As was written in the opening paragraph of the first article, all false doctrines share a common error. Each one replaces God, the Creator, with false doctrines and gods that are inventions of men who deny that God is all powerful or even exists. Legions of followers of the false doctrines deny the sufficiency of the scriptures for salvation. The question is, if the Bible doesn’t contain the teachings sufficient for salvation, where can it be found. Of course, the answer is that is can’t be found anywhere other than the Bible.

There are several teachings of the Bible that are neglected by many groups claiming to be of God and Christ. One is the fact of sin and the other is the ignoring of the new life in Christ as a new creature. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (II Corinthians 5:17) That is the very essence of following Christ and yet group after group fails to teach it and other “religions” do not have that teaching at all. Many are built on the self-righteous doings of the believer who think that their many words and their ritualistic behavior is somehow pleasing to God.

With the foregoing in mind, the next paragraphs were written with fear and trepidation due to the violent behavior of those who adhere to the demonic belief called Islam when anyone counters their belief. If ever a belief was of the devil or Satan, it is Islam whose doctrine is found in the Koran. It is a belief that deals with external rituals and death to unbelievers. Salvation rooted in Jesus is not one of its tenants for it teaches ritual and the killing of those who will not follow their false god Allah and his sinfully corrupt son Mohammed. 

Basically, those (infidels) who will not convert to Islam are not treated as well as the slaves called bond servants or bonds of biblical times. Paul wrote in I Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. In Galatians 3:28 Paul wrote, There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.  The gospel is open to all and all are to be treated equally in the new life of Christ. No force is exerted to force acceptance of the teachings of Jesus. Jesus said, And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. (Matthew 10:14)  The teaching is plain. If those who hear the gospel refuse it, move on to other places and leave them alone and to their life’s pursuit. Do them no harm of any kind which is not what Islam proclaims. Deny their god Allah and suffer is the message of Islam.

Islam is self-centered as the way to gain heaven as opposed to the gospel and the way of Christ which is other centered with the hope of eternal life. Ritualistic washings and prayer many times per day while facing Mecca are thought to be pleasing to their god. It may be to Allah but not to the God of Creation. Jesus said, But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. (Matthew 6:7)  He also said of the rituals which the Pharisees taught, Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.  For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. (Matthew 7:7-8)  Why would God care that hands aren’t washed or that prayer can only be done a certain way or manner? Hands should be washed before handling food and prayer should be done quietly and in secret, but the adherents to Islam make a big deal about washing and pray publicly, often disrupting others with their ritualistic behavior.

More can be written in comparing the gospel of Christ to Islam, but where one teaches freedom, the other teaches enslavement to pernicious doctrines.  Anyone who says they believe in God and follow Christ cannot give any credence to any false belief such as Islam or consider it just another religion as a way to find God. Jesus leads us to God and following Him isn’t religion as such, except as taught in James 1:27. Jesus presents to us a new way of life as opposed to the way of sin of the old out of Christ existence. Islam says kill the infidels to gain heaven. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6) He also said, And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)

Will you be free in Christ and serve God, or be a slave to government and other false beliefs which do not offer salvation? The choice is yours. Be wise, choose God and obey the gospel of Christ.

© 09-05-2010 DEC

                      False Doctrines Versus the Truth Part V