Caution: Studying the Bible may be hazardous to your beliefs.

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.  

Matt.15: 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men

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