Why is there so much division among people who call themselves Christians? Why so many names, doctrines, and lifestyles? Why are there so many opposing opinions about what the Holy Ghost is, and what he will do? The answer is because most people do not accept the plain words of the gospel. Instead, they hold to the teaching that they grew up with. Usually, whatever the parents believe and teach is handed down to the children. And in later life, the children are hesitant to turn away from it because they feel that they are abandoning their parents.
If we would follow Jesus, listen to his words. “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26) Simply put, we must honor and obey the words of Jesus above all others, even our closest loved ones. We are not commanded to hate the person, but to hate any doctrine or opinion that is contrary to the written scriptures. Jesus and his words must have authority in your heart above all others, even the most loving mother. And if the truth separates you from your family, you must follow the teaching of Jesus.
“Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6)
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)
This speaks to all people everywhere who call themselves Christian. Plainly stating that all should be of one mind with Christ, and that all should speak the same thing. Christ is not divided! He preached the gospel one time for all the world. Truth will never change, it is eternal.
Preachers, teachers, and congregations read these words but refuse to take them to heart and obey. Instead, they try to justify their own religious opinion by placing it above the doctrine of Christ and offering a strange doctrine that is not found in God’s word. They say, “we may have different doctrines, but we all serve the same Lord.” This is in direct contradiction to what we just read.
This is only one of many such contradictions that church leaders teach. The truth of the gospel is narrow and is offensive to the carnal nature of man. Division is created when religious people attempt to interpret the scriptures by their own wisdom. Looking into but not understanding the mystery of God’s word leads to confusion and different opinions about what it means. Jesus described people who do this, but everybody thinks he is talking about somebody else.
“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:8-9)
They call Jesus, Lord. They read from the same scriptures. All claim to be saved and on their way to heaven, but each group teaches a different doctrine. There is only one true doctrine, all others are commandments of men. This is why Jesus said, they worship me in vain. Such worship is empty and worthless.
Then why is every group fully convinced that theirs is the right way? Why do they not see that division and confusion “in the name of Jesus” is not acceptable with God? What is wrong? The answer is, when people choose to believe a handed down doctrine above the written doctrine of the Bible, they have left themselves open for the wrath of God. And it’s done in such a way that they never realize they are deceived.
Jesus said, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:22)
Why do so many religious people follow the commandments of men and think they follow Christ? It’s because they refuse to hear the truth. “Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.” (2 Thessalonians 2:10-11)
“Strong delusion” is a misleading belief and a deceiving spirit, causing you to believe that all is well. Refuse the written gospel of Jesus Christ and this is your reward. Division is all around us because many have received strong delusion and they continue to sleep until it is eternally too late.
