Let God Be True - PART 59

Today we will be examining yet another un-scriptural and anti-Christian heretical teaching emanating from the so called church fathers. So many times, we are so gullible and intoxicated with erroneous teachings that are totally contrary to the teachings of the Holy Spirit. In this context, we need to remember that the Biblical scriptures did not just appear. Indeed, the Word of God was personally delivered to His chosen Apostles, as outlined in the New Testament. The apostles then verbally or by letter endeavoured to forward those same teaching to us believers.

Further, God Himself confirmed the word with signs and wonders and gifts of His own Holy Spirit. In so doing, He affirmed that their word was indeed His word. As the scriptures sate, if God confirms the signs with His own spirit, then no man can make the signs null and void. Remember too that Jesus said to the Apostles that they were to be His witnesses in all the world. And as His witnesses, the Apostles were to deliver to us the same gospel message that had been given to them.

Now we arrive at the inevitable questions. If they were, as the New Testament describes, the chosen Apostolic witnesses of the God who was in Christ, then who are those who assert themselves today His witnesses? The Bible is clear. The scriptures state, "Let God be true and every man opposing God’s word be dismissed as a believer or follower of the faith that was once delivered." In other words, if any man deliver a message that is contrary to the gospel, let that man be accursed.

Why? Because God delivered His message to us. At no point, does the Word of God originate within us. Even to entertain this thought must set a few people back in their pulpits. Undoubtedly, Christ is the sole head of the church and as the head of the body of Christ, should be glorified and acknowledge as such. There is no other. What do the scriptures say? When Jesus finished his earthly ministry, He sat down. He had completed His earthly mission on our behalf.

Note that this same Jesus continues His ministry of redemption and salvation today. But there are those who want to change the gospel message. There are some who want to use a religious fallacy known as"transubstantiation" as a basis for elevating themselves beyond the scriptures. For those who may not be familiar with the term transubstantiation, the Webster's dictionary defines it as “The miraculous change by which according to roman catholic and eastern orthodox dogma, the Eucharistic elements at their consecration become the body and blood of Christ while keeping only the appearance of bread and wine.”

This definition is hard to swallow inasmuch as Webster’s defines it, transubstantiation is nothing more than a form of cannibalism or one that eats the flesh of its own kind. But is this what the scriptures say? Of course not. It does not even align with other Biblical scriptures. In Acts chapter 15, for example, the apostles and elders instructed believers to keep themselves from four things.

One of these things was blood. The scriptures are clear in the instructions for believers. That is, believers are to avoid blood. Keep away from blood and from flesh which still has blood in it. This instruction was not only delivered to the apostles but the instruction to refrain from blood was also agreed upon and disseminated to believers near and far. Similarly, their conclusion was further circulated throughout the assemblies either by letter or by voice. As a result, the early believers had no reason to pursue any teachings that included transubstantiation.

Later, the letters that form the Biblical scriptures commenced, and as the Apostles state, it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us. We have therefore, delivered these instructions under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit and we. Indeed, it is the Holy Spirit pleasure (and ours) to lay upon you these necessary things. These necessary conditions. These necessary requirements that will indispensable in ensuring that the same gospel that we have taught is taught to all believers for generations to come.

At the end of the day, these four scriptural requirements which includes refraining from blood were confirmed in the scriptures for a reason. Keep yourself free from these things and you shall do well. You shall prosper and yes, you will have done your part to ensure that believers are not led astray by so-called leaders who have not read the scriptures for themselves. It is for this reason that we must adhere to the scriptural teachings of Jesus. It is also the reason that we should beware of those who present false teachings -- like the foxes who attempt to raid the sheep pen.

Instead, remain steadfast in the Lord. Be happy and strong. The aforegoing is intended to show you that which seemed good to the Holy Spirit. Are you consoled and rejoicing? Are you delighted, relieved and comforted? Did not the Lord Jesus say that you shall know the truth and in knowing and accepting the truth you will be set free? Yes, this is the gospel message. There is only one gospel message and although may be difficult to walk away from the religious traditions that have infiltrated your life until now, remember it is God who blesses you. It is God who intervenes and brings comfort to your life. Be reconciled to God. God delivered His word to you personally. Stand in the Offering Plate.