The Shield of Faith

A study in denominational doctrines

INTRODUCTION (Part 1)

Every time I have the opportunity to teach a class on

denominational doctrines, I am once again astonished at the
amount of materials provided for us by the Holy Spirit; scriptures
with which to combat false doctrine. It should come as no surprise,
for we read in II Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, and instruction in righteousness: That the man of God
may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto every good work.” God
furnishes all we need through his Word.

UNITY THROUGH DOCTRINE

In a concise manner, this verse states the premise of this course.

Our authority is the words of Jesus Christ as given to him by the
Father. “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father
in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself, but
the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works” (John 14:10).
Again, Jesus explained in John 14:24, “…the word which ye hear
is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.” Just prior to Jesus’
crucifixion he prayed to the Father, “…I have given them the words
which thou gavest me” (John 17:8). See also John 7:16.

Unless one is willing to accept the Bible as the whole and complete
authority in matters of doctrine it will be impossible to convince
him of religious error. Thus, there will be little hope of attaining
religious unity. Paul warned of men who would not “…endure
sound doctrine” (II Tim. 4:3). It is by sound doctrine that we are
able to exhort and convince the one who believes contrary (Tit.
1:9).
I was once given an opportunity to speak for a men’s prayer
breakfast in a denominational church. I explained that God is not
pleased with religious division (John 17:20, 21). Hundreds of
denominations, while professing to believe in Jesus Christ, teach
doctrines which not only oppose one another, but more importantly
pit themselves against the teachings of God. I explained how this is
the root of religious division and in order to have unity, we all must
all agree and return to God’s Word. After my lesson, an elderly
gentleman stood to speak in contradiction. He stated that in order
to have unity we should stop focusing on doctrine. What the man
failed to understand is the fact that pure doctrine, believed and
obeyed, unites us rather than divides us.

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the

knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the
measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: that we
henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and
carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the slight
of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to
deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him
in all things , which is the head, even Christ”(Eph.4:13-15).

The previous verse teaches us that we should (1) have unity. (2)
Unity comes as a result of having knowledge of Jesus Christ. (3)
The knowledge keeps us from wondering aimlessly, directed by
foolish doctrines of cunning men. (4) These things are achieved by
“speaking the truth.” Another passage which beautifully illustrates
unity through doctrine is found in Philippians 1:27. “Only let your
conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I
come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs,
that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for
the faith of the gospel.” By the gospel of Jesus Christ we can be of
one mind. Doctrine unites rather than divides.

TEACHING WITH AN ATTITUDE OF LOVE

We must be cognizant of the attitude with which we expose errors
of false doctrine. Roman gladiators practiced using their tools of
defense for brutal battle. Soldiers are generally trained aggressively
to annihilate their enemies. We are soldiers in God’s army (II Tim.
2:3), and while we wield a sharp sword (Heb. 4:12), our mission is
one of peace. The kingdom of God is “…righteousness, and peace,
and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Rom. 14:17). Our attitude is described
by the fruits of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (Gal. 5:22,
23). Our spiritual armor consists of “feet shod with the preparation
of the gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:15). The purpose of this course is
to help us sharpen our swords and defend the faith (Phil. 1:17), but
that does not mean we prepare ourselves in order to destroy men
with the gospel. Our knowledge might allow us to win a debate,
but if souls are turned away by our hateful demeanor then we have
not accomplished the purpose for which God has left us here on the
earth; to seek and save the lost (Lk. 19:10). Those who abide in
the doctrine are thankful for the mercy of God. It is because of his
mercy that we “faint not” (II Cor. 4:1).

STUDY AND TEACH WITH INTEGRITY

II Corinthians 4:2 shows another attitude of complete necessity in

the manner with which we handle God’s Word. “But we have
renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in
craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully…” (II Cor.
4:2). We should all strive to understand and teach God’s Word as
he intends. We should never use the Bible deceitfully, even if we
feel it helps to support our cause.

“For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but
as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in
Christ” (II Cor. 2:17).
A good student of the Bible will never add nor take away from
exactly what God has revealed. “If any man speak, let him speak as
the oracles of God…” (I Pet. 4:11). We have all been given the
task of building the kingdom, but each of us is responsible to do so
with Biblical integrity. “But let every man take heed how he
buildeth thereupon” (I Cor. 3:10).

“For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness,

nor in guile: but as we were allowed of God to be put in trust
of the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God,
which trieth our hearts, For neither at any time used we
flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of coveteousness;
God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you,
nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as
the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as
a nurse cherisheth her children” (I Thes. 2:3-7).

The preceding verse teaches us five outstanding things about

studying in such a way as to seek the truth.

1. It is a privilege, and our attitude should be that we are

allowed to study and teach the truth.

2. God has trusted us with the gospel.

3. The way we study/teach is not to please men, but God.

4. We do not study to seek glory for ourselves.

5. We teach with gentleness, like a mother with her child.

We were set free from sin to become servants of righteousness

(Rom. 6:18). It was truth which set us free (John 8:32). There is no
value in a corrupted gospel. Water which is 99% pure can kill. The
1% corruption makes the rest also corrupted. Let’s all determine to
study and teach God’s doctrines with purity and sincerity, as God
ordained.
 MEMORY VERSES: II Corinthians 2:17; Rev. 22:18,19

QUESTIONS

1. How does II Tim. 3:16, 17 assure us we need nothing more than

the Bible for religious unity?

2. Give three scripture references to show how Jesus spoke the

words of the Father.

3. Unless one is willing to accept our particular premise, one’s

ability to convince one of religious error is impossible. What is the
premise?

4. In II Tim. 4:3, Paul warned of men who were unwilling to

“ .”

5. List four points from Eph. 4:13-15 which show unity can be
achieved through truth.

6. What scripture reference says we should “stand fast in one

spirit?”

7. Through the of Jesus Christ, we can be of one

mind.

8. With what predominant attitude should we teach truth?

9. Give a reference to show our weapons are instruments of peace.

10. The kingdom of God is , , and

(Rom. 14:17).

11. From the fruits of the Spirit, list nine basic characteristics with
which we should teach denominational people.

12. Give the reference which says we should be set to defend the
faith.

13. While winning a debate with scriptural knowledge, what

important paint can sometimes be overlooked (Luke 19:10)?
__________________________________________________

14. “We have renounced the of

, not walking in , nor handling the word of God
.” (II Cor. 4:2)

15. How should we speak (I Pet. 4:11)?

16. List 5 guidelines from I Thes. 2:3-7 which teach us how to

properly study.

17. Men are set free by (John 8:32) rather than men’s
corrupted teachings.
 INTRODUCTION (Part 2)

IS THE CHURCH OF CHRIST A DENOMINATION?

The term denomination conveys the idea of part of a whole. It is

easily understood when related to money. One pesa is a portion of
a rupee. The pesa is a denomination. In American money, a dime is
one-tenth of a dollar. Therefore, the dime is a denomination, i.e. a
part of the larger. The concept that God has established a church
with different portions, denominations, is not a scriptural concept.
Many hold a false notion that there are many choices of churches
on earth today and that men can choose as they wish, according to
their preference. This false impression reminds us of a restaurant
buffet. The customer can pick and choose as he like, according to
his own taste. But as we observed in the introduction (part 1), the
only authority in the church is that of Jesus Christ. His words will
judge all men in the last day (John 12:48). Jesus is the builder (I
Cor. 3:11). He is the chief cornerstone (Acts 4:11).

To help us get a clearer picture, consider a laborer hired by a

cement mason. The mason knows exactly how he wants the wall to
be built. He has drawings, and in his mind he has a complete
imaginary picture of the finished product. The assistant has
different ideas. He wants the wall to be shorter. In his own mind,
he also has a picture. His picture includes stones layed carefully on
the surface of the wall. Though he may bring the stones to the
mason they will be rejected. He may attempt to build the wall
higher, but his ideas will not be part of the plan. He must yield to
the plans of the master mason. The laborer needs to carefully study
the drawings of the mason and assist in building according to the
plan. The mason has the authority. The mason is the builder.

Our story illustrates the very roots of denominational division, men

who are unwilling to succumb to the authority of the Master
builder, Jesus Christ. They build man-made churches of all types,
according to the desires of men, never thinking to stop and consult
the Bible, the blueprint as provided by Jesus. The church’s builder
demands full obedience. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord,
Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the
will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). This is the
reason why Paul admonishes, “But let every man take heed how he
buildeth thereon” (I Cor. 3:10). God will not accept men who
attempt to build the church recklessly, according to their own
desires. “…Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not
planted, shall be rooted up” (Matt. 15:13). God planned the church
(Dan. 2:44). He paid the price for the church (John 3:16). He
established the church (Acts 2:41), and she is his possession (Eph.
1:14). Any church, other than his church, will be rooted up and
destroyed.

In Acts 2:47 we read, “…And the Lord added to the church daily
such as should be saved.” To which church were men added? They
were added to the Lord’s church. Men did not wonder at which
church they might wish to be joined. There was/is only one, and
Jesus calls it his church. “…Upon this rock I will build my church”
(Matt. 16:18). The church does not belong to Luther, Calvin or
South India. She belongs to Christ. She is the church of Christ
(Rom. 16:16).

Considering how Jesus is the Master-builder and the Bible is his

blueprint, this study in denominational doctrines is so valuable. We
have to know the church which Jesus built. Furthermore, we have
to be able to see and expose counterfeit churches who claim to
exist in the name of God. The only way to do such is through
knowledge, as set forth in the Word of God. Like a sculptor who
chips away pieces of marble which should not be part of the image,
we must chip away those portions which do not belong. Three-
dimensional artists first study in great detail the image they wish to
mold. After looking at the finished product the subject can be
easily recognized. So it is with the Lord’s church. We must first
study carefully the image which God has given us of his church.
Carefully, we carve away the pieces not included by God. In the
end we see clearly the image of the institution God intended.

In Ephesians 4:4 we read, “There is one body.” Paul further

explained in I Corinthians 12:13, “For by one Spirit are we all
baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether
we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one
Spirit.” Romans 12:4 reads, “For as we have many members in
one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being
many, are one body in Christ, and everyone members one of
another.”

Consider the prayer of the one who gave himself for the church.
“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall
believe on me through their word; That they may all be one; as
thou Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in
us…” (John 17:20, 21). Is denominationalism the will of our
Master-builder? Divisions in the church are definitely not in Jesus’
will. How many bodies (churches) are there? There is one church.
Is the church divided into denominations? There are no
denominations in Christ’s church. We are one.

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of your Lord Jesus

Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no
divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together
in the same mind and in the same judgment” (I Cor. 1:10).