This is copied from The Gospel Teacher of July 22, 1973. The paper was published by the Church of Christ in Hilliard, Ohio and was edited by Grant B. Caldwell.
Many express confusion today over the various denominations. "Can I be a Christian without belonging to a denominational church" they ask.
In the early days of Christianity, there were no denominations (divisions) as they now exist. The early followers of Jesus Christ were simply called Christians (Acts 11:26) and collectively, "churches of Christ" (Romans 16:16). Both mean, "belonging to Christ." Religiously the apostles Paul, Peter and John were neither Protestant, Catholic nor Jew. They were Christians only.
These apostles, as well as all the saved were nondenominational Christians. This term should not be confused with the ideas of inter-denominational or all-denominational Christianity. They did not approve those of their day who tried to create divisions within the church which would have resulted in denominations. Instead, they strongly condemned such action by saying, "Let there be no division among you" (I Corinthians 1:10-13). Their allegiance was to Christ and to Him only. They were just Christians; simply those who were followers of Jesus, members of the church of Christ.
Certainly today if we follow Jesus Christ as they did, we too can be just Christians having, "like precious faith" with the apostles (II Peter 1:1). We then as they were, will be free from error and confusion of denominationalism. we can worship and serve God as simply and acceptably as they did. This has been the constant practice of the church of Christ from her beginning.
Yes, you can be a nondenominational Christian just as in the early days of the church by following only the teaching of the New Testament.
THE INTERDENOMINATIONAL INTERPRETERS BIBLE
ReplyDeleteIf all the denominations of the world assembled and presented the world with a new translation of the Bible, what would it contain?
Comparison of the New King James Version (NKJV) and how the Interdenominational Interpreters Bible (IIB) might appear.
NKJV: John 16:23 "And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My nameHe will give you.
IIB: John 16:23 "And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, the name of the Virgin Mary, and the names other dead saints He will give you.
NKJV: Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible for those who were once enlighten, and have tasted the heavenly gift , and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.
IIB: Hebrews 6:4-6 It is possible for those who were once enlighten, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew then again to repentance, because all Christians are once saved always saved......
NKJV: Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved;but he who does not believe will be condemned.
IIB: Mark 16:16 "He who believes is already saved and should be baptized as a testimony of his faith; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
NKJV: Galatians 1:8 But even if we,or an angel from heaven,preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
IIB: Galatians 1:8 But even we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other way to be saved do not judge them, because we are all going to the same place anyway. God has given many denominations, and various doctrines, and different paths to heaven.
BEWARE OF THE INTERDENOMINATIONAL INTERPRETERS BIBLE!
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