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Salvation Is Not About Denomination—It Is About Jesus! 

Salvation Is Not About Denomination—It Is About Jesus! 

I am so thankful for my church, for having been raised in a conservative Christian denomination that taught me about Jesus, instilled in me a confidence in the Bible, and gave me a biblical worldview of a Creator God who made human beings in His image.

Yet, somehow during my upbringing, an idea got imbedded into my mind that salvation is not from Jesus alone but is also connected to, if not determined by, church membership—by being a member of the “right” denomination and believing the “right” doctrines. I am not suggesting that my church overtly and intentionally taught this idea in words, but it was certainly what was taught by function. For instance, counties that had Christian churches of other denominations but not one of ours were called “dark counties,” as if the light of the gospel had yet to be brought to them. Evangelism wasn’t focused on merely reaching non-Christian peoples, but also on converting people from other denominations to ours, of convincing other Christians of how their various doctrines, rituals, or ceremonies were wrong and ours were right. In other words, the focus wasn’t simply on bringing people to accept Jesus as their Savior, but also bringing people to accept our denomination as the only church with the “truth,” which meant accepting our specific list of doctrines and rules. And I have discovered that my church is not the only denomination that believes this or functions in this way.

But as I have studied Scripture for myself, I have discovered that the Bible teaches that in the church, the wheat (saved), which Jesus has planted, and the weeds (the lost), which His enemy has planted, grow up together—and will do so right up until the harvest (Matthew 13:24–30).

This means that belonging to a church organization is not the same as belonging to Jesus, that being a member in good standing with a denomination is not the same as being a member of God’s kingdom.

Jesus said, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:22, 23 NIV84). Such people are working in ministry in the name of Jesus—not in the name of Buddha or Muhammed or Hare Krishna. These people are Christians and almost certainly members of one denomination or another, perhaps even church employees or in leadership. Yet Jesus will say that He never knew them, and He calls them evildoers. This indicates that the “weeds” in the church are not merely the backslidden whose names remain on the books or the nominal member who isn’t committed to mission, but are also those who are actively working for the cause.

We all recognize that the “church” in Christ’s day was the Jewish nation, blessed by God with the Scriptures, the prophets, the Sabbath, truths about healthful living, the object lessons of the temple and its services—all designed to enlighten minds with heavenly truth and free people from the bondage of sin. Yet the “church” leaders of that God-blessed organization rejected God when He stood among them. Their membership in the tribe, in the community, even their positions in church leadership, did not deliver them from sin, nor did it make them part of God’s kingdom.

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:25–37 NIV84).

Who in this parable is part of God’s kingdom? Was it the priest or Levite—or the Samaritan? But who had membership in the right organization? Which of them would hold to the right doctrines? Who worshipped on the right day or brought the right sacrifice? Did membership, doctrine, or ritual make a difference? If not, what did?

What determines whether we are part of God’s kingdom or not? What determines whether we are among the wheat or the weeds? Jesus said, “Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples—if you have love for one another” (John 13:35 NET).

And how do we experience this love? Only by having a trust relationship with God, which only comes from accepting the truth that Jesus revealed about His Father. Jesus told us that if we have seen Him, we have seen the Father (John 14:9). It is by accepting the truth about God that we are won to trust and experience the intimate knowledge of God, knowing God and being known by Him, that restores us to eternal life (John 17:3), because that intimate connection restores God’s living law of love into our inmost being, solidifying us into faithful friends of God who cannot be shaken from our loyalty to Him (Romans 5:5; Hebrews 8:10; Revelation 12:11).

Throughout human history, there has only and always been three groups of people:

  • Those settled completely into their loyalty to God so that nothing can shake them out of it: Enoch, Noah, Job, Moses, Daniel, Shadrack, Meshack, Abednego, Stephen, and so many more who loved God and others.
  • Those who have persisted in sin such that they have destroyed the faculties that are sensitive to the movements of the Spirit of truth and love. They are so settled into lies, sin, and rebellion that no amount of truth, love, or intervention will have any saving impact upon them: those who refused to get on the ark, those who died in Sodom, Judas, and so many more.
  • Those who have neither been sealed to God nor persisted in sinfulness and rebellion to God to the point of destroying the faculties that are sensitive to truth and love: those who are still reachable for the kingdom of God.

But before Jesus comes to take us to heaven, members of this third group settle into one or the other of the first two groups. Every single person will decide upon the methods they prefer—the methods of truth, love, and freedom or the methods of lies, selfishness, and coercion. Every person decides which law they prefer (love or selfishness) in how they treat others. And in choosing how we treat “the least of these” (Matthew 25:31–46), we are choosing for or against Jesus, we are choosing for or against the law of love, we are choosing which kingdom we prefer, we are choosing what character we develop. Each person shapes and solidifies their own character, either by faith in Christ and practicing His methods via the power of the indwelling Spirit, or by fear and distrust and by embracing and practicing the methods of this world.

Doctrinal attestation doesn’t determine salvation; church membership doesn’t determine salvation; ritual and ceremony doesn’t determine salvation. Salvation is found only in a faith relationship with Jesus that transforms the character.

Those religious people who crucified Christ belonged to the same organization as Jesus, the organization we recognize as God’s chosen for that time. Yet their membership in that organization did not make them friends of God. Those same religious leaders who crucified our Savior would have agreed with Jesus on:

  • The inspiration of Scripture
  • The creation as described in Genesis
  • The seventh-day Sabbath
  • The Ten Commandments
  • The observance of the annual feasts and temple ceremonies
  • What foods were permissible to eat
  • Tithing

Their correct doctrines, ceremonies, and rituals did not make them friends of God. Yet the Good Samaritan, who didn’t keep Sabbath, sacrifice at temple, eat the proper diet, or observe the proper feasts, is the one commended by Christ as fulfilling and living out the law of God.

The issue has always been and will always be one of character. That does not mean our doctrines are irrelevant; however, the central question, the issue that all other concerns hinge upon is the truth about God, His character, His methods, how His design law functions (2 Corinthians 10:3–5). If we don’t first have the truth about God, His character and methods as Jesus revealed, then we might have the right doctrine (like the Jews had the right Sabbath) but like them kill the Lord of the Sabbath—and then want Him off the cross in time to observe the right doctrinal day of worship.

If we don’t first understand, admire, and worship the true God, then having right doctrines will not save us. Why? Because it is a design law of how God created us that we become like the God we admire and worship. It is by beholding that we are changed (2 Corinthians 3:18). If we worship worthless idols, then we become worthless (Jeremiah 2:5). If we exchange the truth of God for a lie, our minds become darkened, depraved, and futile (Romans 1:18–31). If we believe the lie that God is as Satan says He is, an imperial dictator who makes up rules and enforces those rules by inflicting punishment, then having the right doctrines will not help us. Instead, we will become just like the legalistic Jews who crucified Christ.

It is only by accepting the truth about God that Jesus revealed, by fixing our eyes on Christ, that He finishes (perfects) His work of transforming us (Hebrews 12:2). Our hearts, minds, and characters are changed to be like His when we worship Him for who He is: the Creator God of love whose laws are the protocols upon which life is built to operate.

The Jewish leadership in Christ’s day didn’t have wrong doctrines; they had a wrong understanding of God and how His law functioned. Thus, they became like the law-imposing god they worshiped.

In every church group, organization, and denomination today, the wheat and the tares grow together and will continue to do so right up until the harvest. In every church, there are those who are planted by Jesus and those who are planted by His enemy; those who have accepted the truth about God that Jesus has revealed and those who prefer the dictator god; those who embrace God’s laws as design laws and those who prefer imposed human-like laws. For those who worship the Creator God of love who Jesus revealed, whose laws are the protocols of life, we find that there is a unity in our faith (Ephesians 4:13) regardless of what church organization we choose to affiliate with. This unity is built upon our love for God and each other, understanding and living out His principles of truth, love, and freedom in our lives.

Salvation is not found in organizational affiliation; salvation is found specifically and only in Jesus. We either have Jesus or we don’t. We either are renewed in righteousness or we are not. We either are reborn into the kingdom of God or we remain dead in trespass and sin. We either trust Jesus with our entire being or we trust in something else. We either love God and others or live for self.

There is loyalty to Christ—and there is everything else. Salvation is not about denominations; it is about Jesus!

 

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Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

Testimony 2

I continue to enjoy your lessons every week. The more that I research your conclusions, the more I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has lead you to distill out the essence of human redemption. Thank you for your courageous stand for the truth.

S. G., TX, USA

 

Testimony 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

Brendon S.

 

Testimony 72

I am blown away by the truth that you present. God’s Design Law makes so much sense! You have validated my impression that, if God is love, He would not kill those who don’t want to know him. If God gives us choice, then how can He destroy us if our choice is not to follow him. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to the pure love of God seen through Jesus. The love I now have for Jesus is deeper and free from condemnation. My heart has been opened to love others as Jesus loves me. May God continue to bless your God-given insight into His word and your ministry. The truth has set me free!

H. Miller, Centereach, NY

Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia

 

Testimony 12

I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, USA

 

Testimony 17

The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA

 

Testimony 22

I have found your Bible study class lectures to be very inspiring and useful as I prepare to teach class every other week. I subscribe to the podcast and download your notes on the weeks I teach. The audio and notes are such a great help in preparing. My own understanding of God’s character has grown as I teach the class. Commendations on the thought-provoking and well-prepared material Come and Reason provides. Personally, I get excited by the tie you make between the spiritual and mental/physical domains.

A.A. Corrales, NM, USA

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 60

Just watched watched lesson 10 in the 1st quarter 2021 bible study classs on Isaiah. I want to thank you for your intellectual spirituality; it’s not an oxymoron! From the point of view of a teacher I also enjoy seeing how much personal pleasure you clearly take in not just tasting, but feasting on God’s word – it reminds me of Jeremiah not being able to hold it in! It makes me smile that your cup is so full and overflowing that you make it to Tuesday’s lesson (on a good day). It just goes to show the richness of God’s Word.

God bless the Come and Reason Team from our church here in Great Britain.

Andrew H., Great Britain

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 27

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.

 

Testimony 18

The Healing the Mind DVD set tarted me on a journey that has changed my relationship with our loving God more significantly than any other study, and brought me to your book and Bible study podcasts, which I now listen to daily, thanks to the availability of archived content on your site and on iTunes.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 51

I Love This Ministry!!!!!!! I see first hand how this message is desperately needed, how erroneous beliefs about God and His Character negatively affect humanity at every level. I thank God for your ministry, as I was searching on my own and was discovering some of your same beliefs and was blown away when I found your ministry. I know you hear it all the time, but it is truly life changing. May God continue to reveal His Will to you and Bless you!

Eric S., Sanford, FL, USA

 

Testimony 6

I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., Australia