Ask 100 random Christians what they believe and they would all have differing beliefs. Some may believe that baptism is not necessary for salvation. While others may say it is necessary. But that group would even be divided between full immersion and the sprinkling of water. We read from the same book. We claim to serve the same God. Even share many of the same practices. So with that being the case, why don’t Christians agree with each other on beliefs they claim to come directly from the Bible?
I truly believe the answer is very simple. Which you will see laid out in a few points below. Yet, all these points come to one common theme our sinful nature gets in the way. We choose the easy route over the hard, we do not see the big picture, and more often than not we are not willing to accept the hard truth.
God is trying to pull us away from this nature and many simply are not willing to give it up. All the while wanting to hold on to the hope of God. This battle has ultimately caused some to create new beliefs that are not true to the complete teaching of the Bible.
Disagreements Among Believers is Nothing New
Before we get to the reasons why Christians don’t agree we need to understand that the concept of people using the same teaching yet coming to a different conclusion is nothing new. For instance, look at the Pharisees and Sadducees. They had a completely different understanding of resurrection. Yet, the basis for their beliefs was founded in the same scripture.
Acts 23:8 (KJV)
8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
Seeing that it should come to as no surprise that we still struggle with this same issue today. It is even possible that they did not agree for the same reasons that many Christians do not agree today.
False Teachers
The Bible specifically warns about false teachers. People who attempt to manipulate the word of God. In order to either benefit themselves through monetary gain. Or simply to lead true believers astray by teaching an extremely relaxed “Christianity”. The Bible even tells us why people will believe false teachers. Simply put because they are willing to tell them exactly what they want to hear and not the truth of the gospel.
Paul warns Timothy that a time will come where people will turn from the truth of scripture. Choosing instead to look for a teacher who will simply tell them what they want to hear. This is exactly the situation we see today. More and more people are less interested in the truth of what the Bible says and just want to listen to those who make them feel good.
2 Timothy 4:3 NLT)
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.
Don’t allow yourself to succumb to the desires of the flesh that will ultimately lead you away from the truth of the Bible. Also, do not just buy what a man with a building and a microphone is trying to sell you as truth. Check it against the source, the Bible, and be sure your salvation is real. Don’t risk missing the mark just because what someone teaches is pleasing to your ears.
No Personal Bible Time
This is truly the greatest tragedy in all of Christianity. So many people claim to be Christians, claim to love and serve God. Yet, they never take the time to really read the Bible. Because of this many “Christians” simply do not know God’s complete message. When someone says a certain principle is found in the Bible they simply believe cause it sounds good and sounds like it could be in there. This will also often allow verses to be taken way out of the original context and used to fit any situation.
Beyond that many Christians simply make assumptions about what they think God is like. Basically causing them to create a God in the image of themselves. Instead of trying to change themselves to match the image of God found in the Bible.
The Bible is not just another book. Please do not miss this, the Bible is the most important thing in the Christian life. Nothing means more or should ever be viewed as higher than the teaching, wisdom, and knowledge found within its pages. Just look at what Paul has to say about the scriptures in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.(NLT)
Please read the Bible. Make it a habit, do it daily. I promise you will see a change in your life when you start to ingest God’s word on a daily basis. Deciding to read the Bible daily is the best decision I have ever made!
Choosing to Conform to Culture
When trying to understand why not all Christians agree the concept of conforming to culture has to come up. The desire to conform to culture is really nothing new. For some reason, it is in our nature to want to be like everyone else. We can even trace this desire back to ancient Isreal in the Bible. The Israelites came to Samual and stated that they wanted a King to rule them in order to be like the other nations.
1 Samuel 8:19-20 (KJV)
19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;
20 That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.
If you know the story then you know that trying to adopt the culture of the surrounded nations did not work out very well for Israel. Yet that did not stop them and they continued to adopt more of the surrounded culture causing them to eventually forsake God.
Today we see many churches that value the world more and more. And sadly seem to value God less and less. Many are attempting to live a life both in the world and in the church because they do not want to look different. By trying to be like our surrounding world we are effectively leading ourselves from God just as the Israelites did all those years ago.
Do not worry about what others thank about you. As Christians, our focus should only be on what God thinks about us. If more Christians had that mindset our faith would be far better off.
The Buffet Mentality
I have personally heard people time and time again say something along the lines of “I believe in God, but I just do not agree with some things the Bible says”. For reasons such as I just can’t believe God would… Or they simply do not like something so they choose to believe it does not matter. This is a completely wrong mindset and contrary to what is taught in the Bible.
Then they begin to wonder “Why don’t all Christian agree?” That question should really answer itself. Of course, no one can agree when people just decide to only believe in the parts that they like. Excluding everything that they don’t.
The Bible is not a buffet and you do not get to pick and chose what you like and don’t like. You either have to take the Bible as a whole or chose to not believe it all together. Many may attempt to say that since man has been in charge of passing the Bible down that it has been altered over time. If that is the case then the Bible as a whole should be called into question. Because why would you only change some parts if you have the ability to change the whole.
To make it simple if we want to see all Christians agree then we at least need to all start from the same starting point. Being the Bible is God’s word, we hold no right to add or remove from it. We must take it as it is and go from there. This, of course, will only start a change needed to bring unity to Christianity but in my opinion, this should be the first step.
Will Christians Agree?
Sadly no, it just does not seem as that is the way things are meant to go. And believe it or not, this means that those who were right will receive reward and those who were wrong will be sentenced to hell. While harsh that is a simple truth. So be sure you do all in your power to follow the truth of God’s word. Not seeking what pleases the flesh but that which pleases God.
Personally, I pray and ask God to show me the truth. I do not want to be lost in a religion created by man. My goal is to serve the Lord the way He would have us to serve Him no matter the cost. I recommend everyone takes this approach to Christianity. Rely on God to give you the wisdom to understand the Bible and what it teaches. God honors that kind of request and will give you revelations in the Word.
Thank You So Much For Reading
I know it was a long read but this is important to our salvation. We need to understand how different viewpoints occur. While being sure that we have not allowed our selfish desires to shape our faith. If you have found this article helpful please share it with others. That really helps us to reach new people.
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