How do we know . . . .

[Montalban]

That method doesnt seem to be working real well.

On what basis do you come to that conclusion?

But I'm partial to God's idea to search
the 'Scriptures' to make sure what men say is so.

I have no problem with searching scriptures. You've yet to show why we should only search scriptures.

But we all have our own choices to make.
And God is gracious.
sunlover

Whilst that's very nice of you to say so it doesn't answer the questions/challenges raised here.

 

[Montalban]

Cue the legalists...

Yet that's the Protestant way.

"We only believe it, if it's in the Bible"; like the Pharisees, if it's not set in stone, you don't believe in it.

 

[Montalban]

Every Christian church I know of teaches that God is the Triune God, that man is sinful, that Christ, out of love for us was born of a virgin, that he died, rose again, and will come again.

Any church that disagree with any of those fundamental truths of Christianity is probably false.

Probably? Wow!

Let's look at the other side of the coin... those that a false that still teach what you consider to be Christian (possibly )

Do you know of the Taiping Rebellion? Hong Xiuquan taught that the Trinity consisted of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and himself as the 'little brother' of Jesus.

 

[ticker]

Yet that's the Protestant way.

"We only believe it, if it's in the Bible"; like the Pharisees, if it's not set in stone, you don't believe in it.

Who said I'm a Protestant?

 

[Montalban]

Who said I'm a Protestant?

Who said you were? Well, your ID gives "Christian". Youre favourite bible is the NASB which is produced by the Lockman Foundation. So it's not that much of a stetch to say you're a Protestant.

 

[ticker]

Who said you were? Well, your ID gives "Christian". Youre favourite bible is the NASB which is produced by the Lockman Foundation. So it's not that much of a stetch to say you're a Protestant.

So let me get this straight...

Because I happen to like the NASB bible, and call myself a "Christian", I am a Protestant?

....wow.

 

[Gary51]

If we are being taught a "false Gospel?"

Does everyone agree on what the Gospel is?

Some believe the gospel is about Jesus.... Some believe it is about the Kingdom of God, that Jesus came to proclaim.

The Holy Spirit will tell you.

Every denomination claims to be lead by the Spirit... yet denominations are divided by differing beliefs.

Check it against Scripture.

Many study the same Scripture and come to different conclusions.... Hence denominations.... Hence what is the Spirit teaching!

3 step process...
Rely on prayer, scripture and on the counsel of fellow believers.

All different denominations rely on prayer... yet remain divided.

All denominations have a counsel of fellow believers... even here you will find division.... Who is lead by the Spirit?

 

[shuntmama]

If we are being taught a "false Gospel?"

1 John 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.


Love in Christ, sarah

 

[Mathetes the kerux]

If we are being taught a "false Gospel?"

The best is to run it by 1 Cor 15 and then to see if the tenets of the "gospel" in question theologically, scripturally, doctrinally, or philosophically (which overlap in many areas).

 

[Mathetes the kerux]

On what basis do you come to that conclusion?

I have no problem with searching scriptures. You've yet to show why we should only search scriptures.

Whilst that's very nice of you to say so it doesn't answer the questions/challenges raised here.

You've yet to show why we should only search scriptures

Because of the overwhelming NT witness to the sufficiency, reliability, and purpose of the Scriptures.

Is your assertoin based in the camp of "tradition is an equally valid source of authority" (asking to make sure I understand your presupposition)?

 

[Montalban]

So let me get this straight...

Because I happen to like the NASB bible, and call myself a "Christian", I am a Protestant?

....wow.

1. any Western Christian who is not an adherent of a Catholic, Anglican, or Eastern Church.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/protestant

 

[Montalban]

Because of the overwhelming NT witness to the sufficiency, reliability, and purpose of the Scriptures.

Show me this proof then.

Is your assertoin based in the camp of "tradition is an equally valid source of authority" (asking to make sure I understand your presupposition)?

Yes. Tradition came first.

It's logical that when Paul preached to the Gentiles that he spoke to them rather than taught them simply by writing - unless you think he used 'flash-cards'

Paul himself gives a quotation from Jesus that was handed down orally to him: "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). This saying is not recorded in the Gospels and must have been passed on to Paul. And therefore Paul himself uses tradition as a guide for teaching.

He also quotes from other non-Biblical sources, such as this early hymn
Ephesians 5:14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

Unless you can show me by scriptures where scriptures said "Pick me" then you've also got tradition being used to determine which books to include in the Bible!

 

[Gary51]

So, nobody has addressed post #27....

Funny how some things get ignored!

 

[shuntmama]

Matthew 12:25
And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

 

[LittleLambofJesus]

Originally Posted by sunlover1 Check it against Scripture.

The problem with that approach is that the people who teach a "false gospel" typically back it up WITH Scripture.

See the examples of Arius, Nestorius, Pelagius, et al.

Hi SB. Well, it appears the Orthodox did what Luther did, checked the Scriptures and found no scriptural basis for one earthly High Priest for Christianity.
But then we know how long that feud between the RCC and Orthodox has been going on with nary an end in sight.
Repent! and believe the Gospel!!!

 

[BrotherDave]

This is such an important question for today because we know anything other than the true gospel will not bring salvation (Gal 1; 9.). It is the gospel of grace alone. This is the true gospel that brings salvation and is described in the bible from Genesis through Revelation, only. This is why the book of Galatians is so hard for many to understand, churches have fallen into the same trap as the Jews did, mixing grace and works.

Thankfully, God will not loose any of his people (John 6:37, John 10:5). If He intends on saving someone He will. But we have to trust in God alone and constantly compare scripture with scripture (1 Cor 2:13). When properly understood, we see there are no contradictions in Bible. This is further evidence the bible is from God as it took more than 1500 years and more than 40 “scribes” to complete it. Only God could have written it this way (I Thessalonians 2:13, II Peter 1:21). We must hold the position, "let God be true, but every man a liar" (Romans 3:4).

So, I believe the best one can do is pray God for understanding while approaching the Bible like a child, that is be willing to learn and not come thinking you know all the answers. We are actually told to pray and prove (or test) all things (I Thess 5: 17-21). Bring your questions to those you trust and if they say “just trust us” or don’t worry as long as you stay with us you’re safe or they don’t provide satisfactory answers supported by scripture, or if you are told the bible is not 100% accurate then I’d be weary of staying in that environment.

By nature, man is blind, and so the potential to get snared into a false gospel is exceedingly great. On the other side of the coin, God in His mercy can open our spiritual eyes, and then we see the truth. If He has saved a person that person will recognize a false gospel and turn from it (John 10:5). The environment in which God works is through prayful study of the bible (Romans 10:17). The Bible (OT & NT) is how we verify truth.

To God be the glory.

 

[Montalban]

This is such an important question for today because we know anything other than the true gospel will not bring salvation (Gal 1; 9.). It is the gospel of grace alone.

The Gospel isn't just what's written down

 

[shuntmama]

Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:



Love in Christ, sarah

 

[ticker]

1. any Western Christian who is not an adherent of a Catholic, Anglican, or Eastern Church.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/protestant

You think along these terms, I'm sure...(being religious).

But I don't.

God defines who I am in Him......not Dictionary.com......and I have no reason to believe that He looks at me as anything other than a "Chrisitan" (...someone who has the indwelling Christ).

 

[ticker]

Double.....post?