BIBLICAL MODEL

[1watchman]

A Conservative View

THE BIBLICAL MODEL​

A professing Christian was recently noted as writing of church failure in the world, and referred to the "biblical model" as important. That sounded good at first, but he then seemed thus to be promoting his ideas of what a good denominated sect of a church group should be, rather than what is a true scriptural assembly. Many professing Christians today know little of church truth, and can only speak of a denominated sect they know as being better than another one. This is due to one not studying the Bible, I see, but being occupied with religious forms by men.


Certainly our ideas are of no value as to truth; and one needs to be conforming to God's ways in submission to His Word, rather than find a church group that fits our likes and interests. We would then see that God did not give us the traditional ceremonial and high religious organizations with their rituals and creeds, nor the various fundamental and denominated sects of christendom. One truly needs to look solely to the Word of God to see God's pathway, and not religious ideas.


Taking verses out of context and mixing them with various verses can easily build a doctrine to corrupt God's message to mankind, and that is what we are often seeing in Christian profession today. We need to know in the Bible who is speaking, to whom is He speaking ---what, where, when, why, etc. In addition, we must know that the Word of God is in complete harmony without contradictions (if it is a proven and reliable version as those good quality editions of the KJV, which have been much studied and can be shown to be dependable).


It is essential to be "rightly dividing the Word of Truth" (2 Tim. 2:15) as God has said, and comparing our understandings with what esteemed Bible scholars have taught together down through history. One might like to seek some sound teaching on the full Bible truth for our life by inquiring at Bible Truth Publishers, Addison, IL, which is dedicated to upholding "all the counsel of God" as given to us. Listening to every religious voice is a snare of Satan to draw one away from the Word of God (note Gen. 3:1-5).


The biblical model for the universal Church should also be the model for all local gatherings ---in full accord with other scriptural assemblies worldwide. We generally don't see that today, rather the exhortation to "go to the church of your choice". Was a choice given by God? This all speaks of "unity of the faith" as shown by God and is not speaking about mergers of sects, but all saints bowing fully to Bible-only, not innovations of men. One should value "one accord" as God enjoins us, with "no schism" in the testimony of the "one body in Christ" (1 Cor. 12).


Some of us have known an established biblical model, and this kind of faithful fellowship works well worldwide in a godly order since that Church revival of circa 1800 AD. It requires surrender of man's ideas, reasoning, and preferences; and then hold obedience to Scripture as God shows. Such a testimony in the world is thus not a sect, but scriptural, and has continued to this day, if one is interested in finding it for unity; though if some are satisfied with the various sects of men: "verily they have their reward" as Jesus said of the false teachers. - RLD: - 12/15: from biblecounsel.net

 

[Norm d'Plume]

Nice to read another post from you, 1watchman. You have very thoughtful views, and I find them enlightening. The following thoughts came to mind as I read your post.

If God wanted there to be only one interpretation of the Bible, wouldn't He have given mankind Holy Scripture that didn't result in (or even allow) such fracturing into sects? Obviously, He knew it would happen and may have even designed it that way by giving us a Bible that is so open to interpretation. Isn't it possible that he wanted everyone to find God in a way that made us closer to Him, regardless of what road they travel to get there? You're saying the Word of God is what really matters, and I think most Christians would generally agree with that statement before returning their attention back to their favorite church. I'm of the opinion that finding God matters more, regardless of religious affiliation. If my grandmother felt closer to God by attending her local church, whatever its teachings, who am I to argue? She was kind, loving, tolerant, and generous, even to strangers. Heaven knows she wasn't Mother Teresa, but her church brought her closer to God, and she did her best to follow His Word as she understood it in a pre-Internet era.

My favorite example of interpretation of the Bible comes from the Ten Commandments. When I was young, we were taught from KJV, and it said: Thou shalt not kill. That was pretty clear to me as a twelve-year-old. Imagine my surprise the first time I read: You shall not murder. I thought it was bulls***. I was dragged kicking and screaming toward that point of view, and I believe we'd be better off if Scripture had left no room for interpretation with such a fundamental commandment. But Biblical scholars a lot smarter than me seem to agree that it's a prohibition against murder. If that brings some people closer to God, more power to them. I'll stick with my childhood understanding of the commandment until God tests me personally with circumstances that require me to choose one way over the other.

 

[1watchman]

Yes, Norm, the essence of the faith is salvation of our soul, and we can be thankful for all preaching of the clear Gospel message. We should love all saints of God. I think the intent of the article posted, is to speak of "unity of the faith" as God enjoins us as upholding His testimony in the world. Sectarianism is not pleasing to God, I am sure!

Also, we need to learn to hold firmly to Bible-only (KJV is more dependable I am very confident after many years of study). All the many new Versions every few years is designed to please the ideas of men and either minimize or delete the full counsel of God. We also need to be in a Bible-only assembly to have the benefit of Godly studies by scholars down through history, and compare Scripture with Scripture to see there are no contradictions in God's Word.

The saints of God will not be sitting around in separate corners of Heaven, so we need to honor God here by holding to His intent for His Church ---and that is not the "go to the church of your choice" doctrine in christendom. Let us honor, obey, and conform to the mind of God here, and not be inventing things to please the flesh. I love all souls, but I must love God and keep His pathway to be a faithful pilgrim. Satan loves sectarianism, I find. I do not speak against dear saints, but must share the scriptural truth, that we not forfeit rewards for scattering God's people.

Well, continue on to live for God as you understand it, friend! - Ever in Christ by grace alone, 1watchman