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Message - Re: Confusion?? Posted By B.D. Phillips on 7/14/2005 2:18:00 PM - Subscribe to this discussion here - Subscribe

From the questions and comments I have read, it is easy to see why Seeker is confused. What should be iterated here is, what does God say about confusion, the church, and salvation? First let’s look at confusion. Paul wrote the following to the church at Corinth…

“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,” (1Cor. 14:33, ESV*)

Now in reading that most folks will notice that it says “churches” before they notice the principle message. And what is that message? “God is NOT the author of confusion!” Then the fact that it says churches does not denote a difference in terms of denominationalism. The word church is derived from the Greek word ekklesia, which is used to denote an assembly. In particular those who were called out of the world and assembled into the body of Christ. Most people in today’s age have a poor understanding of this simple term.

This brings us to the next point “the church.” It is indeed a spiritual body of which Christ and Christ alone is the “head.” Seeker take note of what Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus…

“And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” (Eph. 1:22-23, ESV)

Paul is speaking of Christ, and that God has given all power in heaven and in earth to Him (c.f. Matt. 28:18-20). Paul also says that the “body” is the church. Next let’s turn a couple of pages to Ephesians chapter four to see what Paul says about that body…

“There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call” (Eph. 4:4, ESV)

Paul says that there is ONE BODY, (i.e. one church). If what Paul says is not sufficient, then I will recall your attention to Matthew 16:18 where Jesus said, “I will build my church”, notice he did not say my churches, or my different denominations. Also let’s look at something else Jesus said In John chapter ten…

“And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” (John 10:16, ESV)

Notice that Jesus says, “there will be one flock, one shepherd”, His reference here of one flock is to those who are saved according to the New Testament pattern, for that is what makes up “THE” church. His reference to one shepherd is to Himself as the head of that body which is the church…

“And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.”  (Col. 1:18, ESV)

This brings us to the final point, SALVATION. Few will argue that all we do in word or deed should be done in the NAME of the Lord (c.f. Col. 3:17). This means we are to do what has been authorized by Jesus. Here is what Jesus said about entering the church…

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.” (John 10:1, ESV)

This speaks of a person entering the one “sheep fold” by any other way but the way Jesus has authorized as being a “thief and a robber.” Can’t get much plainer than that huh? So what is this "way" Jesus speaks of, what is the only door that can be entered? Well if one studies the Bible they will find that Jesus made certain life and death statements with regard to eternity (the place to which the door leads). These are some of those statements…

“I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24, ESV)

“No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3, ESV)

“So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 10:32-33, ESV)

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does

Current Replies - Parent Post - Main Board

Re: Confusion?? - Richard Thomas 7/17/2005 11:58:00 PM

Re: Confusion?? - B.D. Phillips 7/18/2005 8:29:00 AM

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