A new movement is growing fast across Christian YouTube Channels. One that is hiding under the idea of unifying the church. But what it is actually doing is diluting the Gospel. This new movement is essentially stating that understanding the Godhead and the true identity of Jesus Christ is irrelevant.
They make statements such as the term oneness is not in the Bible. But what’s interesting is I have heard these same people talk about the rapture. Another word that is also not in the Bible but of course the principle is there. If the term oneness bothers you then you certainly do not have to use that specific term. But the doctrine behind oneness is found in scripture! What is important is that you do truly understand exactly who Jesus is.
Matthew 16:16–18 (KJV)
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
First of all, Jesus asked them their understanding of who He was, showing significance to that understanding. How can we now avoid such a topic??
In the above passage, Jesus questions his disciples about His identity. When Peter then correctly identifies Jesus, that’s when Jesus states “upon this rock I will build my church”. This rock is the Truth of who Jesus is!!
Some have tried to make Peter out to be this rock. But as multiple passages of scripture make abundantly clear Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone. He is the stone everything else is built upon! We even see in Ephesians that Peter is not special among the Apostles. He is just one of the many whom the church is built upon. With Jesus remaining the true foundation of His church.
1 Peter 2:6–7 (KJV)
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
Acts 4:11 (KJV)
11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
1 Corinthians 3:11 (KJV)
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:20 (KJV)
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Yes Peter’s name comes from the Greek name Petros meaning rock or small stone but we are all living stones in the body of Christ as 1 Peter 2:5 says, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”
It’s also worth noting when the disciples argued amongst themselves on who was the greatest two chapters later Peter didn’t speak up and say “well I am the rock the church is built upon”. Nor did he attempt to use his positions as “the rock” in order to explain why he allowed gentiles to be baptized in Jesus’ name. As the other apostles and believers began to question and critique his actions. Instead, he simply told of the great work God had done by blessing gentiles with the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 11:1–4 (KJV)
1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, 3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. 4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
Acts 11:17–18 (KJV)
17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? 18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
So we have established that the Bible states this revelation of the identity of Jesus Christ as the very foundation. How then could it not be of the utmost importance to understand? John 4:24 says, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” In truth not in avoidance, not in confusion, and not in diluted truth
Diluted doctrine sounds a lot like being neither hot nor cold but lukewarm. Which we clearly see God has no interest in as we read the book of Revelation.
Revelation 3:16 (KJV)
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Some of the Jews believed in Jesus as he preached and he then instructed them to continue in the word, or allow this truth that was being delivered to guide them further. Then says by doing so they will then be made free and be His disciples. Jesus taught principles quite contrary to the idea of choosing to avoid topics that are foundational to truth in the name of unity.
John 8:31–32 (KJV)
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Jude 1:3 even says we should earnestly contend for the faith! We should be willing to defend the fullness of truth!! That being said I do have a short video on the identity of Jesus Christ that you can watch here. But this week I will be dropping a more thorough study on the Identity and dual nature of Jesus Christ!
So how should we as the body of Christ respond to different doctrines? First and foremost don’t accept any teaching or doctrine not found within scripture.
Galatians 1:8 (KJV)
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Secondly, Luke 8:15 says, “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” Pray continually that God would help us to keep our hearts fertile ground for His Word. Do not allow tradition or teachings you grew up on to keep you from seeing truth. Much like the problem the Pharisees had.
Next, 2 Timothy 2:15 says Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. When studying scripture there are several things one can do to aid in understanding. First understand who wrote the book, who they wrote the book to, and in what dispensation (or in what way was God currently dealing with mankind during that time).
In addition to this, balance that passage with the whole word. Starting with the rest of that book, then the rest of that testament then the rest of the Bible. No verse of the Bible was written to be received alone. In fact chapters and verses were added to the Bible for convenience around 1400-1500 years after the birth of Jesus.
Isaiah 28:10 (KJV)
10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept;
Line upon line, line upon line;
Here a little, and there a little:
Finally, 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
Knowing this we know there is no contradiction found in scripture. So finally as you are studying if you start to find discrepancies know the discrepancy is never with scripture but rather the interpretation of that scripture. Do not choose to walk in ignorance! And do not be afraid to contend for the faith.
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Just did a study on this good stuff.