In one of my online Ecclesiology class lectures, I list over twenty traditions that contradict Scripture. I’ve condensed that to the “elite eight” for this blog.
Praying to “the saints.” In the first place, either you’re a saint, or you’re an ain’t. In the second place, we are not to pray to the dead. That is a pagan practice that is prevalent in Catholic and Orthodox churches.
Praying to Mary for salvation. Mary, though a blessed and overcoming believer, cannot receive our prayers and cannot aid us in being saved. Yet this is common practice in Catholicism and Orthodoxy.
Burning candles for the dead. Once a person dies, it is too late to be born again (John 11:26; Heb 9:27). Burning candles will not change the eternal destiny of anyone.
Proclaiming works salvation. Many churches and individuals proclaim that everlasting life is gained if someone perseveres in faith and good works. They say that to gain initial salvation, you must turn from your sins, surrender, commit, and start following Christ. In order to gain final salvation, you must persevere in obedience until death. That is a false gospel (Gal 1:6-9; compare Gal 2:16; Eph 2:8-9).
Not teaching the whole counsel of God. Many churches focus on the NT epistles and rarely venture elsewhere. The OT is rarely, if ever, taught. The Gospels are like the Maytag repairman. So is the Book of Revelation. Yet we are called upon to teach all of God’s Word, not just some of it (Acts 20:27).
Not announcing the soon return of Christ. Many churches do not believe in the Rapture or the imminent return of Christ. And some churches that believe in those things rarely teach them. Yet the NT emphasizes the need to be watchful for Christ’s soon return (Matt 24:42-43, 48; 25:13; 1 Thess 5:6,10; 1 Pet 4:7; 2 Pet 3:10-14; Rev 22:20).
Not proclaiming the Bema and eternal rewards. Many churches never teach about winning eternal rewards. In most churches, getting into Christ’s kingdom is seen as a reward for a lifetime of obedience. Salvation is the reward; everyone in Christ’s kingdom will have identical experiences and joy. That is a major contradiction of Scripture, including a contradiction of John 3:16.
Not distinguishing between the Bema and GWTJ. This error is directly associated with the preceding one. Most churches think the Bema is another name for the Great White Throne Judgment. In their view, there is but one eschatological judgment, which they call the final judgment, and it is at this time that people will learn where they will spend eternity.
Moms and Dads, it matters where you take your kids to church. Find a church that accurately teaches the Bible. Of course, it matters for you as well. We all need sound Bible teaching.
If you teach the Bible in Sunday school or in Bible studies, make sure to avoid these eight pitfalls.
