Prominent Religious Doctrines:
A Review Of Prominent Religious Doctrines

This year, we have discussed several religious doctrines that are quite prominent throughout the world. In this final article, I wish for us to go back and review the past lessons we have studied, in order to keep them fresh and close at hand. In my work, I find it necessary from time to time to do just that. Let us review the topics we have studied this year, and remember that it is God’s word that we must follow, and not the opinions of men (I Pet. 4:11). Truly, a subject such as “Prominent Religious Doctrines” could not be exhausted in twelve lessons, but I am thankful for the chance to study some of them with you, dear readers. I am grateful that I had the opportunity this year to come into your home and present the message of God’s truth. It has been a pleasure for me. Below is a short summary of the lessons we have studied:

In January, we learned that man does not inherit sin, but is responsible for his own sins and no one else’s (Ezek. 18:4, 20; Col. 3:25; Jas. 1:14-15). February’s issue taught us that no one is saved by faith “alone,” nor anything else “alone.” The New Testament names no less than 25 things that save men. This lesson was not a denial of the importance of faith in Christ (Jn. 8:24; Heb. 11:6); but was necessary to show that it is a false doctrine that says that faith, or anything else, “alone” saves us! We learned in March that one cannot choose the church of his/her choice, but must belong to the church of God’s choice. There is only one church mentioned in the Bible, and it belongs to our Lord (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18).

The article on “Prominent Religious Doctrines” in April, showed that the “once saved, always saved” doctrine is a false one! It is possible for one to die in his sins after having been saved (Gal. 5:4; I Cor. 9:27; Heb. 3:12-13; I Tim. 4:1-2; I Tim. 5:11-15). In May, we learned that baptism is not for babies, but for those who hear the word of God (Acts 2:22), believe that word (Rom. 10:17), repent of their sins (Lk. 13:3); and confess their faith in Christ (Matt. 10:32-33). When one does these things, he is ready to be baptized for the remission of sins, which is the purpose of baptism. June’s article taught that “calling on the name of the Lord” (Rom. 10:13) is a comprehensive term requiring our hearing the gospel, believing it, and obeying it (Rom. 10:14-16; Acts 2:22, 36-38, 22:16). It means more than merely saying “Lord” or “Lord save me.”

We learned that the “sinner’s prayer” is an invention of men in July. A “sinner’s prayer” is nothing but a veiled attempt at circumventing God’s plan for salvation (Mk. 16:16; I Pet. 3:21). August’s issue was a study on mechanical instruments of music used in worship to God, and how they are unauthorized and sinful. God wants us all to sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 13:15; I Cor. 14:15; Jas. 5:13). We need to be satisfied with that. It was in September that we learned that John did not establish the church, but Christ did (Matt. 16:18). The Lord’s church was not in existence at the time of John. If John established the church, then he is the head, and not Christ. This contradicts Colossians 1:18 and Ephesians 1:22-23.

The article for October focused on the fact that the Godhead is composed of three beings: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Gen. 1:26; Matt. 3:16-17; II Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6). This fact is lost on many today, but it is a fact taught time and again in the Scriptures! Finally, in November, we learned that baptism is necessary for washing away men’s sin. We dealt with some arguments men use to try to teach that baptism is not necessary for salvation. For this, we discussed the following passages: Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, and I Peter 3:21.

Do you remember all these lessons? If you have kept the back issues of StraitWay for 2000, you can reread these lessons in their entirety and be reminded of the truth. Peter thought that time spent being reminded of what we have been taught was very important (II Pet. 1:12-15). I hope that what we have done this year will spur us on to further study and a give us greater knowledge of the will of God for the year 2001. God bless! - Jarrod Jacobs