ERRONEOUS DOCTRINES CONCERNING THE CHURCH
By Gary Ray Branscome
Since we become citizens of God’s heavenly kingdom through
faith in Christ, what the Bible tells us about Christ’s church must be
understood in the light of what it says about Christ’s sacrificial death, the
gospel as the means of grace, and our faith as the hand that receives God’s
grace.
Concerning Christ’s sacrificial death the words, “Christ
was once offered to bear the sins of many,” and “We were reconciled to
God by the death of His Son,” tell us that “We have redemption through
His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace”
(Hebrews
Concerning faith and the means of grace, the words, “No
man can come to me, unless the Father who has sent me draws him,” tells us
that we can do nothing to save ourselves (John 6:44). The words, “The gospel
of Christ… is the power of God unto salvation to every one who believes,”
and the words, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,”
tell us that the gospel is the means that God uses to bring us to faith (Romans
1:16). And, the words, “We… have access by faith into this grace,” tell
us that faith is the hand that receives the forgiveness [grace] Christ won for
us by His death on the cross (Romans 5:2). Anyone who denies these truths is
bound to err regarding the church.
Regarding those who err — A number
of cults confuse their own organizations with God’s heavenly kingdom. And,
because they equate their own organization with God’s heavenly kingdom they
regard everyone outside of their organization as lost.
Those who err in regard to Christ’s atonement tend to see
the promotion of outward works or moral reform as the purpose of their
organization; and see outward piety [infused grace] as proof of the work of the
Holy Spirit, and thus, citizenship in God’s heavenly kingdom.
Those who err in regard to faith tend to equate salvation
with a decision or experience rather than faith in Christ. Those under that
influence will sometimes seek assurance so desperately that they convince
themselves that they are saved when they are not. If they do not deceive
themselves, their experience is, at best, a fruit of faith, not faith itself.
The words, “Christ is of no benefit to those of you who
seek righteousness by the law; you are fallen from grace,” are God’s
warning to all who seek “to establish their own righteousness”
(Galatians 5:4 and Romans 10:3). And, the words, “All who trust in the law
are under a curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one who does not continue
to do everything that is written in the book of the law,” are God’s warning
to all who delude themselves into thinking that they can make themselves
righteous without doing everything that the Law requires (Galatians 3:10).
The words, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to
him for righteousness,” tell us that righteousness comes through faith, not
works (Romans 4:3). And, the words, “All the prophets testify of Him, that
through His name whoever believes in Him will receive forgiveness of sins,”
tell us that salvation has always been through faith in Christ and always will
be through faith in Christ (Acts 10:43). As it is written, “There is no
other name under heaven given among men, by which we
must be saved” (Acts