families what just happened then it is the beginning of your business going down especially when you told it to other people as well so yeah i doubt they've really said those things

Are you sure it really happened though?
 
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_Dave_

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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.

RussianSlavicMan, I was going to give my answer to your question, but it occurred to me that there is a very wide range (as seen here on CF) of what constitutes "following the Bible the closest."

It would be easier to answer your question if you would define what you think following the Bible the closest means.

We all have our own approach to biblical interpretation; which reflects our acceptance or rejection of biblical doctrines. Perhaps you could review your own understandings of important doctrines and then we would know which direction you'd want to go in finding the "right" church for you.
 
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~Anastasia~

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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.

This is also what I understood. That's why I wasn't trying to convince him. If I were talking to him personally I'd like to know his reasons, but that's not what he's asking to discuss. :)

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.

Your second point is true, and I acknowledged that in my earlier post. Everyone who has chosen a church is going to say theirs follows the Bible or else they would not have chosen it. So a public poll isn't much help.

As to your first point, I'm going to respectfully disagree and we can leave it at that. It doesn't seem to make sense for a non-Orthodox to say we hold beliefs different from what we say we do ... especially when it is a moot point to the OP?
 
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W2L

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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.
Dont follow a church, but instead put the word in your heart and mind and follow the Spirit. IMO
 
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Dont follow a church, but instead put the word in your heart and mind and follow the Spirit. IM
I'd add, study what they all teach and assimilate where appropriate. It's just mho but the denominations make up the body parts of the 'Body of Christ' and I'm learning all add value.

' 15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, evenChrist: 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.'
 
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W2L

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I'd add, study what they all teach and assimilate where appropriate. It's just mho but the denominations make up the body parts of the 'Body of Christ' and I'm learning all add value.

' 15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, evenChrist: 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.'
The members are bound by unnecessary tradition and doctrine that causes unnecessary division.
 
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As to your first point, I'm going to respectfully disagree and we can leave it at that.
Yes, I think that's the best policy. Our friend has read what we offered him, but he ultimately has to do his own investigating into much of the information he receives on this thread, whether it is that one point we disagree about or all the rest of what's here. :)
 
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Daniel C

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The members are bound by unnecessary tradition and doctrine that causes unnecessary division.


So how do we take communion if we don't go to a denominational or independent church? :scratch:

Bible study groups?

I ask as someone who doesn't attend church but wouldn't be opposed to a decent one.
 
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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.
Your links at the end are no more than fictional propaganda whose writer knows little about the historical Church. That being said, every Christian Church believes that they have the truth and follow the Bible the closest. That doesn't matter as much as possession of the Holy Spirit, which is the true sign of being within the body of Jesus Christ, the Church.

As a Catholic, I can attest to the presence of the Holy Spirit within our Church, just as I am certain that Baptists, Orthodox, Anglicans Lutherans, Methodists, etc... can rightfully attest to in their Churches.

Romans 13 tells us not to argue amongst each other about matters of faith because God can accept our faith even though it may vary from another's.

Find peace with whom you are and wonder in the eternal love of our Father in heaven.
 
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