Various Beliefs

[Chalkboard]

I've been reading over a few different threads in the Bible Discussion pages and one thing seems to stay pretty much the same:

No one has the exactly same beliefs and understandings of the Bible and Gods intentions.

As a believer subscribed to no particular religion; I feel like I'm kinda half saved. Saved in the fact that I love God and seek him for salvation. But half ****ed in that I haven't picked some sort of denomination to 'follow' like everyone else has and, therefore, have no real focussed support other than my local Baptist Pastor and, well, you guys ( ).

The thing that's starting to sadden me is that I feel like I should become a Baptist. Or a Methodist. Or a Catholic. Or this. Or that. Or the other one. But which one? And how do I know which one is right? Or, at the very least, the MOST correct of them all? Mormons? They were started by an American and the actual denomination itself is less than what? 200 years old? Do I choose a religion based on its history and 'length of service'? Or do I go with the Catholics? Old school and they're also the largest in New Zealand? Surely member numbers or 'popularity' must count for something? However many hundreds of million Catholics around the world can't be wrong? Or what about being a Methodist? My entire family on my mothers side are Methodists.. Maybe I should keep it in the family?

It's a daunting task.

It's almost like betting on horses. I don't know which one will win. Do I put my money all on this one? Or this one? Putting money on all the horses won't work. I'll probably end up worse off that way. Maybe I shouldn't bet on any of them?!

So then what about no specific religion? How does that work? Does that mean I have the opportunity to be saved? But if I don't pick one, I'll fall short? There's a scary thought. Makes me want to join a particular religion just so I have at least some opportunity.

"What religion are you?"
"I dunno."
"Huh?"
"Well, I believe in God."
"What about Jesus?"
"Not yet. I'm sure I will. I have to meet him first."
"So that would cancel you out of being a Christian."
"Maybe I'm a Christian in waiting?"
"Do you read the Bible?"
"I don't trust it."
"What? That doesn't work! Why wouldn't you read the Bible?"
"For the same reason you don't as an Atheist: I don't trust it?"
"You're messed up."
"Tell me about it. Let's go get lunch."

Gambling is almost the perfect example for how I feel. It's like buying a Lotto ticket. Except the prize isn't $100mil. It's salvation. Each denomination has it's own set of numbers, but only one can win! If I don't buy a lotto ticket, then I'm almost certain NOT to win. So I definitely have to buy one. But which one?

It really is difficult. My real life friends are no help. They're all non-believers, Jews or Muslims. My Christian friends are Baptists, so they're biased. "Be a Baptist!". Maybe.

And then there's the question of: Why would God make it so hard to be a follower? If I become a Methodist, then I have to say that we have it right and everyone else has it wrong and it's my duty to try and save them. I then go and help three Catholic friends become Methodists. Judgement Day comes along and BAM! The Catholics are right. Not only have I ****ed myself, but I've also ****ed my three friends who, otherwise, would have been right. So I feel twice a bad.

Can I just be a believer? What if I don't want the label of 'Christian' or 'Methodist' or 'Lutheran' or 'Catholic'? Do I have to accept it? Will I be thought of as a traitor who sits in the Baptist church, listening and learning through service but when asked the question of "I didn't know you went to that Church. Are you Baptist?" I reply honestly "No. I'm not a Baptist."?

Look at that rant. I typed it as if I was pacing up and down the room talking at 100 miles an hour. Almost hitting falsetto every now and again in my voice. Help please?

 

[Chalkboard]

Sorry. I didn't know the 'D' word was censored.

 

[carpetmanswife]

For the body is not one member but many. 1 corinthians 12:14
i believe there will be ppl from every denomination saved..its not the denomination that saves , its Christ and Him crucified , its being born again
i attend a pentecostal church but do not label myself a pentecostal . because there are many things that the church doctrine dictates that i simply disagree with , as with any other church doctrine ive been associated with .denomination is nothing more than a label..which is of absolutely no importance to God . when we stand before Him in judgement He isnt going to ask " what denomination are you" ..it will be " do you know my Son? does my Son know you?" " what have you done with my Son , accepted or rejected Him?" study the word to show yourself approved, its good to have a so called leader but its best to be led by the Holy Spirit, man will fail you, He never will.

 

[chelsers]

It doesn't matter what denomination you choose as long as it follows God's word. Your salvation is not at all based on denominations; those are man made.

The most important thing is having a personal relationship with Jesus.

"Not yet. I'm sure I will. I have to meet him first."

It sounds like you're looking to find a denomination and then receive salvation. You can't be "half saved." You can be saved and not set foot in a Church or call yourself some denomination throughout your entire life. You'll probably feel led to fellowship with other believers and worship, but your salvation is not contingent upon it.

But if I don't pick one, I'll fall short?

No, the only way you'll fall short is if you don't accept Christ as your Lord and Savior.

1 John 5: 11-12 "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. The one who has the Son has this eternal life; the one who does not have the Son of God does not have this eternal life"

I can relate to you here. I've gone over the denominations from Catholic (which I don't recommend) to Baptist. I want to make a distinction though here...

Can I just be a believer?What if I don't want the label of 'Christian' or 'Methodist' or 'Lutheran' or 'Catholic'?

Yes. Here's the distinction though; Christianity is not a denomination. Methodism, Lutheranism, Catholocism-denominations of Christianity.

Why would God make it so hard to be a follower?

God made it supremely easy by sending his Son to die on the cross for us. Man makes things complicated.

I have no denomination. I'm a Christian, a Christ follower. We need to read the Word and grow closer to God. I'm a firm believer in calling yourself a Christian first. After that you can say "Well I worship in a Baptist Church." First and foremost, I am a Christian, that's what matters.

You sound like a smart young man. You're asking great questions here and you should learn. First and foremost though, receive salvation, have a personal relationship with Christ. Then go and seek others to fellowship and worship with.

God bless you

 

[chelsers]

For the body is not one member but many. 1 corinthians 12:14
i believe there will be ppl from every denomination saved..its not the denomination that saves , its Christ and Him crucified , its being born again
i attend a pentecostal church but do not label myself a pentecostal . because there are many things that the church doctrine dictates that i simply disagree with , as with any other church doctrine ive been associated with .denomination is nothing more than a label..which is of absolutely no importance to God . when we stand before Him in judgement He isnt going to ask " what denomination are you" ..it will be " do you know my Son? does my Son know you?" " what have you done with my Son , accepted or rejected Him?" study the word to show yourself approved, its good to have a so called leader but its best to be led by the Holy Spirit, man will fail you, He never will.

Amen, I couldn't agree more.

 

[Chalkboard]

Those are both fantastic replies, thank you.

I agree, because it makes reasonable sense to me, that it would be best to find salvation first through a personal relationship. Then to worship through a particular church. Thank you both for helping me understand that.

 

[MahogonySnail]

You don't have to "be" a baptist. I personally am a nothing. Just a Christian. You can be a Christian who attends or ascribes to the Baptist flavour of Christianity or whatever type you wish. Unfortunately it is that way today and we have to live with it, with all the various denominations and all, but most are very similar to one another. But it's important to identify the unity which comes from a common grounding in belief in the same person Jesus Christ between all the main denominations.

Yet since you don't believe in Christ, you haven't even made the step of becoming a Christian. You are still at the level of believing in God, which is a great start by the way. But even the enemies of God also believe God exists, that doesn't mean they get any benefit or are in God's favour.

If you have nothing against Christianity or Jesus Christ that means you are with and for Christianity. The disciples of Christ raised this very point when they saw others who didnt belong to their group, using the name of Christ. What is interesting is Christ's response, accepting them as though they did belong to their group:

Luk 9:49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out demons in Your name. And we prevented him, because he does not follow us.
Luk 9:50 And Jesus said to him, Do not prevent him, for he who is not against us is for us.
But to get the real benefit (i.e. salvation) you really do need to become a Christian at some stage, i.e. a believer in Jesus. That doesn't mean just believe He exists or existed, but to believe precisely in His mission to save lost souls and lost sinners, who would otherwise be facing God's judgement and everything that is recorded in the bible associated with that. To believe precisely in His great love and forgiveness and dying on the cross for your personal shortcomings, and the need for you to respond to that by your choice and putting your faith in Him:
Rom 10:9 Because if you confess the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation.
Rom 10:11 For the Scripture says, "Everyone believing on Him shall not be put to shame."
Rom 10:12 For there is no difference both of Jew and of Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call on Him.
Rom 10:13 For everyone, "whoever shall call on the name of the Lord will be saved."


Those things are the important issues as far as your own soul is concerned at this very moment in time. Not whether you want to go to Methodist or Baptist or Catholic, they are separate issues.

God is not judging people by what denomination they go to , but by whether they have done what it says to do in Romans 10 (as given above), and many other places in Scripture. You know, the standard Christian doctrine of "how to be saved". The things that most denominations differ on are lesser issues such as how exactly that salvation can be defined. Many times this is simply looking at the same issue from different sides of the same coin, eg did God save us? or did we save ourselves? Can you be unsaved if you are saved, or can you not? etc etc. But in practice the experience of salvation is the same for a Methodist as it is for a Baptist.

If you want my personal opinion you'd be fine with Baptists, fine with Methodists. Suggest staying clear of Catholics. Definitely stay clear of Jehovah's Witness, Mormons, Christadelphians, Worldwide Church of God, the usual suspects that aren't considered mainstream Christian.

 

[Chalkboard]

Thanks for that, MahoganySnail.

It does seem like I have had a misconception about what it is to follow God. I'll keep searching for Christ. I have no doubt I'll find him eventually. I think, now that I have a better understanding of how to look for salvation, my next step would be to start reading the Bible over again. I'll do it slowly. I think once I have a better understanding of what Jesus' mission is, it'll help be find him easier. Baby steps = key.

I'm glad to have you guys to turn to for answers if I need help or clarification on anything.

 

[BLC]

Every single believer has been called by the grace of God to be member of the body of Christ, the church (Col 3:15, 2Thes 2:14, 2Tim 1:9). There are two aspects of the church. One, it is universal being made of every believer that has trusted Christ for salvation. Two, there is the local church bodies that make up the various portions of God's universal church. Each one has an individual expression as a member in particular (1Cor 12:27). Each believer is called to a local church body to fellowship, to be taught and to be under the word of God and to become an active participant (Eph 4:12). This is God's plan for every believer so that they can grow in grace and knowledge (2Pt 3:18), so that they can comprehend the love of God with the saints (Eph 3:18:19) and learn how to function as a member in the body of Christ (1Cor 12) with Jesus Christ as their head (Eph 4:15). ​

It is the believer that has to respond to God's call as to which local church God is calling the believer. The calling will not be based on personality rapport, or on reputation, or on likes and dislikes but upon the will of God so that the believer can bear fruit (John 15:16). The believer has the liberty to go to any church they choose but God has a specific calling, according to grace and the perfect will of God (Rom 12:2), just for them. The believer is to make their calling and election sure (2Pt 1:10). All aspects of the believer's calling is to be made sure, including the one to a local church. It is vital that the believer has a local church. Paul wrote (8) letters to (6) local churches. John, on the isle of Patmos, received the revelation that was to be given to (7) churches, of which only one is the same (Ephesus) giving us at least (12) local churches, along with the church in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1) and another one in (Philemon 1:2). If a believer does not have a local church that God has called them to, they need to make that sure to be in the perfect will of God and to be under the authority of God's word. ​

 

[Slepsog4]

I am a Christian only.

-- nothing more

-- nothing less

-- nothing else

 

[BLC]

Chalkboard,

To be a Christian you must be born again. When you were born into this world you were born in the flesh but to enter the kingdom of God you must be born again of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ made it possible for every person to have a new life through Him when He bore our sins upon His body and tasted death for every man at the cross. All have sinned and come short of being accepted by God in their own goodness. But God so loved us that he gave His Son to be crucified and anyone that would believe upon His Son, Jesus Christ, would be given everlasting life and would not perish. I can be religious and do many good things for people, but those things do not have the power to cleanse me from sin and save my soul from death. Only what Jesus Christ did on the cross has the power to save me and cleanse me of all sin. Today is the day of your salvation. All you need to do is call upon the name of Jesus Christ and believe in your heart that he died for you and that God raised Him from the dead. Nothing should stop you from making that decision today.

 

[wattie]

From a 'Baptist' :

I went to a Trinity church when I was really little..

All we did was sing hymns and stand up and sit down and every now and then go to sunday school - I had NO IDEA what they believed


I went to a Methodist church in my teens..

Again we sung hymns and stood up and sat down and every now and then went to sunday school.. and sometimes had socials.. again-- I had no IDEA what they believed


I went to a Charismatic Methodist church in my late teens..

We sung lively songs and stood up and sat down.. had some emotional experiences.. sometimes had socials.. again-- I had NO IDEA what they believed


Dissatisfied I turned to New Age believes:

We got into a nice group and chanted and meditated and talked to eachother deeply... had some emotiional experiences (not much different to charismatic beliefs)... they believed ANYTHING.. truth was what you make it..

Then I found a christian club on campus:

We were social.. had some emotional experiences.. but was also taught HOW TO READ THE WORD.. HOW TO SHARE MY FAITH.. THE ASSURANCE OF SALVATION.. ETERNAL SECURITY.. etc.. in otherwords.. began to TRUST the BIBLE!

Then this club linked me to an independent missionary baptist church:

They are social.. have some emotional experiences.. but never removed from the Word.. teach all the above PLUS.. discipleship.. the ministry of the Holy Spirit in local churches...

Most of all.. they told me WHAT THEY BELIEVE and WHY THEY BELIEVE IT

Looking for the right church? At least look for one that lets the bible INTERPRET ITSELF... not 'that's your interpretation.. but not mine' .. but 'let's search out the scriptures together and find out what it is REALLY saying'


Anyway.. in regards to searching for Jesus-- He is right where you are! His salvation is at hand.. read the Romans chapter 10 references in other post!

Don have to turn your life completely around.. don have to run thru a thousand hoops.. don earn salvation.. don merit it..

saved by grace through faith in Jesus = entrusting your salvation with Jesus by asking Him into your life to forgive your sin and give you eternal life!

You can do it right here and now.. and Jesus promises to enter into your very spirit with His Holy Spirit, sealing you for eternity!

So, forget some mystical journey or endless search.. Jesus is real.. offers salvation now.. and permanently!