Looking For the Road Signs
Although I have not been to Rome, I am told that all major roads in Italy will lead you there. The opposite is true if you are searching for salvation. At Matthew 7:14 Jesus says “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” - this from His sermon on the mount. I believe that doctrinal issues should meet this test and theological teaching should be subjected to this model for Bible study and understanding.
I fear that our society is rapidly moving toward general apostasy because of political correctness and liberalizing the text of the Bible through translations and teaching that is designed to reflect modern life and thereby produce a theology that is easy to sell to the “laity”. The “wide” road is taken not the “narrow” one. How can the “clergy”, preachers, and teachers do this to the very people they are supposed to lead to atonement?
Millions of people in our nation will go to a worship center next Sunday and recite the Apostle’s Creed, which offers 12 foundational beliefs for the broader “Christian” community (Catholic, Denominational, and non-Denominational). This creed professes a belief in/or that: (1) God as the creator; (2) Jesus the Son; (3) Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit thru the Virgin Mary; (4) was crucified, died, and buried; (5) rose from the dead on the 3rd day; (6) ascended to heaven; (7) will return to judge the world; (8) the Holy Spirit; (9) “catholic - universal” Church and communion of saints; (10) forgiveness of sin; (11) the resurrection; (12) life everlasting. I think most, if not all, believers agree with these tenets, but how do we secure numbers 10, 11, and 12? I believe here is where the road narrows.
So, how do we find the narrow way? First, let’s consider the Bible itself. Do you believe the Bible (and I am primarily talking about what we know as the New Testament) is inspired by the Holy Spirit and the infallible word of God? If you don’t, consider John 14:26 wherein Christ says the Holy Spirit will cause them (the apostles) to remember all that He had taught, and not just remember but would also teach them “all things”. That to me justifies or verifies the inspirational claim that the message contained therein is from God and, therefore, without flaw. So, for those who say that the books were written by men, yes, but with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I will rely on Christ’s words.
So then, if the best authority is the Bible, what must we do to find that road?
First, we are instructed at Matthew 16:16 that the bedrock of Christianity is the belief that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus, in this passage, says that it is on Peter’s statement - confession of faith - that He, Jesus, will build His church. Jesus is not going to build His church on Peter, or some royal lineage, but rather on the sure confidence that Jesus is the promised savior from God. We must confess that Jesus is the Son of God. Are you there - look here comes a sign that is directing us to that narrow road.
Second, we must consider baptism. If you believe in the Holy Spirit (Apostle’s Creed #8) and forgiveness of sin (#10), then one should find out what the Bible says about them and how you can get them. Matthew 28:19 states “therefore go and make disciples of all nations” -HOW - “baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit”, pay attention - this is red-letter words! Mark 16:16 says “whoever believes and is baptized will be saved”, pay attention - more red letters! Now, why must we be baptized? Let’s start at the beginning of the Church. Take a look at Acts 2:38, wherein “Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”. OK, we believe, we become followers (disciples), we are saved through baptism, because we are forgiven and therefore receive the Holy Spirit. Now we are on the narrow road.
But you may ask what form of baptism? Although there are several references within the text that would indicate submersion as the method, let’s look at the Greek term itself for a fail-safe understanding. In all three of the verses referenced above, the term used is Baptizo (No. 966 in the Lexical) - which is defined as dip, dye, immerse, plunge or submerge. I would think that it would be hard to reject such a clear definition and make any substitution for the method required by the scriptures. That, by definition, would exclude sprinkle, salute, place your hand on the TV, or anything else - just plunge me to victory.
I find it impossible to understand why the knowledgeable leaders in the religious community have led their members away from these clear, yet simple, requirements instituted by our Lord. The deceptive redefinition of the simple term, Baptizo, must cause our Lord great grief. Why, because He never intended there to be hundreds of different churches. You ask, how do you know? Not too difficult. Ephesians 4:4-6 calls for us to be of “one body” (church), “one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father” if we are to be connected to the Lords’ kingdom.
I pray that all herein is presented accurately, because it is a fearsome thing that James 3:1 tells us that “we who teach will be judged more strictly”.
It is of the highest importance where we will spend our eternity, so is it not of equal importance to know what the scriptures say we must do to spend it with our Lord? Shouldn’t we make sure we are on the narrow road? Read the book to avoid detours and dead ends.
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