IF - THEN

IF you are searching for the TRUTH, please read EVERY word, answer EVERY question, and look up EVERY Scripture reference. Then, if necessary, re-read every word, question, and look up every Scripture reference. Please be fair and honest with yourself and the Word of God (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). Forget about what you have been taught, but logically and rationally think through each of the following questions presented. Most of them will most likely cause you to shake your head in disagreement, but remember, you can’t accept your teaching as the only possible answer, unless you choose to be dishonest with God’s Word.

IF all churches are right, THEN why does the Bible make it so clear that there is only ONE (1 Corinthians 12:20; Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:18-24; Matthew 16:18)?

IF Christ wanted different denominations, THEN why did He pray for unity (John 17:20-21)?

IF God promised salvation outside of the church, THEN why did Christ die for the church (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:23-27)?

IF the church has nothing to do with our salvation, THEN why does God add the saved to the church (Acts 2:47)?

IF one becomes a Christian by faith only, THEN why was not King Agrippa saved (Acts 26:27-28)?

IF one can be saved without complete obedience to the gospel of the Lord, THEN why did Paul say that Christ will take vengeance on ALL them that obey NOT the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:8)?

IF obedience to the gospel is unnecessary before salvation, THEN why did Paul say Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to everyone that obeys Him (Hebrew 5:9)?

IF we can receive forgiveness of sins without baptism, THEN why did Simon Peter say baptism is “FOR” (in order to receive) the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38)?

IF the Lord will save without baptism, THEN why did Paul put “newness of life” AFTER baptism, and not before (Romans 6:4)?

IF a person is saved before baptism, THEN would it not be true that he/she is saved BEFORE their sins are forgiven (Acts 2:38)?

IF one can be eternally saved without being faithful (once in grace, always in grace), THEN why did the Lord say we must be “faithful unto death” (Revelation 2:10)?

IF one church is as good as another, THEN why did God only add the saved to one church, the church of Christ (Acts 2:47)?

IF babies are born sinners, THEN why did God say children are not responsible for the sins their parents commit, and parents are not responsible for the sins their children commit (Ezekiel 18:19-24)?

IF men and women are born total depraved, unable to choose to serve God, THEN why did Jesus command the Great Commission (Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:18-20)?

IF women are allowed to be preachers, elders, or deacons, THEN why did God warn women NOT to usurp authority over men, and to learn in silence (1 Timothy 2:8-12) and why did God command that elders and deacons must be the husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:1-2, 8-11)?

IF it is true that we are saved by faith alone, THEN why are there no passages of Scripture that state this to be true, without having to add the word “alone” to the text? There is a difference between saying one is saved by faith, and that we are saved by faith alone. Shouldn’t God provide clear passages that say, “faith alone” without us having to add the word “alone?”

IF it is true that we are saved by faith alone, THEN why does God require us to repent (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9) and to confess the name of Christ (Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32-33), when the word alone means “Solely, without anything added?”

IF it is true that God, being one God cannot have three distinct personages (Father, Son & Holy Spirit), THEN why was Jesus condemned for blaspheme in that He claimed to be God?

IF we are still required by God to observe the Sabbath, THEN why did no one keep the Sabbath before the Law of Moses was given (Exodus 20:8-11; 31:18)?

IF Peter was the first Pope, THEN why did he never know that he was? He was married, was never in Rome, is not listed first among the apostles, nor was the church founded on Peter (Mark 1:30; Galatians 2:9; John 1:44; 1 Corinthians 3:11).

IF the Roman Catholic Church is responsible for giving the world the Bible, THEN why does the Bible not teach Catholic Doctrine? One must follow their catechism to know what they believe and teach.

IF miracles exist today, THEN why do they not occur in the same manner as they did in the first century – immediately, and without faith (Mark 1:31; 2:12; 5:29; et al)?

These are but a few questions for your consideration. There are so many false doctrines taught by men and believed denominational members. But if just one of these samples is enough to get you to stop and think about what you have always believed, and that it doesn’t harmonize with God’s word, then we have done our job. God through Paul said the time will come when people will not endure sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2-3). Sound (healthy) doctrine is very important if we are going to please God. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Not from the mouth of Calvin, or Smith, or David Jeremiah and any other man. But by Scripture alone (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Jesus also warned of false prophets and false teachers (Matthew 7:15-16; 24:24). False doctrine is dangerous which is why we are trying hard to point out the errors you have been following. And if they are not errors, then why are you not trying to correct us, so that we can all be teaching the same thing? You will answer to God one day for remaining silent, and not trying to save the souls of those who believe, teach and practice error. That is what we are trying to do, and all we can assume by your silence, is that we have the truth, and you do not, because you are not pointing out our flawed thinking, or your doctrine is so weak that it cannot be defended. That is what we are seeing in the silence of the men and women you call your spiritual leaders. The doctrine they are teaching you is too weak to be defended, so they sit behind their four-walls hoping no one asks them stand up for what they believe and teach.

IF doctrine does not matter, THEN why did God command us to believe, teach and practice the SAME doctrine (1 Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 3:16; Amos 3:3; John 17:20-21; et al)? In the end, everyone of us will be Judged by Jesus whether or not we lived according to Christ’s gospel (John 12:48; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 22:11-15). The question each of us must ask ourselves, is do I want to roll the dice that where I am now spiritually is enough to gain a mansion in heaven? Or do I want to know for certain, that what I have been taught is correct? The choice is yours, but it is our prayer that you make the right one.