Another Gospel.

[Pilgrim]

In the Image of Christ
Colossians 3:8-11

“Another Gospel?”

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any [ man ] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”        Galatians 1:6-9

   If the apostle Paul marveled at what he witnessed in the Galatian church two thousand years ago, what do you think his response would be if he examined the professing church today? Paul was amazed that the Galatians fell for a counterfeit gospel so quickly after receiving the true gospel. In fact, he openly doubted that they were truly saved because of the false gospel they now embraced (Gal. 4:11, 20). This tragic situation was so severe that the apostle Paul pronounced a curse on anyone teaching a false gospel, whether man or an angel from heaven.
   Someone apparently came to the Galatians after they received the true gospel, and began to teach them that besides believing, they also needed to be circumcised and keep the Mosaic law in order to be saved, thus perverting the true gospel. Today we have many different so-called “Christian” denominations that in one way or another do the same.
   One example of such teaching is the Belgic Confession, Article 34 on baptism. According to the Psalter Hymnal used by the Christian Reformed Church, the Belgic Confession is its oldest doctrinal standard. The Psalter Hymnal also states:

   “The text, not the contents, was revised again at the Synod of Dort in 1618-19 and adopted as one of the doctrinal standards to which all officebearers in the Reformed churches were required to subscribe. The confession stands as one of the best symbolical statements of Reformed doctrine. The translation presented here is based on the French text of 1619 and was adopted by the Synod of 1985 of the Christian Reformed Church” (underlining added).

   The error in this document is quite similar to the error in which the Galatians found themselves. Near the very beginning of the document we read these words, “Having abolished circumcision which was done with blood, he established in its place the sacrament of baptism.” Yet no where is this taught in the Holy Scriptures. The proof text used to support their position is Colossians 2:11-12, which states:

“In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:  Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”

   However, please notice that these verses do not say that baptism replaced circumcision. In fact, the circumcision mentioned in these verses is not even physical circumcision, but rather spiritual circumcision. It is a circumcision made without hands, by the faith of the operation of God. Therefore, to say that physical baptism replaced physical circumcision based upon these verses, is to make a very poor and incorrect interpretation that twists the clear meaning of the text. The circumcision mentioned in these verses is what takes place today in the hearts of those who are saved by placing their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.
   Article 34 of the Belgic Confession goes on to proclaim,  “By it we are received into God’s Church and set apart from all other people and alien religions, that we may be dedicated entirely to him, bearing his mark and sign. It also witnesses to us that he will be our God forever, since he is our gracious Father.” (underlining added).  Again, no where in the Scriptures does it teach that being baptized places a person in the church. The church is not a building made up of brick and mortar, wood and nails, nor is it a denomination that we have joined. The church is the body of Christ. It is made up of individuals who have placed their trust in the Lord Jesus for the salvation of their souls. We gain entry into God’s church and become God’s children by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, not by being baptized as this man-made document and doctrine claims (Jn. 1:11-13, 1 Pet. 2:4-10, Eph. 1:15-3:21).  
   The same Article 34 teaches baptismal regeneration (salvation by baptism), for it claims that a person is received into the church of God and that God becomes our Father through baptism. Article 34 continues in its teaching of baptismal regeneration as follows: (underlining added)

   “In this way he signifies to us that just as water washes away the dirt of the body when it is poured on us and also is seen on the body of the baptized when it is sprinkled on him, so too the blood of Christ does the same thing internally, in the soul, by the Holy Spirit.
      It washes and cleanses it from its sins and transforms us from being the children of wrath into the children of God.  This does not happen by the physical water but by the sprinkling of the precious blood of the Son of God, who is our Red Sea, through which we must pass to escape the tyranny of Pharoah, who is the devil, and to enter the spiritual land of Canaan.
      So ministers, as far as their work is concerned, give us the sacrament and what is visible, but our Lord gives what the sacrament signifies - namely the invisible gifts and graces; washing, purifying, and cleansing our souls of all filth and unrighteousness; renewing our hearts and filling them with all comfort; giving us true assurance of his fatherly goodness; clothing us with the “new man” and stripping off the “old” with all its works.
      For this reason we believe that anyone who aspires to reach eternal life ought to be baptized only once without ever repeating it - for we cannot be born twice.  Yet this baptism is profitable not only when the water is on us and when we receive it but throughout our entire lives.”

   This man-made doctrine claims that as a person (many of which are infants) is sprinkled with water at his baptism, so the Holy Spirit does the same thing to his soul with the blood of Christ, and that he is cleansed from his sin and transformed from a child of wrath into a child of God. Honestly friends, you would be hard pressed to come up with a more clear teaching of baptismal regeneration than Article 34 of the Belgic Confession. If the Apostle Paul announced such a severe curse on those that taught that salvation was through circumcision and law keeping, what do you think he would say to those that teach Article 34 of the Belgic Confession as holy doctrine? After all, this document makes almost the identical claim as that of the false teachers in the Galatian church. Article 34 of the Belgic Confession teaches that baptism replaces circumcision and that by it a person becomes a child of God . We can be sure that the Apostle Paul would have cursed anyone teaching this false gospel as well. He was very zealous for the true gospel, the “apostolic” gospel. Let us remember that the Apostle Paul was the one who wrote these words in the book of Romans:“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also the Greek”.  Romans 1:16
   The true gospel has the power to save every soul that believes it, and a false gospel has the power to doom every soul that believes it.  Dear friend, I have not written to offend or incite argument, but out of concern for your soul. Let me ask you, what gospel do you believe? Only the true gospel will save you from the wrath of God.

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Pilgrim

[Ambassador4Christ]

DITTO  

[Ambassador4Christ]

Yes sir you boys have been far removed from the sincere truth of Gods word, let's see now,  how did Jesus describe you, TARES, HYPOCRITES!!!

Michael, you must be Jimmy Swaggert  

[nChrist]

Yes sir you boys have been far removed from the sincere truth of Gods word, let's see now,  how did Jesus describe you, TARES, HYPOCRITES!!!

Michael,

What you are doing is SIN! You are talking to Brothers in Christ. If you have a different view, PROVE IT! with Scripture and calm commentary. If you can't refute it or prove it with Scripture and calm commentary, BE QUIET!

Remember, what you are doing is SIN!

[Ambassador4Christ]

Yes sir you boys have been far removed from the sincere truth of Gods word, let's see now,  how did Jesus describe you, TARES, HYPOCRITES!!!

Michael,

What you are doing is SIN! You are talking to Brothers in Christ. If you have a different view, PROVE IT! with Scripture and calm commentary. If you can't refute it or prove it with Scripture and calm commentary, BE QUIET!

Remember, what you are doing is SIN!

DITTO  

[IrishAngel]

Yes sir you boys have been far removed from the sincere truth of Gods word, let's see now,  how did Jesus describe you, TARES, HYPOCRITES!!!

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." This is one way in which pride will cause a man to fall. When we point the finger at others, with a attitude of "I'm better than you or holier than thou" and are judgmental of others, it will put us in the place of being tempted by the devil and open to him. James:3:13-16 "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." Envy and strife come because of pride.
2Timothy 2:24-25 "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;"

Humility and meekness are great secrets of the Christian life and necessities for Christian ministry.

 Michael your boldness for the gospel is commendable but you have made yourself a accuser of the brethern, I hope you let the word of God be a mirror for your soul, so that you might see that in this matter you have erred.

[TigerLily]

well micheali for one would
like to know who u think you are in coming on a public forum and slamming people left and right? sending people to hell cause they dont agree with you??
hey i commend your eagerness to spread the gospel of Christ, but right now all your doing is spreading the Gospel according to MICHEAL. and damning anyone who dares say a word agains it.You said, and i quote.."I feel far worse for having been associated with someone like you who can only express such satanic hatred for another sincere brother in Christ, well you will reap the harvest of your hatred in eternity, hope it doesn't get too hot for you! " Well micheal.. to you i say this, i hope  when u lay your head down on your pillow tonight, you make your heart right before your maker... Do you not see that slamming and bashing and damning people to hell will only cause them to think this,, if this is an example of christianity and Godly love, i want nothing to do with it,If i was a new creature in christ,, which im not... or someone who couldnt reply due to not knowing her bible , which im not, i only chose to keep my opinions of things to myself, id be totally turned away by your attitude in which you protray the gospel. I totally agree with irish, humilty and meekness... Jesus never ever talked to people in the attitude you are.As i have stated before, yes this is a discussion forum, but i strongly feel we have the right to agree or disagree with out being damned or called names.
This place was doing well , a fresh start, different people saying they wanted to be calmer, be nicer, discuss but not condem , you nor anyone else has the right to condem another bro /sis in christ, theres a big difference in discussing and condeming, You feel people on here are wrong in their beliefs.. then after stating your beliefs and why u blieve it, then take it to God in prayer.
TL

[Ambassador4Christ]

well micheali for one would
like to know who u think you are in coming on a public forum and slamming people left and right? sending people to hell cause they dont agree with you??
hey i commend your eagerness to spread the gospel of Christ, but right now all your doing is spreading the Gospel according to MICHEAL. and damning anyone who dares say a word agains it.You said, and i quote.."I feel far worse for having been associated with someone like you who can only express such satanic hatred for another sincere brother in Christ, well you will reap the harvest of your hatred in eternity, hope it doesn't get too hot for you! " Well micheal.. to you i say this, i hope  when u lay your head down on your pillow tonight, you make your heart right before your maker... Do you not see that slamming and bashing and damning people to hell will only cause them to think this,, if this is an example of christianity and Godly love, i want nothing to do with it,If i was a new creature in christ,, which im not... or someone who couldnt reply due to not knowing her bible , which im not, i only chose to keep my opinions of things to myself, id be totally turned away by your attitude in which you protray the gospel. I totally agree with irish, humilty and meekness... Jesus never ever talked to people in the attitude you are.As i have stated before, yes this is a discussion forum, but i strongly feel we have the right to agree or disagree with out being damned or called names.
This place was doing well , a fresh start, different people saying they wanted to be calmer, be nicer, discuss but not condem , you nor anyone else has the right to condem another bro /sis in christ, theres a big difference in discussing and condeming, You feel people on here are wrong in their beliefs.. then after stating your beliefs and why u blieve it, then take it to God in prayer.
TL

DITTO  

[Ambassador4Christ]

Yes sir you boys have been far removed from the sincere truth of Gods word, let's see now,  how did Jesus describe you, TARES, HYPOCRITES!!!

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." This is one way in which pride will cause a man to fall. When we point the finger at others, with a attitude of "I'm better than you or holier than thou" and are judgmental of others, it will put us in the place of being tempted by the devil and open to him. James:3:13-16 "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." Envy and strife come because of pride.
2Timothy 2:24-25 "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;"

Humility and meekness are great secrets of the Christian life and necessities for Christian ministry.

 Michael your boldness for the gospel is commendable but you have made yourself a accuser of the brethern, I hope you let the word of God be a mirror for your soul, so that you might see that in this matter you have erred.

One more DITTO  

[nChrist]

Listen, all of you, speaking out against false doctrines is NOT SIN!

Defending the absolute truth of Gods word is a righteous labor of the Godly!

Calling Brothers in Christ is SIN! Use Scripture from the Holy Bible when you wish to make a point. Use Scripture from the Holy Bible when you wish to prove a false doctrine. If you don't have a Bible, I'll buy you one.

If you wish to defend the absolute truth, it won't come from your mouth, rather from the Holy Bible. In the meantime, hate, disharmony, and name calling of your Brothers in Christ IS A SIN!, and you are guilty. You know this to be a command of God, and you broke it. God calls that SIN!

[nChrist]

I have not sinned, sir, I have only declared and defended Gods truth against a false doctrine, My motives in doing this are not as you believe, motives of hatred, they are truyly sincere motives of Christ like compassion for the deceived who are being led down the road to eternal destruction in hell by the devil!

I forgive you all.....

If you know anything at all about the Holy Bible, you know it is a SIN! to call a Brother in Christ Satan. Spewing nothing but hate is also a SIN! You have broken both commands of God. If you wish, I'll be happy to post a host of verses from the Holy Bible to prove what you did is a SIN! You are the one who needs forgiveness.

I haven't been to sleep yet, so I'm off to bed. I'll post the LOVE COMMANDS from GOD when I get a chance.

[IrishAngel]

1 Peter 5 :14    Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace  be to you all who are in Christ.  

[Ambassador4Christ]

I have not sinned, sir, I have only declared and defended Gods truth against a false doctrine, My motives in doing this are not as you believe, motives of hatred, they are truyly sincere motives of Christ like compassion for the deceived who are being led down the road to eternal destruction in hell by the devil!

I forgive you all.....

If you know anything at all about the Holy Bible, you know it is a SIN! to call a Brother in Christ Satan. Spewing nothing but hate is also a SIN! You have broken both commands of God. If you wish, I'll be happy to post a host of verses from the Holy Bible to prove what you did is a SIN! You are the one who needs forgiveness.

I haven't been to sleep yet, so I'm off to bed. I'll post the LOVE COMMANDS from GOD when I get a chance.

God knows who is right here sir, I feel absolutely no conviciton whatsoever, and I am certain I am his faithful servant!

GO Michael GO, Your Love is winning me over to your wonderful doctrine. Keep Preaching Bro  

[John the Baptist]

Hi, John here:
Personaly I find this 'one' post about the way that I see things. (so perhaps you are in bad shape, huh? )

Yet, when one speakes in the thinking of another Gospel, surely one must consider ALL Scripture. Such as: Other sheep have I . NOT OF THIS FOLD. Can one call these OTHER SHEEP MY BROTHERS? If you do, how about their OTHER GOSPEL??

Surely there are the Master's honest sheep still inside the Catholic denomination, (that is not the issue) but do you classify her priest's & the Pope as your brother? And the nuns as your sisters? Not me friend.

There is NO WAY TO KNOW if a person is in Christ or not, yet when they ingnorantly 'believe' another Gospel, how can one SAFELY & HONESTLY call them a brother in Christ? That IS NOT YOUR FAITH, OR BELIEF! Try Eph. 4:5. (not do you have faith, but there is ONE FAITH. Or True VIRGIN FOLD.

So, the bottom line is, that when the Word of the Master states in Rev.17, and in caps, that there is "THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH", regardles of whom these evil denominations are, for one to call a member of them a brother is a PARTAKER of their evil work. Rev. 18:4.    

And for one to believe in dis/order & no denominational order places us on the 'd'evils side of rebellion! Opposite of the Master's church order & government.  And once again, the subject thread of ANOTHER GOSPEL!

And lastly: for God to teach this Everlasting Gospel TRUTH, and then have the professed one's then CALL HIM & HIS CALLED ones, the accuser of the 'b'rethern is quite a stretch!
Yet what is new God ask's?? See Matt. 10:25-27 & verse 20? "For it is not ye that speak, but THE SPIRIT OF YOUR FATHER WHICH SPEAKETH IN YOU."

In the Master's quickly FINISHED work for the 'House of God, FIRST'. 1 Peter 4:17
---John

[Ambassador4Christ]

Hi, John here:
Personaly I find this 'one' post about the way that I see things. (so perhaps you are in bad shape, huh? )

Yet, when one speakes in the thinking of another Gospel, surely one must consider ALL Scripture. Such as: Other sheep have I . NOT OF THIS FOLD. Can one call these OTHER SHEEP MY BROTHERS? If you do, how about their OTHER GOSPEL??

Surely there are the Master's honest sheep still inside the Catholic denomination, (that is not the issue) but do you classify her priest's & the Pope as your brother? And the nuns as your sisters? Not me friend.

There is NO WAY TO KNOW if a person is in Christ or not, yet when they ingnorantly 'believe' another Gospel, how can one SAFELY & HONESTLY call them a brother in Christ? That IS NOT YOUR FAITH, OR BELIEF! Try Eph. 4:5. (not do you have faith, but there is ONE FAITH. Or True VIRGIN FOLD.

So, the bottom line is, that when the Word of the Master states in Rev.17, and in caps, that there is "THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH", regardles of whom these evil denominations are, for one to call a member of them a brother is a PARTAKER of their evil work. Rev. 18:4.    

And for one to believe in dis/order & no denominational order places us on the 'd'evils side of rebellion! Opposite of the Master's church order & government.  And once again, the subject thread of ANOTHER GOSPEL!

And lastly: for God to teach this Everlasting Gospel TRUTH, and then have the professed one's then CALL HIM & HIS CALLED ones, the accuser of the 'b'rethern is quite a stretch!
Yet what is new God ask's?? See Matt. 10:25-27 & verse 20? "For it is not ye that speak, but THE SPIRIT OF YOUR FATHER WHICH SPEAKETH IN YOU."

In the Master's quickly FINISHED work for the 'House of God, FIRST'. 1 Peter 4:17
---John

Now this is one that knows and preaches another Gospel