In in 1980’s Wendy’s had a lady in a commercial where she asked the question, “Where’s the beef?” Then she would say, “I don’t think there’s anyone back there.” It was a favorite of a lot of folks. When I watched the commercial, I wondered what people in the religious world would say about the different religious doctrines that they offer to the world.
The Bible says, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. “ 1 Peter 4:11. It also states, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue,” 2 Peter 1:3. The Holy Spirit guided Paul to write the following words about the Scriptures. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. It is very important that every person realizes that Jesus said, “And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.” John12:47-50.
Many in the religious world have heard people say, “join the church of your choice.” However, the Bible says there is only one church. The Holy Spirit said, “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:4-6. Everyone understands that there is “one hope,” “one Spirit,” “one Lord,” “one God and Father.” However, there is confusion about “one body” and “one faith.” What is the “one body?” God’s Word says, “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” Ephesians 1:2-23, “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:18. Jesus has only one body, one church! Jesus only promised to build one church. He said, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my [singular] church [singular]; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it [singular].” Matthew 16:18.
Since Jesus is the “head of the body (church),” He “…added to the church [singular] daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:47. There is only “one God the Father and He, “…hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” Colossians 1:13. The one church (body) and the kingdom of His dear Son being the same. These same folks will then say, “the church is not important.” How sad! The Scriptures says, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Acts 20:28 “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” Hebrews 9:22. The same blood that saves the obedient ones purchased the church that the Lord adds the saved.
Others teach that baptism, which is a burial, Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:3-4, “is not essential to one’s salvation.” Some even go so far as to say that “sprinkling and pouring are modes of baptism.” The Holy Spirit said that baptism is a burial. If the Holy Spirit wanted to make it sprinkling or to pour, He would have different words. The baptism of the eunuch in Acts 8 show that “…they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water…” Is immersion (baptism) essential to one’s salvation? Jesus said it was! He said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:16. Peter wrote by the directions of the Holy Spirit, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 3:21. Baptism is a burial in water for the remission of sins! Acts 2:38.
Bobby D. Gayton
