Paul wrote to the Corinthians concerning their following someone other than Christ. He declared in I Corinthians 1:11-18 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  A careful examination of these verses and verses from other parts of the Bible will reveal a consistent theme of truth on this matter.

First, Paul told them in verse 11 that he knew there were contentions about who they were to follow. They had divided up to follow others, instead of Christ. (Does that not sound familiar when the denominational world is viewed? Each one claims to hold the truth as they follow the TV preachers and others.) Apparently these believers had begun following the one who baptized them and Paul was thankful he had not been involved in their false beliefs. Due to a misunderstanding of these verses it is wrongly taught by many that  baptism (immersion) isn’t necessary because of verse 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: Paul’s purpose for going from place to place was to preach the gospel. When the gospel is preached, baptism follows the hearing of the word as in Acts 2:38 and other verses. In Acts 8:35-38 Stephen met a man who was reading from the Old Testament and wanted to know the identity of the man of whom Esaias spoke. Verse beginning in 35 we find out what happened. Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. It is undeniable that the preaching of the gospel includes the message about baptism (immersion) and those who protest are hard pressed to prove that it isn’t the point of beginning of the new life in Christ. Then in verse 39 the story continues:  And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. He was saved and rejoiced in his newfound belief and way of life that began upon exiting the water.

After the conversions to Christ, the Galatians had problems and Paul wrote in Chapter 1:6-9: I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 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. 9 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.  Any other doctrine that purports to be the doctrine is not the gospel. Those who preach other than Christ and his teachings are to be accursed according to Paul.

In conclusion, it easy to see that there are false teachers of all kinds. Party spirit divides people and the belief concerning religious ritual and that government can take the place of the work of God’s people are false. If the true gospel is not preached, which includes all the teachings for the way to salvation and the new life, the consequences will be ever lasting.

© 09 -05-2010 DEC

                       Next  False Doctrines Versus the Truth Part IV