Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Tag: denominational flaws

  • Find Your Way

    Inspired by the teachings of Jesus, we must prioritize reaching out to those who are lost rather than getting distracted by the many. If you understand the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7), you’ll see my point.

    In Luke 15:1-7, it is important to correctly identify the characters in the story. The religious leaders criticized Jesus for associating with tax collectors and sinners. In the context of Luke, the term “sinners” does not literally refer to lawbreakers; rather, it pertains to Galileans, specifically the ten lost tribes of Israel (as mentioned in Luke 13:1-2).

    To illustrate this point, let’s consider the third parable in Luke 15, which specifically addresses the Pharisees. The Pharisees are depicted by the self-righteous elder son in the parable of the “Two Sons” (Luke 15:11-32). The ten lost tribes, on the other hand, are represented by the lost son, who in the parable was warmly welcomed back by his father after seeking forgiveness from both God and his father (Luke 15:21). Additionally, Jesus, when sending out His disciples, instructed them to go nowhere among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans, but rather to seek out only the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:5-6).

    So similarly, in Luke 15:1-7, the ninety-nine sheep in the open country symbolize the Pharisees and the two tribes of Israel—Judah and Benjamin—that remained in covenant with God after Solomon’s kingdom was divided, as noted in 1 Kings 12:21-24. Moreover, it’s important to mention that only those from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin were involved in the first rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 1:5, 4:1). The one lost sheep represents the ten lost tribes of Israel, whom the Pharisees regarded as sinners. This is reminiscent of Hosea 11:12, which states, “Ephraim has surrounded Me [God] with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit, but Judah still walks with God and is faithful to the Holy One.” Additionally, tax collectors, viewed as traitors by the Jews for collecting taxes on behalf of Rome, are also classified among these so-called sinners.

    Ephraim became the leading tribe of the northern kingdom (Joshua 17:15; Judges 3:27), and the capital, Samaria, was located in Ephraim’s territory. In fact, Scripture sometimes refers to Israel as simply “Ephraim,” due to the size of the tribe (e.g., Isaiah 11:13 and Jeremiah 31:6). – Excerpt from GotQuestions.Org.

    Consequently, always let Scripture be our guide in matters of the church. Before leading someone to Christ Jesus, it’s crucial to acknowledge the current state of the church. Our predicament arises from the fact that Christians primarily relied on writings from early church fathers rather than Scripture. When we examine the history of the church, we tend to focus on the Reformation period and beyond. Instead of the Book of Acts, which chronicles the birth of the church, we concentrate on human writings. In essence, as long as Christians continue to study human writings, the doctrines of Jesus Christ will remain elusive and subject to ongoing debates.

    Considering the various requirements, practices, and regulations in modern Christianity, one could argue that the church resembles the Sanhedrin of Jesus’ time. The Jewish religious authorities had traditions and customs that often diverged from God’s Word. In Mark 7:1-13, Christ makes a crucial point when He says, “You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8). It’s no surprise that today, churches engage in debates about issues like the method of water baptism, forms of church governance, and other practices that are not clearly outlined in Scripture.

    However, we know that repentance is explicitly a prerequisite for baptism. This raises an important question: Why is there so much controversy surrounding infant baptism? Can an infant genuinely repent before being baptized? I think it’s possible that the Reformation’s doctrine of infant baptism was just a response to the Roman Catholic practice of baptism of infants or children. These questions reflect the troubling state of modern Christianity.

    A call to return to the traditions of the Reformation does not necessarily lead to a genuine return to the roots of Christianity. Instead, a true effort to revisit the traditions of the early Church should focus on the teachings found in the Book of Acts. This represents the real essence of “Scripture alone.” Unfortunately, this essence has been obscured by interpretations that incorporate the traditions, practices, and opinions of the early Church fathers. Although proponents may deny it, this approach effectively equates the Bible with the teachings of the Church fathers.

    Moving forward, instead of focusing on reconstructing the current state of the church, let’s begin anew. Many have attempted a second Reformation, but it’s time to start from the beginning. Instead of relying solely on human-created discipleship materials, we should prioritize studying the Bible deeply. The principles of discipleship are clearly outlined in the Gospels by Christ Jesus, Acts, and letters attributed to the immediate apostles of our Risen Lord.

    It is essential to first learn how to properly interpret Scripture. Remember, God is the true author of each book of the Bible, which means there can only be one correct interpretation of Scripture. It is irresponsible to second-guess the Bible. Our duty is to study and learn so that we can effectively teach the Bible.

    You don’t need to study in seminary to learn how to interpret Scripture properly; this can be done through our online Bible study sessions. However, I wonder how many people are truly interested.

    Nevertheless, for those who yearn to learn, find your way. With a will, there’s always a way. It’s not about not understanding Scripture, it’s about indifference.

    Many years ago, while I was still contemplating entering seminary training, these passages in Scripture guided my decision-making. The Bible said, “And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide Himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:20-21) There is no other way to the truth except by the Word of Jesus Christ, our Teacher.

    Lastly, as I mentioned earlier, it’s important to start fresh. Focus on reaching out to those who are not already part of conventional Christianity. Take inspiration from the Bible, specifically Acts 18:5-6, which states, “When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. When they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, ‘Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on, I will go to the Gentiles.’”

    It can be challenging to change deeply ingrained habits or beliefs. Just as some faced risks in the synagogues (as noted in John 9:18-23), many who are entrenched in conventional beliefs may resist new ideas. Therefore, it’s crucial to share the Gospel with those outside of conventional Christianity. Once they have discovered the truth, it will be difficult for anyone to convince them otherwise.

    However, do not completely disregard those who are part of conventional Christianity but are genuinely seeking the truth. Individuals with a sincere passion for the Bible will respect the Scriptures and be open to learning. They just need proper guidance along the way.

    The church’s mandate is not to develop methods that make the Gospel more appealing to the majority. Instead, our responsibility is to teach the truths of the Bible, regardless of the consequences. We do not serve Jesus Christ while seeking the approval of our peers. Rather, we are called to be faithful to the Chief Shepherd of God’s flock (1 Peter 5:4; Matthew 24:31-46). Unfortunately, when it comes to the matter of Christ’s return, many churches have become like the “boy who cried wolf.” If you understand what I mean, bless you!

    Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!

  • The Sufficiency Of The Gospel

    Jesus performed two feeding miracles. On both occasions, the crowd was gathered with Him in a desolate place: the feeding of the five thousand Jews and the feeding of the four thousand Gentiles (Matthew 15:32-39; Mark 8:1-10). The miracle of feeding the five thousand is mentioned in all four gospels of the New Testament, while only Matthew and Mark record the feeding of the four thousand Gentiles (see Matthew 15:29-38).

    “Jesus went on from there and walked beside the Sea of Galilee. And He went up on the mountain and sat down there. And great crowds came to Him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and they put them at His feet, and He healed them, so that the crowd wondered, when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel. Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with Me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.” And the disciples said to Him, “Where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?” And Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” And directing the crowd to sit down on the ground, He took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks He broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over. Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.”

    Take note of Matthew 15:31 in bold letters. After Jesus fed the four thousand, the crowd recognized that His deeds were from the God of Israel. This indicates that the crowd consisted of Gentiles. In contrast, after the feeding of the five thousand, the crowd acknowledged the significance of Jesus’ sign and said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” This statement, found in John 6:14, clearly references the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 18:15-18). Hence, Paul said “For Jews, demand signs, and Greeks seek wisdom.” (1Co 1:22)

    In Matthew 15:33 again in bold letters, the disciples might seem to have forgotten Jesus’ earlier miraculous feeding of the five thousand. However, that’s unlikely. All of Israel was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the promised Prophet of God. But this was not just any prophet, but the one foretold by Moses in Deuteronomy 18:15: “The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—you shall listen to Him.” Like Moses, Christ Jesus, the Great Prophet of God, would lead them in a second and final exodus.

    If the disciples knew that Christ could perform miraculous feedings at any time, why did they still doubt? Like many Jews of their time, the disciples didn’t expect that the same grace would be offered to the Gentiles. This misunderstanding was detrimental if the disciples were to remain faithful to God’s work. The same applies to our present context. The preaching and teaching of the Gospel cannot be separated from theology. The doctrine of salvation (soteriology), the doctrine of the church (ecclesiology), the doctrine of Christ Jesus (Christology), the doctrine of the last things (eschatology), etc.

    Modern Christianity dislike doctrines. They thought its divisive and complex. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ can only be truthfully understood along with the Bible’s doctrines. The doctrines of the Scripture is the unified message of the Gospel and Christ Jesus.

    Fast forward to Paul’s ministry. He undoubtedly faced similar challenges from the Jews, who struggled to believe in Christ Jesus. Ironically, their strong bias for Jewish prominence caused them to rely heavily on the Mosaic Law, which became a barrier to accepting God’s grace. This theme is clearly outlined in Paul’s letters to the Romans and the Galatians.

    “I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.” (Rom 9:1-8)

    Paul argued similarly in Galatians, saying: “Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” (Gal 3:21-29)

    The Jewish people have no justification for being intolerant towards the Gospel. The Old Testament clearly teaches that salvation is available to everyone who believes, regardless of race or ethnicity.

    To prove my point, click to see Genesis 12:1-3; 18:17-18; 22:17-18; three times God reiterated to Abraham that His salvation is for everyone. It is important to note, that Paul’s comprehension of the Gospel cannot be belitted. Apart from being a Pharisee trained in the OT Scripture (Acts 22:3), he received the Gospel through a revelation from Christ Jesus (Gal 1:11-12). So he authoritatively explains in Galatians 3:8-9

    “And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.”

    And again, in Galatians 3:11-14, Paul said:

    “Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.”

    Doubtless then, that the Gospel is sufficient for everyone who believes. Sadly though, the Jews opted to reject God’s grace and seek their own righteousness (Rom 10:1-4). Presently, a lot of Christians rightly teach that “salvation is by grace alone, through faith in Christ alone”. But they seem to have not learned from the mistakes of the Jews. Once baptized, Christians would be subjected to regulations and rules; like church membership, weekly attendance, etc.

    Christ Jesus offers a simplified Christianity. But men, like the Old Covenant Jews, have to complicate it. Isn’t that the reason why Christianity comes in different denominations and forms?

    In conclusion, Paul wrote: “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings?” (Col 2:20-22)

    Christ Jesus offered a simplified Christianity, let us therefore keep Christianity simple.

    Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!