CHRISTIAN COMPROMISE
Preface:
This study was written for the purpose of trying to “wake up” the true born again Christians to the compromise that exists in “Christianity” in the world today. Now, I know that many of the people I have listed in this booklet are not truly saved, and I don’t say that because they’re not sincere. I also don’t say that because they compromise. I say it because many of them believe in a “works gospel”. A “works gospel” saved NO ONE from hell.
Jesus Christ never claimed to be a spiritual “probation officer”. Jesus is an Eternal Savior who gives eternal life to all those who put 100% of their faith in the finished work of the cross.
Now, there are many Christians who are truly saved (Because they believe in the one true gospel) even though they compromise parts of God’s word because obedience does not save any from hell. Remember, salvation is a FREE GIFT which all true born again Christians receive the moment they trust (that is, trust ALONE) Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Today, we have a whole generation of Body of Christ Believers who are so untaught and misinformed about the spiritual beliefs of the various religions that, for the most part, they have no idea what’s going on in the realm of so-called Christianity today. Christian friend, I would encourage you to do some research on your own. Find out the facts about these various false Christians and false Christian religions. How can you determine the saved from the unsaved unless you know the truth about what any individual so-called Christian “leader” believes (as far as salvation is concerned)?
So, in this study, I have included some obviously unsaved, but professing to be wise, so-called Christian “leaders” for informational purposes. As you go thru this study, decide for yourself (based on what comes from these people’s mouths) if they’re truly saved or not.
Compromise is running rampant in the true Christian churches. It seems that anyone who names Jesus Christ as their Savior these days, is accepted without question as being a brother or sister in the Lord. I hope you understand that EVERY so-called Christian “type” false religion believes Jesus is the Savior in one way or another. The Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Seventh Day Adventists, Moonies, Apostolics, Church of Christ, Charismatics, etc., etc., etc., all believe a “Jesus” is their Savior. All of these religions, however, also believe it takes “good works” to get to their “Jesus”.
As you’re reading this study, think about it. Many of you have come out of these types of false Christian religious systems. Did you think you were saved while you were in one of these religious systems?
No. You were eternally saved (IF you truly are born again) when you heard the one true Gospel that saves; the gospel that teaches no one is ever saved by being “good enough” to earn or deserve salvation. The one true Gospel by which Christians are saved from hell comes through simple faith (faith = trust) in believing that the Creator of the universe became a man and suffered, shed His precious blood and died on the cross to pay for ALL my sins.
I believe the most quoted bible verse among Christians (and false Christians) today is Matthew 7:1: “do not judge, lest you be judged”.
That verse seems to be the “scapegoat” for any believer who doesn’t read or study their Bible. (Of course, Satan and the unbelievers love this verse because then they know their false teachings will not be questioned.) The same Christians who always remember Matthew 7:1 (about not judging) do not read the rest of the verses in Matthew 7:1-5 to correctly understand the proper procedure for judging. It’s also very unfortunate that because most Christians these days have “swallowed” this “do not judge” attitude, they are no longer “judging” the differences between sound doctrine and unsound doctrine. Nor do they judge the differences between the saved and unsaved persons.
Wake Up, Christians! Your judgment at the Judgment Seat of Christ will not be well for you, because of your “lukewarm” Christianity! Jesus Himself said in Matthew 25:26, there will be some Christians who will be called wicked, lazy slaves in heaven because they were doing nothing of real importance for the Lord.
The vast majority of Christians today are not witnessing to the unsaved. They’re not counseling people biblically. They’re not judging “false gospel” Christians as unbelievers. In fact, the vast majority of Christians today don’t have any idea on how to witness to a false Christian such as a Mormon, Catholic, Lutheran or Jehovah Witness. Do you, for all eternity, want to be known as a wicked lazy Christian? I hope not!
Take a stand for truth. Don’t go with the compromise Christian flow. Outside your door is a remnant of true believers who are working at not compromising God’s word. If you can’t find the remnant right away, get yourself right with the Lord and start making an effort to do things biblically on your own. Even in your ignorance of Scripture, the Lord will bless you because at least you’re trying to do things right.
Be obedient no matter what the cost. Be one of the faithful Christians who doesn’t celebrate the pagan, Catholic religion’s unholy days, known as Christ-Mass or Easter. Be obedient to the biblical doctrine of “separating” or “not fellowshipping” with carnal Christians who teach error or tolerate sin. Be obedient to the Scriptures that teach of not being bound together with unbelievers. I would encourage you as a Christian, to get on the same team with the uncompromising.
Dear Christian friend, getting saved was easy for us. We just have to believe the gospel. It wasn’t easy for God. He did all the hard “work”, and again, we just have to believe (“trust alone” or “completely rely on) it. Now, becoming a faithful disciple, that’s a different story.
It takes a lot of effort to become a good disciple of Christ. There’s a cost for becoming a faithful disciple of Christ. Unsaved friends and relatives are going to think your crazy for serving a God they can’t see or touch and any compromising Christian friends in your life are going to think you’re getting a “little carried away” with this sound doctrine stuff. It might even get to the point where your own family members desert you. I promise you this, however. If you will be faithful to the Lord in this life, your eternal life will be joy upon joy.
The Bible is very clear about how Christians can show God that they truly love Him and its found in 1 John 5:3: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.
JOHN MacARTHUR:
(The following various excerpts are from John’s book “The Gospel According to Jesus” which clearly show (according to John MacArthur) that salvation is NOT a free gift apart from works as the bible teaches.)
“He commanded those who sought eternal life to deny themselves, forsake all, and follow Him. He never held forth the hope of salvation to anyone who refused to submit to His sovereign lordship.”
“Eternal life is a free gift...But that does not mean there is no cost in terms of salvation’s impact on the sinner’s life. This “paradox” may be difficult, but it is nevertheless true; salvation is both free and costly.” (Paradox is a statement contrary to received opinion.)
“It is an exchange of all that we are, for all that Christ is. And it denotes implicit obedience, full surrender to the Lordship of Christ. Nothing else can qualify as saving faith.”
“Let me say again, unequivocally, that Jesus summons “to deny self and follow Him”, was an invitation to salvation, not an offer of a “higher life”, or a second step of faith following salvation.”
“A true sense of self-worth comes from understanding our position in Christ. We have been chosen in Christ from before the foundation of the world. Knowing this gives us a sense of our significance and value to God. We were so important to God that He gave up His Son to die on our behalf. ...Thank God for considering you valuable enough to bestow such riches upon you. ...If you’re struggling with a lack of self-worth, remember that you were important enough for God to give you to Jesus as an inheritance” (The Believer’s Life in Christ, MacArthur Bible Study Guide, pp. 27, 36, 70).
“When I realized that I was chosen in Him before the foundation of the world, then the conclusion is that, I’m somebody! ... What a sense of significance! ... Doctrine of election says to me, ‘you are of value eternally in the heart of God. ... Jesus came to shed His blood to purchase you – you are important!’ ... Don’t struggle with a sense of self-worth; you are worthy. ... You’re a child of the King; get a sense of value to yourself. ... God thinks, ‘I am fantastic’; therefore, ‘you’re not half bad,’ and ‘you’re something worth something’” (Grace To You Radio, 3/29/89 - 4/6/89).
Also MacArthur says: “I believe it is a serious misunderstanding to think of the believer as having both an old and new nature...there is no such thing as an old nature in the believer: (Freedom from Sin” – Romans 6-7, pp. 31-32)
Other Examples of MacArthur’s Compromise:
In September/October of 1989, MacArthur’s radio tape ministry re-aired a 1979 series, The Fulfilled Family, in which MacArthur spends considerable time quoting from and recommending the works of so-called Christian psychiatrist Paul Meier (Tape GC 1950/Study Guide pp. 128-132, 136, 143). Due to MacArthur stating just prior to the 1989 re-airing that he actually disagreed with Meier’s teachings, we asked why the Meier references (as well as the other considerable psychological material in the series; i.e., favorable quotes from Carl Rogers, James Dobson, Psychology Today, and various other “human behavior experts”) were not edited-out of the radio messages. A MacArthur assistant replied, “It would cost too much; maybe we’ll catch it next time.” The “next time” occurred in March/April of 1991, again with no editing-out of the psychological teachings. Just recently, the Fulfilled Family series began to air again on more than 500 “Christian” radio stations (scheduled for broadcast 2/15/93 through 3/8/93). And, once again, the psychological teachings are unedited. What does this tell you about what Dr. MacArthur really believes concerning the psychological gospel he claims to be against? Oh well, maybe they’ll “catch it next time”.
On pages 55-57 of “Sufficiency”, MacArthur discusses the mid-1980s court case involving the Nally suicide incident. But the “facts” of the case as stated in Sufficiency are quite different from those presented by MacArthur in his two-tape series, The Day God’s Word Went On Trial. On that tape series, produced in 1986 and still being sold at the Grace Church Tape Shack, the Church’s defense attorney, Sam Ericsson, admits that MacArthur and others on the Church’s counseling staff personally referred Nally to “Christian psychologists and mental health professionals.” MacArthur himself even states that he has no problem referring Christians to psychologists and psychiatrists. Pastors are also warned not to get in over their heads in the counseling process but to call on psychologists and psychiatrists for help! These and other favorable references to psychology and psychiatry are obvious contradictions with MacArthur’s stated position.
BILLY GRAHAM -
For years, a small army of faithful pastors, ministry leaders, and laymen have been warning Christians about the dangerous U-turn of Billy Graham into false teaching and apostasy. However, the rich, influential, and powerful Christian establishment has, regrettably, blocked this message from getting out to the masses. Millions of Christians and non-Christians alike are, therefore, totally unaware of Billy Graham’s liberal, anti-biblical positions. They do not know of his often strange, unscriptural, false teachings and statements.
Examples of Billy Graham’s Compromise:
Billy Graham said in 1948, “The three gravest menaces faced by orthodox Christianity are Communism, Roman Catholicism and Mohammedanism”. Yet, in February 1990, the Saturday Even quotes Graham as saying, “Since his election, Pope Paul II has emerged as the greatest leader of the modern world, and one of the greatest moral and spiritual leaders of this century”. This is indeed an amazing change of opinions.
Graham’s theology has suffered in the passing years. Many quotes are given which show this to be true. When Billy Graham received his degree in November of 1967 from the Roman Catholic Belmont Abbey College, he said, “The gospel that built this school and the gospel that brings me here tonight is still the way to salvation”. Why cannot people see that if this is so, then Graham preaches a false gospel?
Graham stressed that his crusade in Pittsburgh would be interdenominational. He said that he hopes to hear Bishop Fulton J. Sheen atone of the masses at St. Paul’s Cathedral tomorrow. Graham said, “any of the people who have reached a decision for Christ at our meetings have joined the Catholic church and we have received commendations from Catholic publications for the revived interest in their church following one of our campaigns. This happened both in Boston and Washington. After all, one of our prime purposes is to help the churches in a community.”
On December 29, 1955, Billy Graham met with James Bennet and Jack Wyrtzen and confirmed his intention of sending converts back to the Roman Catholic Church” (Wilson Ewin, “Evangelism: The Trojan Horse of the 1990s”).
A rally banquet was held on Sept. 17, 1956, at the Hotel Commodore, New York City, attended by 1100 people. Graham was guest of honor and speaker. Graham stated that he wanted Jews, Catholics and Protestants to attend his meetings and then to go back to their own churches afterwards. This statement was confirmed by the New York Evening Journal on Sept. 18, 1956, as follows: “Graham said: “Then we’ll send them to their own churches – Roman Catholic, Protestant or Jewish. We hope this way to see the forces of crime at least lose a skirmish. The rest will be up to God.”
The official organization of the Protestant Council, Protestant Church Life, also confirmed this statement in its issue of Sept. 29, 1956: “Referring to the Billy Graham New York Crusade scheduled for May, 1957, Dr. Graham said: We’re coming to New York not to clean it up, but to get people to dedicate themselves to God and to send them on to their own churches – Catholic, Protestant or Jewish.” (G. Archer Weniger, “Preliminary Considerations for Fundamentalists” on the Graham Ecumenical Evangelistic Campaign Scheduled for San Francisco, Apr. 1958).
On April 21:1972, Billy Graham was awarded the International Franciscan Award by the Catholic Franciscan friars for “his contribution to true ecumenism” and “his sincere and authentic evangelism” (Minneapolis Star, Apr. 22, 1972, quoted by the F.E.A. News and Views, July-Aug. 1972) In acknowledging this award, Graham said: “While I am not worthy to touch the shoe laces of St. Francis (a Roman Catholic saint who believed in salvation by works), yet this same Christ that called Francis in the 13th Century also called me to be one of His servants in the 20th Century” (The Gospel Standard, Feb. 1986).
After leaving Romania, Graham preached in Hungary. Christianity Today, Nov. 22, 1985, noted that leaders from many denominations sat on the platform with Graham. In Budapest Cardinal Laszlo Lekai, primate of the Roman Catholic Church, was seated on the platform. In Pecs, Catholic Bishop Jozsef Cserhati co-hosted Graham and introduced him to the crowd. Weeks earlier, he had sent letters to be read in all the Catholic churches in the area, urging parishioners to attend the Graham rally. Catholic and Protestant clergy worked together, and both Catholic and Protestant choirs sang at the meeting. Graham’s visit was sponsored jointly by the Baptist Union and an alliance that included Seventh-Day Adventists, Pentecostals, and Methodists. The meetings were said to be the most ecumenical ones ever held in Hungary (National Christian Council Review, National Christian Council of India, May 1986).
In Jan. 1972, an article appeared in the Catholic magazine Homiletic & Pastoral Review by Priest Charles W. Dullea, Superior of the Pontifical biblical Institute in Rome. Entitled “A Catholic Looks at Billy Graham, this amazing article explains why the Vatican supports Graham. “The Catholic will hear no slighting of his Church’s teaching authority, nor of Papal or Episcopal Prerogatives, not word against the mass or sacraments of Catholic practices. Graham has not time for that ... The Catholic, in my opinion will hear little, if anything, he cannot agree with” (F.E.A. News & Views, Nov. - Dec. 1972).
At the Milwaukee Billy Graham Crusade in 1979, a Roman Catholic mass was conducted as part of the follow-up for new converts (F.B.F. News Bulletin, May-June 1986). In Sept. 1979, the Christian Courier of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, published the following report on the Milwaukee Crusade: “Sister Maureen Hopkins, Director of the Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission of the Milwaukee Roman Catholic Archdiocese, and a liaison member of the Crusade committee, reported that 120 people have volunteered within the Catholic community to help her with the task of contacting each of the 3500 inquiries. Sr. Maureen received the names and telephone numbers from the Crusade Committee, based upon the inquirer’s indication of having a Catholic background on his inquiry card. ... All 3500 were immediately invited to a Eucharistic celebration which was attended by more than 400 people. The primary purpose for the mass was to remind the inquirers that their commitments to Christ should be nurtured within the sacramental framework of the church.”
“The 5,000 Rocky Mountain Billy Graham Crusade choir softly sang the evangelical classic ‘Just As I Am’ as a counselor called for help from the Rev. Donald Willette. Hundreds streamed forward Monday in response to Graham’s call to become Christians or to rededicate their lives to the faith. One Roman Catholic worshiper walked the aisle but had trouble expressing his feelings. [Catholic priest] Willette, a supervisor among the 6,600 trained crusade counselors, was standing about 30 yards from the evangelist’s pulpit, waiting to help out in just this situation. “Catholics have trouble with the expression Born Again,” Willette said, moments before the Tuesday service. ‘I try to help people understand what this experience means, in light of the teaching of the church.” (Counselors Help Brethren Heed Graham Call, Rocky Mountain News, July 25, 1987).
May 7, 1997 (Fundamental Baptist News Service, 1701 Harns Rd., Oak Harbor, WA 98277) - Archbishop Patrick Flores, the highest-ranking Catholic official in Texas, endorsed the Billy Graham evangelistic crusade which was held in early April in San Antonio. According to Christianity Today, “Flores met with Graham and taped radio spots in English and Spanish encouraging Catholics to attend the crusade to help bring them to a closer commitment to their faith” (Christianity Today, May 19, 1997, p. 51).
In this opening sermon, Graham declared: “The devil has separated us, and a crusade like this is used to bring people of all denominations together. We need one another.” (Just for your own information, Graham Crusade decision cards have a place to mark salvation, but they also have a place to mark rededication, which the vast majority of Catholic inquirers mark off.) Fifty denominations participated in the crusade.
Some friends in British Columbia sent us a packet of material exposing the ecumenical compromise of the Ralph Bell Crusade which was held in Victoria, B.C., November 1993. Bell is an affiliate of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. There was a typical uniting of evangelical, charismatic, modernistic, and Roman Catholic churches.
The United Church of Canada (UCC) participated. This is one of the most liberal of all denominations. The UCC has formally voted to ordain homosexuals and has apologized to native American Indians for bringing the gospel to them, believing that missionary work unnecessarily disrupted their heathen “spirituality”.
Catholics served in the choir, and those who came forward at the invitations were guided back to “the church of their choice,” including Catholic churches. Bell delivered a sermon at Christ the King Catholic Church in Courtenay, B.C., Oct. 24, 1993. Priest John Laszczyk presided over this event, ((and he applied his Catholic religious “blessings” here by praying), “I pray, Father, that you would open each and every heart here to once again accept ... Christ as Lord and Savior.”
This is what the Catholic Church means when it talks about receiving Christ – a repeated, but never completed, sacramental acceptance of Christ) assisted by the pastor of St. Peter’s Anglican Church ... Two members of a local Mennonite Brethren church were also present on the “altar”, one of whom conducted the choir, the other providing her testimony” (Nigel Parton, “An Open Letter to Pastor Ron Michalski, Glad Tiding Pentecostal Church”).
OTHER CHRISTIAN COMPROMISES BY “SO-CALLED” CHRISTIANS
PAT ROBERTSON PRAISES POPE -
Religious broadcaster and Christian Coalition head Pat Robertson had a seat of honor at Pope John Paul II’s October “95 Mass in New York. He praised the Pope profusely (see 12/95 Calvary Contender). In his 1993 book, “The Turning Tide”, Robertson said (p. 279): “Pope John Paul II stands like a rock against all opposition in his clear enunciation of the foundational principles of the Christian faith.” He said the Pope at his 1993 Denver visit urged American Catholics to reach out in fellowship to their Baptist brothers and sisters in faith. (Calvary Contender, February 1, 1997)
ROBERT WEBBER ON SALVATION -
Wheaton College professor and Episcopal lay theologian Robert Webber conducts seminars on worship in ecumenical settings (and at Jerry Falwell’s 1996 Super Conference - see 6/15/96 Calvary Contender). As one of sixteen writers who responded to the Pope’s recent book (see 12/15 Calvary Contender), Webber seems to praise, promote and endorse much of the Pope’s false salvation teachings. He says: “While the Orthodox, Protestant, and Catholic ways of speaking of union with God contain various nuances, the meaning is the same....” He said: “Today, when people say to me, ‘When were you saved?’, I always answer, ‘At my baptism’. I see the whole of my Christian life as a calling to live out my baptism.... Salvation as a process moving from evil to ultimate good is a constant calling....” (Calvary Contender, February 1, 1997).
JAMES KENNEDY -
As a picture of the complete apostasy occurring at a rapid pace in New-evangelicalism, I heard on the radio Friday morning that “Mother” Theresa was speaking on love on D. James Kennedy’s daily radio program. The announcer for Kennedy stated warmly, “who better to speak on love than Mother Theresa.” All this from a man who claims to oppose Romanism?
BENNY HINN -
Hinn claims to actually be a channel for God - that God enters him and takes over his mind and tongue to the point where he is unaware of what he has said. After his sermon on December 31, 1989, at Orlando Christian Center, during which he gave several future prophecies, Hinn expressed that he was drunk - presumably on the Holy Spirit - and asked someone to tell him what he had just said. In another statement, Hinn asserts that though we are not Almighty God Himself, nevertheless, we are now divine (12/1/90 Trinity Net.).
Benny Hinn also has made threats against innocent children. “You have attacked me, your children will pay for it”, Benny referred this statement towards Christian leaders who have exposed his false teachings. TBN (Heresy Hunters” October 23, 1992: “Now I’m pointing my finger with the mighty power of God on me... You hear this: there are men and women in Southern California attacking me. I will tell you under the anointing now, you’ll reap it in your children unless you stop... And your children will suffer. You’re attacking me on the radio every night - you’ll pay and your children will. Hear this from the lips of God’s servant. You are in danger. Repent! Or God Almighty will move His hand. Touch not my Anointed.” This threat was given out against Hand Hanegraaff of the Christian Research Institute (as Hinn admitted in Christianity Today, September 3, 1992) at the World Charismatic Conference on August 7, 1992, Anaheim, California. (Hinn told his camera crew to stop taping before he delivered this threat but fortunately someone present at this meeting has recorded this onto audio cassette.)
KENNETH COPELAND -
Tongues-speaking, charismatic Kenneth Copeland is considered to be the most prosperous and well-known in the “Word-Faith”/”Positive Confession” movement. His television program is carried nationwide on the Trinity Broadcasting Network, and he is the author of numerous charismatic-oriented books and articles. In his “Believer’s voice of Victory” magazine, Copeland teaches the following heresies: “God has never used sickness to discipline His children” (9/88); God intends for His people to be united and “That union won’t be based on doctrine” (12/88); healing is for every believer (2/93); and tongues are for the entire Body of Christ (1/93).
Copeland also says: “It would have been impossible for Jesus to have been poor!” (9/90, Charisma). (Reported in the 2/15/93, Calvary Contender.) Copeland is perhaps the best known proponent of the charismatic’s “little gods” teaching (see below). He says Jesus told him: “Don’t be disturbed when people accuse you of thinking you are God... They crucified Me for claiming I was God. I didn’t claim that I was God; I just claimed that I walked with Him and that He was in Me. Hallelujah! That’s what you’re doing” - (“Take Time to Pray”, Believer’s Voice of Victory, 2/87, p. 9). Copeland thus denies the uniqueness of Christ, saying that Christ was not God, only that He walked closely with God. And, as Copeland says, so does he! Copeland, thereby, places himself on the same level as Jesus Christ, willing to blur the distinction between the will of God and the will of Copeland. Copeland seems to think that he and Jesus have about the same authority for the believer, and sounds like New Ager Shirley MacClaine when he says: “You’re all God. You don’t have a God living in you’ you are one! - When I read in the Bible where God tells Moses, ‘I AM’, I say, ‘Yeah, I am too!’” (“The Force of Love,” Tape BBC-56).
CHUCK COLSON -
In an article in the Religious News Service (October 16, 1995), Charles Colson, head of Prison Fellowship, described his October meeting with the Pope in New York City. He depicted the Pope as a great moral leader and a friend of biblical orthodoxy. Consider an excerpt: “As one of the evangelicals present, I left with one conclusion: Those who defend eternal moral truths and Christian orthodoxy have taken their stand on common ground. “The Pope made it quite clear that he fully supports those of all persuasions who recognize, and work to counter, the enormous problems resulting from our society’s flight from the truths of orthodoxy. “When my eyes met the Pope’s, we stared across centuries of distrust and suspicion and found common ground. ...Orthodoxy is nothing less than that thread that connects the present to the past and the past to the future – and that is the thing that really bothers our adversaries.”
(ECT) Evangelicals and Catholics Together March 29, 1994, leading evangelicals and Catholics signed a joint declaration, “Evangelicals and Catholics Together: The Christian Mission in the 3rd Millennium.” Contained within the document, which attempts to bring ecumenical unity, are some seriously compromising agreements regarding proselytizing and doctrinal distinctions. The 25-page document, originated by Chuck Colson and Catholic social critic Richard John Neuhaus, was signed by 40 noted evangelical and Catholic leaders. It called for Catholic and evangelical cooperation on social and cultural issues where both traditions share common goals, one example being the fight against abortion. The accord also stressed mutual allegiance to the Apostles’ Creed, world evangelism, justification “by grace through faith because of Christ,” and encouraged “civil” discourse over doctrinal differences.
Keith Fournier, (a new breed of charismatic Catholic) is a young lawyer, who is Dean of Evangelism and the legal counsel at the University of Steubenville, Ohio, (a Franciscan school) has written a new book titled, “Evangelical Catholics”. In the book, Keith makes a sincere attempt to show that he is truly evangelical and truly Catholic. The dedication of the book was a shock. It reads as follows:
This book is lovingly and admiringly dedicated to two men whom I count it a privilege to call my friends. They are both great evangelical Christians and deeply rooted in their respective church tradition and heritage. Their course, prophetic insight, and holy example have inspired and fueled my own conviction that the time has come for evangelical believers of all Christian communions to recognize the urgency of these times and rise to call one another brother – To my brothers: Father Michael Scanlan, TOR., and Chuck Colson (Father Michael Scanlan is the Franciscan President of the University of Steubenville.)
The foreword of the book is by Charles Colson. In the forward he says, “It’s high time that all of us who are Christians come together regardless of the difference of our confessions and our traditions and make common cause to bring Christian values to bear in our society.” Colson’s conclusion about the author is “Keith Fournier stands in the breach - truly orthodox in his adherence to Catholic doctrine and fully evangelical in his relationship to Christ and His creation.”
Later on in the book, author Fournier says concerning Colson, “Several years ago we honored Chuck with our Poverello Medal, our highest award given annually to the man, woman, or organization which most reflects the spirit of Saint Francis in his simple love for Jesus Christ”.
In another place the author comments on Prison Fellowship Ministries by saying that “The PFM staff and volunteers simply want to touch unbelievers and fellow Christians with the love of Christ. So when their work takes them to predominantly Catholic countries and Catholic environments, they strive to work with Catholic Christians.”
Earlier in this book, I quoted from Foundation for March-April 1990 in reference to Colson. That article stated, “When questioned as to any doctrinal requirements for participation in his Prison Fellowship Ministries, he explained that because of its nature and scope, it is necessary to make no distinctions on the basis of either religion or race.” After reading the revelations in Fournier’s book, I understand how Colson could make that statement. He simply sees no differences based on doctrine. This is tragic. It is obvious that Colson was trained as a lawyer, not as a theologian.
BILL BRIGHT -
“As early as 1969, Bill Bright said, ‘We do not attack the Roman Church. We believe God is doing a mighty work in it and will no doubt use millions of Roman Catholics to help evangelize the world’ (The Post & Times Star, Cincinnati, Ohio, Aug. 30, 1969). At Billy Graham’s Amsterdam ‘86 conference, Bright said, “There was a day when Protestants and Roman Catholics would not have much to do with one another. But today the Spirit of God is doing such a great work in both the Roman Catholic and Protestant fellowships and communions that I feel very much at home wherever Jesus Christ is honored’ (Foundation, Jul.-Aug. 1986).
“Each year, at least since 1980, Bill Bright has been a key organizer and sponsor of the ‘Washington for Jesus’ celebrations, which have included Catholic priests, Seventh-day Adventists, those who deny the Trinity (the United Pentecostal Church), and other unscriptural ecumenists. The first ‘Washington for Jesus’ convention in April 1980, featured modernist Robert Schuller, Charismatics Jim Bakker, Demos Shakarian and Pat Robertson, as well as Catholic priests John Bertolucci, John Randall and Michael Scanlon.
“Campus Crusade has had Roman Catholics on staff. In an interview with Wittenburg Door, June-July 1978, Richard Quegedeaux noted, in Ireland, Campus Crusade is registered as a religious order ... And they work entirely within the Catholic church there with Catholics because there is nobody else to work with.” Bill Bright participated in a papal mass in New York’s Central Park during John Paul II’s October visit to the United States. According to the Religious News Service, Pat Robertson marched at the head of an ecumenical procession (which included Bright) to the papal altar and was seated with Protestant, Orthodox and other Christian leaders. Robertson is the Charismatic head of the 700 Club and Bright is the head of Campus Crusade for Christ.
Campus Crusade founder Bill Bright fasted for 40 days during the summer of 1994, during which he claims to have received a “prophecy from God” that a mighty revival is coming. He then issued a call for hundreds of liberals, charismatics, and new-evangelicals to gather in Orlando 12/5/94 - 12/7/94 to fast and pray for revival. An Invitation Committee made up of a hodge-podge of 72 liberals, new evangelicals and charismatics was formed. Included were: Robert Schuller, Charles Colson, E. V. Hill, Jack Hayford, James Dobson, W. A. Criswell, Charles Stanley, Paul Crouch, Luis Palau, Bill Gothard, Pat Robertson, Kay Arthur, and Larry Burkett. CCC’s Bill Bright cites “a great sense of urgency to link arms and unitedly call upon God for help in the spirit of King Jehoshaphat” indeed, but the Jehoshaphat of 2 Chronicles 18 (instead of 2 Chronicles 20) where he “linked” with wicked King Ahab and incurred the wrath of God. (Reported in the 11/15/94, Calvary Contender.)
WHEATON PROFESSOR GILBERT BILEZIKIAN -
A founding elder of Bill Hybels’ Willow Creek Community Church near Chicago, favors the “full inclusion of the constituency of members into the ministry, life, and leadership of the group.” Such egalitarians (those who promote equality among sexes) assert that women should be pastors, elders, and co-heads since its founding in 1978. In the past year, the church has demanded that staff and prospective church members agree with a draft position paper which makes clear the church’s belief that “when the Bible is interpreted comprehensively, it teaches the full equality of men and women in status, giftedness, and opportunity for ministry, despite “a few scriptural texts (that) appear to restrict the full ministry freedom of women.”
LUIS PALAU -
His May 16 - 21 crusade in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, brought together churches “we never dreamt would work together,” said Howard Lewis of the Evangelical Alliance in Northern Ireland. Roman Catholics and Protestants worshiped together in a tent-pavilion on the bank of the Foyle River, which divides Protestant and Catholic communities (National & International Religion Report, June 12, 1995, cited in What in the World!, Vol. 18, No. 1).
The first ever evangelistic crusade conducted by a Western evangelist in Nepal was held in April. Luis Palau preached to an estimated 26,000 in four April meetings in Kathmandu. The report in Charisma magazine noted that since proselytization of Hindus is illegal in Nepal, “Palau encouraged Nepalis to “fall in love with Jesus” instead of urging them to renounce Hinduism.”
JACK VAN IMPE -
Dr. Jack Van Impe has within the past few years been effusive in his praise for Pope John Paul II, calling him “this great Pope”, etc.. He says: “We (Roman Catholics and Jack Van Impe) agree on the great fundamentals of the faith, and said (12/94 tape): “...I’ve been reading the Catholic Catechism, 2,865 points, backed with 5,000 to 6,000 verses of Scripture. This is the Word of God. Of course there are some things where I don’t agree. But I find many of these things in our Protestant churches as well. But this thing blessed my heart. This piece of literature, saturated with the precious Word of God.” (He misused John 17:21; “That they all may be one”), in similar fashion to ecumenicals.
Rexella quoted Charles Colson from an 11/14 Christianity Today article where he quoted a Dutch Calvinist as saying Rome is not our enemy. Van Impe replied: “That great dialogue is going on now through Colson, through the Southern Baptist convention numbering 18,000, and through Campus Crusade numbering millions, and I want to be part of what I believe the Bible teaches ... Yes, we have so much in common...” (Calvary Contender, April 15, 1995).
Jack Van Impe, earlier in his ministry, exposed Roman Catholicism as apostasy and preached against its false gospel. Today, he publishes videos which present the Pope as a hero of the faith.
There is an article in the October - December, 1995 issue of foundation Magazine in which Jack Van Impe is quoted as pleading for fundamentalists to “...forget your theological moorings. Forget your labels”. In this article, Mr. Van Impe goes on to extol the virtues of the papacy, lavishing praise upon Pope John Paul II, and even commends the Pope’s plan for unity among all “Christians” and the establishment of a “world church”.
CHARLES STANLEY -
Charles in his new book titled “The Eternal Security of the Believer”, time after time seems to pursue the doctrine of once saved always saved and yet he still calls those religious people who think they’re Christians but who also believe they can lose their salvation, brothers and sisters in the Lord! These “false brethren” think they can lose their salvation because their not serving Jesus faithfully or because they backslide (or sin away) their salvation which is a works gospel no matter how one looks at it.
Which gospel saves, Charles? Is it the one that gives a believer eternal life or is it the one that gives a believer “probationary life”? My Bible says ONE WAY to the Father, not numerous ways.
JACK HAYFORD -
Promise Keeper’s Charismatic leader Dr. Jack Hayford sets forth some precious truths concerning the different aspects of worship as set forth in the Scriptures in a PK book he has written. However, when he writes about “Redeeming Worship” in this book, he teaches serious error. Hayford writes: “Redeeming worship centers on the Lord’s Table. Whether your tradition celebrates it as Communion, Eucharist, the Mass, or the Lord’s Supper, we are all called to this centerpiece of Christian worship.”
BILL HYBELS and TONY CAMPOLO -
Bill Hybels meets with President Clinton on a regular monthly schedule. Tony Campolo meets with him about every 6 weeks. The 4/5 “What in the World” said Hybels, on inauguration day, faced the President and praised “the wisdom and the leadership and the vision in your life the past four years.” He lauded “the development of your heart, your increasing desire to know God, and to live for him....” He wanted Mr. Clinton to know “to the depths of your being that you are loved by many, many of us.” Campolo said: “The idea that someone has to tell him what the gospel is about, is silly. But living it out – that’s the question – His position toward gays and lesbians is right....” But President Clinton attends a pro-homosexual, liberal Methodist church and has consistently supported special rights for homosexuals and abortionists.
JERRY FALWELL -
Equally unthinkable was Jerry Falwell’s participation as a speaker at a conference last December in Uruguay, sponsored by Sun Myung Moon’s Inter Religious Foundation for World Peace and Washington Times Foundation, titled, “Christian Ecumenism in the Americas: Toward One Christian Family Under God”. According to Moon’s Unification News, speakers, in addition to Moon and Falwell, included William Cenker (Chair of the Dept. of Religious Studies at Catholic University of America), Dr. Nilson Fanini (President of the Baptist World Alliance), and Michael Cormartie. In his speech, Falwell said, “It is my observation and personal conviction that conferences and seminars like this one can be very beneficial for building bridges of communication.”
HYBELS, SCHULLER, CAMPOLO -
Liberal Eastern College sociologist Tony Campolo preached false doctrine at President Clinton’s inaugural prayer service (2/3 Christian News). Billy Graham gave the inaugural ceremony prayer. Willow Creek Community Church pastor Bill Hybels gushed in his praise of Clinton’s “increasing desire to know God and to live for him” and said he has seen him grow spiritually in the monthly private meetings they have held for four years (3/3 What in the World). Self-esteem liberal Robert Schuller said Clinton is a “pastor to the nation, not a politician.” With such “helpers”, pray for our president.
TIM and BEVERLY LAHAYE -
Tim LaHaye and his wife, Beverly, have a long time history of extreme ecumenism. LaHaye has been the president of Moral Majority of California and a board member of the national Moral Majority. In this capacity he joined hands with every sort of apostasy, including Romanism and Judaism. As the head of the American Coalition for Traditional Values, LaHaye yoked together with such “distinguished Christian leaders” (his own words in 1984) as Demos Shakarian, radical charismatic head of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International; United Methodist pastor Don Wildmon; Jim Bakker of the PTL Club; Kenneth Copeland; Rex Humbard; Robert Tilton; Thomas Zimmerman, then head of the Assemblies of God; Paul Crouch, radical head of the Trinity Broadcasting Network; and Jimmy Swaggart.
These men are as radically ecumenical and as biblical unsound and as opposed to fundamental, biblical separatism as any you will find anywhere. Three have since been disgraced through their moral and financial corruption. Paul Crouch hates fundamentalists and has publicly cursed them. Thomas Zimmerman was at the forefront of breaking down the walls of separation between old-line Pentecostals and Romanists. For LaHaye to be the leader of this unholy, mixed multitude is wickedness.
LaHaye’s ecumenism isn’t limited to his political activities. He frequently joins hands with apostates at all sorts of ecumenical gatherings. For example, when the charismatic Rock Christian Network was launched in 1986, Tim LaHaye’s beaming face joined those of the charismatic mystics Oral Roberts, Paul Yonggi Cho, Demos Shakarian, Catholic priest John Bertolucci, and others. LaHaye has appeared regularly at “Jesus” rock festivals in various parts of the country, joining hands with rock ‘n’ rollers and ecumenists, including Tom Skinner and Tony Campolo. Tim LaHaye spoke at Oral Roberts University’s 1990 Christian School Conference. He was co-chairman of the Jerusalem ‘90 charismatic conference which featured Paul Yonggi Cho and James Robison. In a promotional brochure, LaHaye praised radical charismatic “faith healer” Morris Cerullo upon his takeover of the PTL TV Network. LaHaye said he was glad it would not be lost “to the body of Christ” and that because of Cerullo’s faith, the network would “continue to be used to preach the Gospel and to present positive programming” (Calvary Contender, Nov. 1, 1990). What amazing blindness!
Beverly LaHaye is an enthusiastic supporter of her husband’s ecumenical stance. Through her Concerned Women for America (CWA) organization she is encouraging Christians to forget their differences and join hands to effect political and social change. Like her husband, Mrs. LaHaye does not limit her political and social change. Like her husband, Mrs. LaHaye does not limit her ecumenical wanderings to political activities. She was a featured speaker at the 15th anniversary celebration of the charismatic magazine Charisma. On this occasion she joined hands with Oral Roberts, members of the rock group Petra, and Charles & Frances Hunter to celebrate this dangerous, unscriptural publication. Beverly LaHaye has spoken at least twice at the annual conference sponsored by the charismatic Christian Believers United (CBU) Fellowship.
Calvary Contender editor Jerry Huffman notes, “When you ask Charismatics to join your political crusade, it must be hard to say no when they want you to “join” their religious “crusade”. Satan is subtle. As husband Dr. Tim LaHaye admitted last year: ‘If you had told me ten years ago that I would be on a platform with a Catholic priest and a rabbi, I would have said you were crazy’” (Calvary Contender, March 1, 1986).
In perusing a draft of ACCC exec. sec. Dr. Ralph Colas’ NRB report, we note: speakers included Franklin Graham, MBI pres. Joseph Stowell, Max Lucado (Church of Christ pastor), John MacArthur, Beverly LaHaye and David Jeremiah.
Truth Ministries sponsored a breakfast at the NRB (Natl. Religious Broadcasters), and is already an associate member of the NAE. The pace of evangelical acceptance of Herbert W. Armstrong’s former cult seems imprudent. (See 10/1 Calvary Contender). LaHaye, in private, shared her discomfort in being a keynote speaker at a recent conference sponsored by followers of Sun Myung Moon’s Unification Church. She indicated she did not know it was a “Moonie” conference until a few days prior, and felt that by then it was too late to cancel. She was joined on that “Moonie” platform by Ralph Reed (Christian Coalition), Gary Bauer, and Robert Schuller. Jerry Falwell has spoken at Moonie conferences in recent years (11/15/94 Calvary contender).
ELISABETH ELLIOT -
September 14, 1997 (David W. Cloud, Fundamental Baptist News Service) -- The following information was sent to us by a reader in Wisconsin – “On September 6, 1997, at the Waukesha, Wisconsin Expo Center Elisabeth Elliot spoke before a large gathering of multi-denominational individuals. The meeting was sponsored by WVCY radio out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “A few questions were directed to Mrs. Elliot that confirmed her compromise within the apostasy of New Evangelicalism.
Question: ‘Can a person be Catholic and Christian in union?’
Mrs. Elliot: ‘Yes, we can have unity in diversity; my brother is a Catholic and a Christian.’
Question: ‘Then is it acceptable to celebrate the [Catholic] Eucharist?’
Mrs. Elliot: ‘Yes.’
Question: ‘Of Mary, queen of heaven?’
Mrs. Elliot: ‘Excuse me, time will not allow me to expound on these questions.’
Mrs. Elliot then moves on to the next in line.
How very amazing that the general church masses have little idea how some have been deceived, given over to false doctrine, and even blinded to the pure gospel which we’ve been given so clearly.
JILL BRISCOE (Speaking) -
“I was the speaker on the last day of a convention for 3,000 young people. I introduced my subject and opened the Scriptures and read them and began to explain them. At that point, a pastor stood up and told me, ‘Stop, in the name of the Lord!’ and said that I was out of order. He then rebuked my husband, saying that he should be ashamed to allow his wife to usurp his authority. He then took his young people out, and several other people followed. ... In my own church, through my husband and the elders, women have gained huge freedoms - we have ‘come a long way’. We have women pastors on staff. We have women in every echelon of leadership, apart from the council of elders.”
WIMBER, HYBELS -
Speak at Schuller event - Listed faculty for The Robert Schuller Institute for Successful Church Leadership, Jan. 27-30, at Crystal Cathedral campus included: Schuller, John Wimber (Vineyard “sings and wonders” guru), Bill Hybels, Charles Blake (Church of God), Walt Kallestad, John Maxwell, and Rick Warren. Ken Medema was at piano (9/16 Christianity Today). Hybels, Wimber, and David Cho were 1994 Speakers. Tony Campolo and Jack Hayford were listed as 1995 speakers.
JAMES ROBISON -
As a fiery Southern Baptist evangelist, warned of Rome’s false gospel and exposed Rome’s blasphemies. Today he says the Pope is the finest example of morality in the world and claims that it is probably that the Pope is a saved man.
JAMES DOBSON -
Dr. Dobson’s faith in psychology can be seen throughout his books. He quotes numerous psychologists as authorities and recommends their books. Among the psychologists he cites authoritatively are Sigmund Freud, B.F. Skinner, E.L. Thorndike, William Glasser, and Stanley Coopersmith. Throughout his books he recommends professional counseling. Moreover, Focus on the Family has become a vast referral system for Christians to be therapized by professional, psychologically-trained counselors. The staff at Focus on the Family refer those seeking a counselor to licensed therapists only. This excludes pastoral counselors who do not hold those degrees and licenses which require extensive course work in psychology. Our culture has come to view problems of living psychologically. Rather than looking at problems from a biblical viewpoint, many Christians have also come to perceive problems from a psychological perspective.
James Dobson has a close and uncritical relationship with Roman Catholicism. The November 1989 issue of Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse magazine featured Roman Catholic Mother Teresa. A smiling Mother Teresa was on the cover, and the lead article was entitled “Teresa of Calcutta: Little Woman with a Big Heart”. The readers of this magazine were made to think that Mother Teresa is a genuine New Testament Christian and that she is doing a great work for God through her Sisters of Charities mission. This is a great deception. Mother Teresa preaches the false sacramental gospel of Rome and has given multitudes of people a false comfort by encouraging them to place their hopes in such vanities as the Roman Catholic mass and the Roman Catholic Mary. It is an abomination before God for Dobson to feature this woman in his magazine.
Dobson’s ecumenical flirtations have not gone unrewarded. The Catholic Franciscan University of Steubenfill, Ohio, bestowed an honorary doctorate upon him as a statement of their support for Focus on the Family (Evangelical Catholics, p. 200). The September 1990 issue of New Covenant, a Catholic charismatic magazine, featured Dobson and a very positive report on Focus on the Family. Dobson’s photo appeared on the cover. This illustrates the great error of new-evangelical philosophy.
There is no doubt that Dobson is a kind man who has helped people. There is no doubt that his Focus on the Family has done some good. Yet doing good is no excuse for ignoring the Word of God. Dobson’s teaching is a subtle and dangerous mixture of humanistic psychology and Bible. His ministry has no warning about error and false gospels. He does fight against social evils such as abortion and pornography, but false gospels are at least as destructive as any social ill.
The Apostles did not lead crusades against social and political evils, they preached the gospel and built doctrinally strong churches.
Dobson went so far as to witness against Dr. John MacArthur in a case where parents of a suicide self-murderer sued MacArthur for not sending the suicide fellow to a shrink. MacArthur sent him to the Word of God, but James Dobson witnessed against MacArthur in saying that a shrink was essential since the Bible was not up to the job of counseling the man. So, all over the USA pastors are joining the psycho counseling cult to “keep on the safe side”.
JOHN CALVIN -
The following statements are quoted from INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, John Calvin, Eerdman’s Publishing, 1994 BOOK IV.
CHAPTER 14 - ...It is certain, therefore, that the Lord offers us His mercy, and a pledge of His grace, both in His sacred work and in the sacraments; but it is not apprehended save by those who receive the word and sacraments with firm faith: in like manner as Christ, though offered and held forth for salvation to all, is not, however, acknowledged and received by all. Augustine, when attending to intimate this, said that the efficacy of the work is produced in the sacrament, not because it is spoken, but because it is believed.
...Wherefore, let it be a fixed point, that the office of the sacraments differs not from the Word of God; and this is to hold forth and offer Christ to us, and, in Him, the treasures of heavenly grace. ...
CHAPTER 15 - Baptism is the sign by which we are admitted to the fellowship of the Church, that being ingrafted into Christ we may be accounted children of God. ...for it is His will that all who have believed, be baptized for the remission of sins. Hence those who have thought that Baptism is nothing else than the badge and mark by which we profess our religion before men, in the same way as soldiers attest their profession by bearing the insignia of their commander, having not attended to what was the principal thing in baptism; and this is, that we are to receive it in connection with the promise, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.”
...We ought to consider that at whatever time we are baptized, we are washed and purified once for the whole of life. Wherefore, as often as we fall, we must recall to remembrance of our baptism, and thus fortify our minds, so as to feel certain and secure of the remission of sins. ...
...Believers become assured by baptism, that this condemnation is entirely withdrawn from them, since (as has been said) the Lord by this sign promises that a full and entire remission has been made, both of the guilt which was imputed to us, and the penalty incurred by his guilt. (Book 4, Chapter 16, page 531);
We have, therefore, a spiritual promise given to the fathers in circumcision, similar to that which give to us in baptism, since it figured to them both the forgiveness of sins and the mortification of the flesh. Besides, as we have shown that Christ, in whom both of these reside, is the foundation of baptism, so must He also be the foundation of circumcision.
John Calvin (1509-1564) was a French lawyer-politician. He was not a clergyman at first. It is true that he studied theological matters at the Sorbonne of the University of Paris, but this was primarily a training ground for political techniques used to control populations. What came to be known as Calvinism grew out of the policy and writings of John Calvin after he became the ruler and dictator of Geneva, Switzerland (1541-1564).
Calvin originally had picked the losing aristocratic faction in a power struggle to control France. Since all these intrigues bore a religious complexion, the losers often were branded as heretics. Calvin was forced to flee his native France and eventually found refuge in Geneva. A man of tremendous political and organizational talents, he manipulated himself, and his fellow refugees, into absolute control over the city which gave them protection against the brutal Catholic Inquisition.
Calvin had been condemned by the Inquisition, in absentia, to be burned at the stake. Within 48 months of his rule in Geneva, John Calvin caused 48 people to be executed. His victims ranged in age from 16 to 80. The most common capital offense was the opposition to infant baptism. Today, baptism only for accountable believers, is a Baptist distinctive. In Calvin’s time it was punished either by drowning, a drawn out and slow burning at the stake, or beheading. All this was done in public, with city residents compelled to watch the butchery. The executions were spaced out so as to exert a continuing policy of fear and terror. Others were killed for advocating local church autonomy; opposing the tie-in of church and state; and preaching that Christ died for all sinners (unlimited atonement).
In 1545, the bubonic plague swept through Geneva. Calvin and all his pastors had previously convinced their congregations that Geneva would be spared by God because they were the elect and that other cities in Europe, which had suffered, were reaping the harvest of sin reserved for the eternally damned. Calvin and his cohorts had to come up with a quick theological gimmick to explain away the plague in Geneva. Calvin caused a number of derelicts to be thrown into the dungeon and tortured on the rack. While the victims were having their arms and legs pulled out of their sockets, the torturers kept repeating names of those suspected of having Baptist views. Under such incredible torture the victims responded to the promptings and confessed that the plague was spread by conspirators who caused it, “by smearing the door latches with an ointment prepared from devil’s dung.” The Calvinist slaughter was so great that the smell of burning human flesh permeated Geneva for days on end.
On March 1545, Calvin wrote in a letter, “A conspiracy of men and women has lately been discovered, who for three years had spread the plague through the city. After fifteen women had been burned (by the state council), some men punished more severely, some suicides in prison, and twenty-five prisoners still held, the conspirators do not cease to smear the door locks of houses with their poisons.”
In Geneva, a secret police was forged under the name of The Consistory. Every home was compulsorily examined and searched once a month. The City was divided into districts and committees of the Consistory were empowered to search and interrogate all residents without previous notice.
How did Calvin manage to transform Geneva from a traditional democratic republic into a theocratic dictatorship? The answer lies in a skillful use of terror, both of the earthly variety of torment plus the threat of eternal damnation by invoking God’s vengeance.
This Gallican lawyer, was a genius in fashioning a political psychology of terror. At the top was a Congregation of the Clergy. Calvin carefully filtered out all pastors and teachers who did not submit to his personal domination. Those who opposed him were dealt with a ferocity that even shocked the leaders of the Catholic Inquisition. In fact, when Calvin tipped off the inquisitors in France with information calculated to lead Protestants who disagreed with him to be burned at the stake by Catholics, the leaders of the Inquisition sometimes mercifully allowed the victims to escape.
All printing presses in Geneva and other Swiss cities were firmly controlled by Calvin’s obligatory hierarchy. Only approved books were allowed in Geneva. All letters leaving and entering the city were ready by the Consistory. A body of Professional eavesdroppers was employed not only in Geneva but was lodged as far away as Paris and Lyons where Genevian merchants might be spied upon and their attitude towards Calvin reported.
Any serious criticism of the Calvinistic dictatorship was punished by the fiery stake or beheading. In all cases, Calvin managed to skillfully embellish his moves with scriptural quotations. He had difficulty in reconciling his ideas of election and predestination with the books of James, Jude and 2 Peter. So, privately, he told his pastors that he doubted the authenticity of those books of the Bible. Even the Word of God had to be twisted to fit the tyranny of Calvin.
Baptists, who came into existence upon the principle of soul liberty should be on guard against a system that caused the slaughter of more humans than were killed during the bloody terror of the French Revolution of 1789. It is a matter of history that left-wing socialists have been extremely interested in the techniques employed by Calvin in controlling an entire society. There is an extensive literature dealing with the lessons of Calvinistic operations for socialism.
In 1903 and 1908, a lawyer named Nicolai Lenin, the future Dictator of Bolshevik Russia, spent hundreds of hours in the libraries of Geneva studying these terror techniques for his own application. This alone should give all Christian believers a good reason to pause and examine the nature of Calvinism. (The above is a fragment of a fully documented manuscript being prepared for a book on the history of Calvin and Calvinism). Printed and distributed by Providence Bible Church, RD 2, Box 583, Providence, RH.
MARTIN LUTHER -
The following declarations are quoted from Luther’s Small Catechism, Concordia Publishing, 1971.
I. THE NATURE OF BAPTISM – Infants too, are to be baptized;
B. Because Holy Baptism is the only means whereby infants, who, too, must be born again, can ordinarily be regenerated and brought to faith;
C. Because infants, also, can believe.
II. BLESSINGS OF BAPTISM - What does Baptism give or profit? It works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare. ...By His suffering and death Christ has indeed earned these blessings for us; Baptism, however, is a means by which the Holy Ghost makes these blessings our own. (Baptism is a means of grace.)
III. THE BENEFITS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER - What is the benefit of such eating and drinking? That is shown us by these words, “Given and shed for you for the remission of sins”; namely, that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.
IV. THE POWER OF THE LORD’S SUPPER - How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things? It is not the eating and drinking indeed that does them, but the words here written, “Given and shed for you for the remission of sins”’ which words, besides the bodily eating and drinking, are the chief thing in the Sacrament; and he that believes these words has what they say and express, namely, the forgiveness of sins.
EXAMPLES OF CHRISTIAN CHURCHES AND
CHRISTIAN SEMINARY COMPROMISE
An issue of Bibliotheca Sacra (Oct.-Dec. 1993), the journal of Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), contains an essentially laudatory (good) review of John MacArthur’s latest Lordship Salvation primer, Faith Works: The Gospel According to the Apostles, which clearly teaches saved by faith AND works.
June 11, 1997 (Fundamental Baptist News Service, 1701 Harns Rd., Oak Harbor, WA 98277) - Bishops representing Lutheran, Episcopal, and United Methodist denominations joined hands with bishops of the Roman Catholic Church in South Carolina to issue a statement confessing the sin of racism and calling for unity. The meeting was held in Charleston, South Carolina the middle of May. Joan Campbell, general secretary of the National Council of Churches, participated in the two-day meeting. “The bishops, representing 466,000 church members, said if they deserve to be called Christians, they must embrace each other totally and in the firm belief in one Lord, one baptism, one human family with equal liberty and justice for all. ...no dogmas, no creeds, no Christian denominations divide us on these beliefs.” (Associated Press, May 16, 1997). The statement was signed by Bishop David A. Donges of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bishop David A. Donges of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bishop Dorsey F. Henderson Jr. of the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina, Bishop J. Lawrence McCleskey of the United Methodist Church, Bishop Edward Salmon Jr. of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina and Bishop David Thompson of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston.
June 13, 1997 (Fundamental Baptist News Service, 1701 Harns Rd., Oak Harbor, WA 98277) - The May 1997 issue of New Covenant magazine contains an article by Lutheran pastor Charles Dickson entitled “Mary: Bridge to Christian Unity”. New Covenant is a charismatic Roman Catholic publication. Dickson makes the following amazing statements: “The agony that a mother experiences when her children are squabbling and fighting among themselves may be a fair analogy to describe the agony the Blessed Virgin Mary must experience amidst the quarrels dividing the disciples of her Son. In view of this it is not surprising that the bishop of Osnabruck in Germany has suggested that Mary be regarded as the ‘patroness’ of ecumenism, the rallying point where Christians of all varieties may find unity, common goals and mutual love. ...”
“As Lutheran theologian Harding Meyer recently observed, ‘Luther, Malancthon and Zwingli not only did not question teachings about Mary, they explicitly adopted them.’ These teachings included the virgin birth, the doctrine of the Theotokos (Mother of God), the semper virgo (ever-virgin) of the Fifth Ecumenical Council, and the sanctification of Mary as advocated by St. Bernard, St. Thomas Aquinas and others. ... “The job for both Catholics and Protestants in our day, then, becomes one of healing. We need to search diligently for ways of unburdening the Mariological problem that has so splintered our efforts at unity. ... In all these efforts, the Blessed Mother of Our Lord waits with open arms for her children to cease their quarrels and become a family again. She is truly the bridge to Christian unity.”
C. S. LEWIS -
(So-called Christian writer) said Hell is not a place God sends people who disbelieve the gospel, but a state of mind one chooses to possess and become. “And every state of mind, left to itself,” he wrote, “every shutting up of the creature within the dungeon of its own mind – is, in the end, Hell” (The Great Divorce, p. 65). Lewis was “very Catholic” and believed in purgatory. Southern Baptist leader Dr. Charles Stanley (June 21, In Touch) quotes Lewis favorably and says Lewis “wrote masterfully on the Christian life” (Calvary Contender, June 15, 1991).
OTHER REPORTS OF COMPROMISE -
October 10, 1995 (Fundamental Baptist News Service, 1701 Harns Rd., Oak Harbor, WA 98277) - Charismatic Pat Robertson (Christian Broadcasting Network), Chuck Colson (Prison Fellowship Ministries), Don Argue (president, National Association of Evangelicals), and Bill Bright (Campus Crusade for Christ) were among the religious leaders who met with Pope John Paul II during his visit to New York City, October 7, 1995. The group included five Muslim leaders and 27 Protestant and Orthodox representatives. The “Protestants” included Edmond Browning, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. Another group of 25 Jewish leaders met with the pope separately.
Both meetings were held at Catholic Cardinal John O’Connor’s residence. Each member of the group spoke briefly with the pope. Joan Campbell, general secretary of the National Council of Churches, was one of the participants. She said she and Robertson made arrangements to meet again. In a telephone interview with the Associated Press, Robertson said of the pope: “He’s got great humility and spirituality; that’s what people admire about him.” The New York Times reported: “Overall, Mr. Robertson said the spirit of the meeting was one of interreligious unity. There was a real sense of harmony,” he said. “We all admire the Holy Father tremendously. We all want to build bridges with the Catholic Church.”
Charismatics are making inroads in the Southern Baptist Convention. With Charismatics, experience is emphasized and doctrine is downplayed. Don Argue, April 3, became NAE’s (second) Pentecostal chief executive. (Thomas Zimmerman was the first Pentecostal president of the NAE in 1960). Argue is an ecumenical bridge-builder. In a letter, “Veteran missionary to Catholics” Wilson Ewin says: “With all the facts now put together, one must agree with classic Pentecostal author Vinson Synan that 80% of all evangelicals are Pentecostal-Charismatic.” (We have seen smaller percentages given, but the number is soaring.) Ewin says a third of all Canadian evangelicals are now Roman Catholics. The Charismatic movement is a catalyst for building the ecumenical one-world church of the Antichrist.
Modernization on hell; The doctrine of Hell is moderated when it is tones down or generally redefined in less severe terms than those used by Christ. Many efforts to moderate the traditional view are afoot. (For a brief overview of the contemporary debate and for helpful bibliographic information, see William Crockett, ed., “Four Views on Hell”, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1992). Due to the general reluctance to contend for this doctrine, the moderating efforts have gained remarkable momentum. (A mid-1980's survey revealed that nearly one in five students at evangelical Bible colleges reject the truth of eternal torment for the unrepentant. Of the remaining four students, nearly half have varying doubts about the torments of Hell and the duration of the punishments. (See James Davidson Hunter, “Evangelicals: The Coming Generation”, Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1987, pp. 33-38). Here are some of the popular theological explanations that contradict the Biblical view of a Hell with literal physical torments that last forever.
In 1994, Intervarsity Press published the “Handbook of Christian Apologetics” by Peter Kreeft and Ronald Tacelli. Kreeft is a professor of philosophy at Roman Catholic Boston College. Tacelli is a Jesuit priest who teaches at the same school. Imagine an Evangelical press publishing a supposed defense of the faith by a Jesuit priest. What incredible, wicked confusion!
Consider an excerpt from the chapter on salvation: “The issue of salvation sparked the Protestant Reformation and split the church. It seemed to both sides at the time that Protestants and Catholics taught two radically different gospels, two religions ... Both sides spoke the truth ... the two sides rally did not contradict each other on this most important of all questions. ... both Catholics and Protestants accept the same date, the New Testament” (pp 320 & 321). “The official teaching of Catholicism (as distinct from the popular misconception) is that salvation is a totally free gift that we can do nothing to ‘buy’ or ‘produce’ (p. 321). “Interdenominational squabbles over terminology are about as reasonable as arguments between the Navy and the Coast Guard over whether to say ‘life jacket’ or ‘flotation device’ while thousands are drowning” (p. 318).
Baptist Leaders in Port Lavaca, Texas, apologized for pamphlets that turned up at a local high school that asked “Are Catholics Really Christians?” and “Can Catholics Get Into Heaven?”. The literature, published by Chic Publications, also called communion wafers “death cookies”. Rev. Joe Stansell said the offensive material was included without his knowledge in a sample pack of religious pamphlets ordered by the church and placed in the church foyer earlier.
SOUTHERN BAPTIST’S “LEADERS”?
Quotes from “Leaders” at Southern Baptist Schools
“The Old Testament begins with two myths of creation both of which reflect elements from the pagan mythology of surrounding peoples.” (Eric Ruse, “Nature and Man in Biblical Thought”, 1953, p. 20.)
“Despite some people’s opinion, the Bible does not teach ... natural immortality. ... According to the Bible, we do not have a mortal part, the body, and an immortal part, the soul, as separate entities. We are indivisible units – a body animated by a soul. According to the Bible, there is nothing in us that can withstand the ravages of death. When we die, we are really dead. We do not have a soul that is naturally immortal. Life actually comes to an end.” (John Newport, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at Southwestern Theological Seminary, “Lectures on Christian Theology,” Fundamentalist Journal, Feb. 1983).
“Insistence upon the literal meaning of all the Bible is no longer a tenable position among people who are educated.” (L. D. Johnson, chaplain to Furman University, “The People’s Paper”, Apr. 26, 1967).
“The doctrine of the Trinity is not found in the New Testament. At the time it was formulated, it meant something to the Greeks who coined the word and used it, but as a symbol it has lost its meaning.” (Frank Stagg, professor, Southern Baptist Seminary, Jacksonville Times-Union, quoted in Ecumenicalism Under the Spotlight, 1973).
“We can no longer treat the Bible as a purely supernatural book, every word of which is divinely inspired. ... The Biblical science is not ours, and it needs to be corrected by our more exact knowledge. ... The Old Testament begins with two myths of creation. ... It is on the other grounds that we must reject the miracle [of the Lord’s changing the water into wine].” (Eric Ruse, professor, Southern Baptist Seminary, “Nature and Man in Biblical Thought”, pp. 17, 20, 195).
“If the human writers were limited, as they themselves claimed, then their limitations belong also to a balanced doctrine of Scripture. ... The infallible text is a theory, not a reality. ... To affirm something about a Bible that does not exist can hardly help but be misleading.” (William E. Hull, long-time professor at Southern Baptist Seminary, “Shall We Call the Bible Infallible?” The Baptist Program, pp. 17-18).
“Many who promote infallibility of the Bible are simply dishonest. They know better through education and reading but find it advantageous to exploit the uninformed whom they say they have been “called” to serve and save. They parlay this false doctrine into success, fame and large churches. ... Adam, Eve, Noah, Jonah – these were fictitious persons who proclaimed a truth.” (Robert S. Alley, professor, University of Richmond, “Revolt Against the Faithful”, pp. 91, 147-148; Alley was chairman of the department of religion for many years.)
“We have students here who just aren’t going to pay lip service to the narrow orthodoxy of the past. The time is now or maybe never for Southern Baptists to enter the mainstream of theological discussion. ... If the author of that story [Jonah] were to step into the world today and discover that anybody was accepting him word for word, I have a feeling he’d just collapse from laughter.” (Robert Alley, “Battle of the Book”, Newsweek, May 5, 1969).
“Jesus was a feminist! We don’t have to stay in our place. ... We reject the notion that one sex should build bridges and the other keep the home. We reject the idea of “proper roles” ...” (From a liturgy used in regular chapel service at Southeastern Seminary on March 17, 1983, S.B.C. House on the Sand.)
“I see Jesus as really a Jew. I don’t imagine for a minute that he would have had the audacity to claim the deity for himself. ... [Jesus] never claimed to be God or to be related to Him.” (Robert Alley, in a 1977 speech to a group of atheists in the First Unitarian Church of Richmond, Virginia, Richmond News Leader, quoted by David O. Beale, S.B.C. House on the Sand; though there was an outcry because of Alley’s statements, he was not fired and his colleagues “drew up a formal resolution demanding more academic freedom and protesting the conservative attacks on Alley.”)
“I believe it is unwise to seek for a “necessity” for the cross. It is quite possible to affirm and clarify the importance of the cross without speaking of it as necessary. ... I do not know of anyone today who naturally assumes, as the writer of the Hebrews did, that sins can be washed away only by the blood of sacrifices. ... It always seems morally outrageous that any judge would require a substitute. However noble the substitute’s act might be, the judge’s act seems despicable.” (Fisher Humphreys, professor, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, The Death of Christ, pp. 38, 55, 61).
“I must say at the outset that I do not accept all of the Bible as literally true. ... [the literal ‘inerrancy’ position of inspiration is] anti-biblical – for it tends to make an idol of printed pages ... [it is] Bibliolatry ... as dangerous as any other form of idolatry.” (Brooks Hays, former SBC president, “What the Bible Means to Me).
“A number of modern scholars have discounted the healing narratives and miracle stories, ascribed them to primitive mythology and early Christian embellishment. Some embellishment undoubtedly occurred. ... Comparative study of his parables and other sayings in Gospel parallels turns up evidence of embellishment ... and allegorization. ... What was written down, therefore, represented the mind of the early Church much more than the mind of Jesus himself. When sifted, it leaves little that one can confidently attribute to Jesus himself. ... “Jesus himself had no consciousness of ‘divinity’. ... the risen Christ had not a physical but a spiritual body.” (E. Glenn Hinson, professor, Southern Baptist Seminary, Jesus Christ, 1977, pp. 66, 78, 83, 111.)
“To make Jesus’ death a propitiatory sacrifice to satisfy some abstract quality in God called ‘justice’ or ‘righteousness’ or ‘holiness’ is first cousin to blasphemy, in my judgment. ... I say to you that God as revealed in Jesus Christ has never wanted or needed propitiatory sacrifice.” (Joel Lunceford, professor, chapel address in the spring of 1963, Georgetown College, quoted in What Jesus Taught Compared to Beliefs of Moderates and Conservatives.)
“In the first place, Adam like original man in other near Eastern texts, is a representative man, all of mankind poured into one individual. ... The guidance comes from literary texts outside the Bible that illuminate the meaning of the Biblical account.” (Joseph Callaway, professor, Southern Baptist Seminary, “Archaeology and the Bible,” The Broadman Bible Commentary, Volume 1, p. 47). “...one must come to the place that he sees the parabolic and symbolic nature of much of the Old Testament Scriptures. Genesis is to be understood in this light. It is not science. In the material attributed to J and P, the early writers were in no way trying to give a scientific or literal explanation. ... We must learn to think of the stories of Genesis – The Creation, the Fall, Noah’s are, the Tower of Babel ... in the same way as we think of the parables of Jesus; they are profoundly symbolical (though not allegorical) stories, which aren’t to be taken as literally true.” (Ralph H. Elliott, professor, Midwestern Seminary, “The Message of Genesis”, published in 1961 by the SBC Sunday School Board).
OTHER CHURCH COMPROMISE EXAMPLES
Nearly 30 ecumenical leaders signed letters to Clinton supporting his veto of partial birth abortions and to the U.S. Congress, urging its members not to override Clinton’s veto. Signers included Edmond Browning, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church; James Andrews, stated clerk of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.; Paul Sherry, president of the United Church of Christ; Thomas Fassett, executive secretary of the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church; Rabbi Alex Schindler, president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations.
June 14, 1997 (Fundamental Baptist News Service, 1701 Harns Rd., Oak Harbor, WA 98277) - An ecumenical service conducted at a St. Stephen’s Catholic cathedral in Austria in January illustrates the cutting edge of ecumenical unity. It brought together all of the various aspects of the end-times ecumenical movement: charismatic rock music, blending of denominations, dancing, sacramentalism, liturgy, non-doctrinal preaching, a non-doctrinal gospel. It had it all! The service was held at Catholic City Cathedral of St. Stephen’s in Vienna, Austria. A report in Charisma magazine gave this description. “A bold step toward renewal in a maverick Catholic congregation in Vienna, Austria, could be evidence of a new move to spread reconciliation through Catholic Europe. ... “On Jan. 18, for the first time ever, a Baptist pastor preached in St. Stephen’s. Worship – electric guitars, saxophone, drums and all – was led by a musician from a Vineyard church. ... “More than 2,000 mostly young Christians showed up in the cathedral. ... The historic meeting’s atmosphere was relaxed. Participants from all denominations were overtly happy – even thrilled, one organizer said. The service contained ‘electrical’ free church worship, contemplative Catholic hymns, personal testimonies, Scripture readings, an evangelical sermon, worship dance, a Catholic procession carrying the cross, a light ceremony and more. ... “Bruce Clewett, national director of Youth With a Mission in Austria, said there were two remarkable things about this service: ‘Firstly, that the archbishop didn’t invite evangelical and independent charismatic church leaders just to come as guests, but rather to help run the program. Secondly, that the Protestants were so eager to come!’” “Clewett believes God is slowly opening the door to what he refers to as ‘open-eyed unity’. The theme of the Vienna meeting was the Cross – where the unity is based ‘not just on an experience or on the drawing power of some famous Christian personality’, Clewett said. “Johannes Fichtenbauer, chief organizer of the meeting, is Christoph Schonborn’s [Catholic Archbishop of Vienna] personal delegate to the charismatic and evangelical churches in Austria. Fichtenbauer emphasized the reconciliatory intention: ‘Historically, Vienna has been a place of division and suffering, especially to Protestants during the Counter-Reformation. This cannot be mended except through reconciliation’, he said” (Protestants Worship with Catholics in Vienna Cathedral”, Charisma, May 1997, pp 38 & 39).
April 30, 1997 (Fundamental Baptist News Service, 1701 N. Harns Rd., Oak Harbor, WA 98277) - On Thursday, April 24, the Dalai Lama spoke to a near-capacity crowd of more than 3,000 people attending an interfaith celebration of religious freedom held in his honor at the Episcopal National Cathedral in Washington D.C.. The service began with a call to prayer by a Muslim leader. There were readings from Hindu writings, as well as from the Old and New Testaments. Buddhists led prayers. The Dalai Lama was introduced by the dean of the Episcopal cathedral, the Very Rev. Nathan D. Baxter as a “source of inspiration for so many around the world ... myself among these,” who is universally beloved for his words “my religion is kindness” (Associated Press, April 26, 1997).
“I have never seen such an instrument for ecumenism as Operation Rescue is,” said Catholic priest Patrick Malone, head of St. Mary Catholic Parish just outside Wichita. Malone explained that Operation Rescue “has a very strong evangelical flavor nationwide, but the experience here has been that the operations break down barriers that have separated churches as we stand for the common cause of the unborn child.” Catholic leaders are now encouraging Roman Catholics to join Operation Rescue and shape its future direction. It’s already working. Malone said, “People I’ve demonstrated with, attended rallies with and spent time in jail with – the evangelicals and others – apologized again and again to me” for the views they had held of the Catholic Church.
The July 1995 issue of Charisma magazine contained an article entitled “We Can Win Our Cities Together”, calling for ecumenical evangelism. It was written by Ted Haggard, pastor of the charismatic New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Haggard claims that the variety among churches and denominations is like that found in a Baskin-Robbins ice cream store, and that the differences are intended by God to provide variety in “the body of Christ”. I love all kinds of ice cream. Sometimes I want vanilla with caramel topping, whipped cream, lots of nuts and a cherry. Other times I want Rocky Road, banana or chocolate chip. That’s why I love Baskin-Robbins ice cream stores. They have 31 flavors, and I can always find something I like. In Colorado Springs, Colorado, where I am a pastor, we enjoy 90 flavors of churches. Most of them stand on Christ as their cornerstone and embrace the Bible as their authority. So in each of them, you can discover the same basic truths that make eternal life available to all people. ... When I talk bout various ‘flavors’ in the body of Christ, I am not promoting an ecumenical or humanistic movement that embraces all people of all faiths as brothers and sisters. I am not suggesting that we share the same communion with Muslims, Buddhists, New Agers or others who don’t acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the only source of salvation. Instead I am saying that we need to appreciate the respected interpretations of Scripture that exist in the many Christian denominations. And I believe the Lord planned for local churches to be different and distinct for a reason. Let’s say that on Main Street USA there are five Christian churches. Let’s also assume that each of the pastors has elected to focus on the absolutes of Scripture. There is a Presbyterian, Baptist, Catholic, charismatic and Methodist. ... What’s the bottom line? Our primary purpose does not require every church to reach every person. That would be impossible. Besides, God wants to reach the world through His many-member body. ... Have you erected an fences between your church and the congregation down the street? Have you judged other Christian groups in your heart, or openly criticized them? I believe the Holy Spirit is calling us to move our fences and demonstrate to a watching world that we are united: (Ted Haggard, “We Can Win Our Cities ... Together”, Charisma, July 1995, pp. 34-36). (Now this may sound really “loving” to the baby Christian, but the mature Christian knows how clever Satan is!)
THE FALSE GOSPEL/GOSPELS ACCORDING TO:
John MacArthur’s Gospel: God “chooses” (even against a person’s own will) who He wants to send to heaven, (and who He wants to send to hell), and then once God “picks you” to be saved, you must deny yourself, forsake all, and be totally committed to the Lordship of Christ in order to get to heaven.
Martin Luther’s Gospel: (which is the gospel of the Lutheran Religion); Believe through faith that Jesus Christ died for your sins and then receive forgiveness of those sins by partaking in the sacrament of water baptism and communion. (Martin Luther had true Christians killed if they rejected his gospel.)
Billy Graham’s Gospel: Believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins, (which is what all ‘Christian type’ religions believe, so according to Billy, everyone’s already saved). (Billy also is not sure that hell is a place of suffering and torment as Jesus taught in Luke 16:19-31.)
John Calvin’s Gospel: Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins and then receive forgiveness of those sins through the sacraments of water baptism and communion. (John Calvin also had true Christians killed if they rejected his gospel.)
Chuck Colson’s Gospel: As long as a person believes that Jesus Christ died on the cross for sins they’ll go to heaven. (Again, all so-called Christian religions already believe this, so, according to Chuck’s beliefs, everyone in these type of religions (Catholic, Lutheran, Mormon, Jehovah Witness, Methodist, Pentecostal, Apostolic etc. etc.) Are already saved because they all believe Jesus died on the cross for sins.
James Kennedy’s Gospel: God “chooses” who He wants to save. We humans don’t have any choice in the matter but if one does get “elected” by God to be saved, he or she must live an obedient to “prove” their saved.
The Catholic Religion’s Gospel: Believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, keep the Catholic religions sacraments (infant baptism, communion, confession of sins) and try to live a “good” life according to the Ten Commandments.
Apostolic, Charismatic, Pentecostal Gospel: Accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, believing He paid for your sins and then you must speak in tongues as evidence of your salvation and you must also live totally for the Lord to maintain your salvation. If you become carnal, you lose your salvation. (Some of these type religions also believe you must be water baptized for forgiveness of sins.) (Some of these Charismatic/Pentecostal type religions will also tell you that in order to be saved you must be “slain in the Spirit” or be “filled with the Holy Spirit” or show evidence of the “Gifts of the Spirit” (gift of healing, gift of tongues, gift of prophecy or revelation).
Ed Bulkley’s Gospel: Believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins and live a faithful Christian life, persevering (being faithful) until the end and you will be saved.
Church of Christ’s Gospel: Believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins and then you must get water baptized for forgiveness of sins.
Jehovah’s Witnesses Gospel: Believe that Jesus Christ was not Jehovah God who became a man but another “lesser” God created by Jehovah God who became a man and who died on the cross for your sins and then live a faithful obedient Christian life until you die and when you die (if you have been faithful) you will “soul sleep” in some kind of eternal “suspended animation” until the Lord returns to set up His kingdom.
Mormon’s Gospel: You must believe that Jesus Christ is not the Almighty Jehovah God of the Old Testament but another “lesser” God (in the likeness of Satan and Michael the Archangel) created by Jehovah for the purpose of dying on the cross to pay for mankind’s sins. Then in order to receive forgiveness of your sins one must live an obedient righteous life.
True Gospel of the Bible: A person needs to accept the fact that they’re a sinner (deserving of hell) and that of themselves they can doing nothing to “merit” or “earn” or “maintain” their salvation. One must then put their faith or belief (trust) in the fact that Jesus Christ (Who is Jehovah God Who became a man) paid for ALL their sins at Calvary. Then as a result of this new saving faith, one must believe they have eternal life and can never “lose” or “sin away” their salvation. Hebrews 11:1 & 6 - Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen..., And without faith it is impossible to please Him), for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and (that) He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Christian friend, do you see what’s going on here? All these so-called Christian religions teach a type of “works salvation” and any salvation based on any human works is not salvation. The Bible says true salvation is a FREE GIFT which comes through simple faith and which is not a result of any “good works” on our part. True salvation is based on faith in the finished work of Christ plus nothing.
Now I know a lot of the people in these false religions are very, very sincere. In fact, some of the people in these false religions put the true Christians to shame because their being more obedient to Scriptures (even thought its in vain) than most true Christians are! If nothing else, that last sentence should shame the true Christians into getting off their lazy, self centered, spoiled American behinds and get busy for the Lord!
What the Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians nearly 2000 years ago is still very much applicable today.
Galatians 1:6-9 - “ I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel, which is (really) not another, only there are some who are disturbing you, and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed.”
If you are interested in any other free booklets or you have questions about
what you have read, feel free to contact us through the following.
We also encourage you to download or print any study guides from our website.
GOOD NEWS BIBLE CHURCH
718 Riverspring Dr.
Prentice, WI 54556
(715) 428-2075
gnbc@hotmail.com
www.oocities.org/gnbc_2000