Rather than
being based solely upon biblical evidence, most Christian belief systems in
place today are rooted in man’s traditions and ideologies. Of course much of this
did not happen overnight, but over a period of generations. We need only look in
the book of the Acts to find the Apostles already dealing with issues of the church’s
moving away from the doctrine of salvation by grace and into a system of works?
Keep in mind that at the time, they did not have the written scriptures to use
for persuasion or comparison. The only proof they could offer was the testimony
that they had walked with Christ, literally. These same men were the men who
actually put pen to parchment and wrote the words given to them of The Holy
Spirit; the words we now call the New Testament.
Even in all
this, I must say that I do not believe that there was an intentional conspiracy to totally abandon the truth and move away
from the foundational teaching of the early church, but mostly came about by
ignorance of the scriptures, misinterpretation of the Bible or through some
minor nuances in their views of theology. These perspectives, however minute in
error, were then passed along to others who naively trusted their doctrine and
practice. Left unchecked these views grew into what was eventually considered to be factual
truths.
We find that determined, unbiased study of the Bible is the only means by which the myths
that have become strong traditional beliefs of today can be dispelled. However,
most church goers, when offered the truth of the Bible vs. the traditions of
their fathers and mothers, will, in almost every case, turn their backs on biblical
certainties and hold tightly to the culture in when they were reared. It is for
this reason we must stress the need for intensive study of the Bible. But be
forewarned, as the title of this post suggests, this can have a disastrous
effect on imbedded beliefs and can turn the reader’s world upside down.
I mentioned some of the errors of our forefathers of
years past and gone, but It is much different today than then. Deviant church
behavior is now being accepted by the masses with little, if any resistance. Even in my brief span upon this earth, I have
seen many ideological seeds sown that have become deep rooted traditions within
only a few short years. Unlike our forefathers, who may have ignorantly
misinterpreted the word, men and women today seem to be purposely disregarding and even
changing the scriptures to meet their own agendas. Satan is hard at work and is
hurrying the process of deceit along at a much faster pace. He knows his time
is drawing close to an end.
Gal.1:
14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in
mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my
fathers
Matt.15:
2-3 & 6 Why do thy
disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not
their hands when they eat bread. But
he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of
God by your tradition? And honour not his father or his mother, he shall
be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your
tradition.
Mark.7:
9 & 13-14
And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may
keep your own tradition. Making the word of God of none effect through
your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do
ye. And profited in the Jews' religion
above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the
traditions of my fathers.
Col.2: 8
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the
tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Sam Everett
