Is there really any Church deserving of this trust?

A man was once asked, “Are you a believer in the Christian religion?” “Oh, certainly!” “You are a member of some church, then, I suppose?” “Member of a church? No, indeed. Why should I be a member of a church? It is quite unnecessary; the dying thief wasn’t a member of a church, and he is going to heaven.” “But of course you have been baptized; you know the command—” “Been baptized? Oh, no; that is another needless ceremony! I am as safe as the dying thief was, and he never was baptized.” “But surely, since you will not join a church or be baptized, you will do something in acknowledgment of your faith. You will give of your means—you will help the cause in some way?”

“No, sir; I do nothing of the kind. The dying thief—” “Let me remark, my friend, before you go any further, that you seem to be on pretty intimate terms with the dying thief. You seem to derive a great deal of consolation from his career. But, mind you, there is one important difference between you and him. He was a dying thief—and you are a living one.”

Have you ever experienced the same or entertained the same idea? If not, how can you help and face people with this mindset and consideration? This article will bring us answers to some questions as the following:

  • “Is it necessary to belong to an organized religion”
  • Are All Religions the Same? Do They All Lead to God?
  • Is there any religion deserving of trust?
  • Why Are There So Many Christian Denominations?
  • How Can I Find the True Religion?
  • What is the remnant church in these last days?

If we consider the enormous number of churches that there are in the world, we then ask ourselves, “Which one is God’s remnant church?” All of them claim to have the truth; all Christian churches claim to have their foundation based on the Bible, but do they all really follow its teachings? How wonderful it is to feel really secure! How important it is to know where to take our children and the souls we work for!  Some have been disappointed and ask themselves: “Is it necessary to belong to an organized religion?” If a particular religion has disappointed you, you may find it hard to trust any religion. But, be assured, a religion worthy of your confidence does exist. When He was on earth, Jesus gathered a group of faithful followers and taught them to live by God’s standards. Genuine followers of Christ—conscientious individuals who endeavor to live by Christian standards—still exist.  And to the question above, the Bible’s answer is “Yes”, because God wants people to gather for worship. The Bible says: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:   Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24–25

Jesus indicated that His followers would form an organized group when He said to them: “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35. As a primary way of showing this love, the disciples of Christ would associate with fellow believers. They would be organized into congregations that meet regularly for worship (1 Corinthians 16:19). Collectively, they would form a worldwide brotherhood. “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” 1 Peter 2:17

“Never entertain the thought that you can be Christians and yet withdraw within yourselves. Each one is a part of the great web of humanity, and the nature and quality of your experience will be largely determined by the experiences of those with whom you associate. . . . Then let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. If Christians would associate together, speaking to each other of the love of God, and of the precious truths of redemption, their own hearts would be refreshed, and they would refresh one another. We should improve every opportunity of placing ourselves in the channel of blessing. . . . The convocations of the church, as in camp meetings, the assemblies of the home church, and all occasions where there is personal labour for souls, are God’s appointed opportunities for giving the early and the latter rain.”  –The Faith I Live By, p. 246

More is needed than just belonging to a religion.

While the Bible shows that people should gather to worship God, it does not teach that a person can please God by just being a member of a religion. To be approved by God, a person’s religion must affect his everyday life.

Are All Religions the Same? Do They All Lead to God?

No, all religions are not the same. The Bible contains many examples of religions that displease God. These fall into two basic errors.

1: Worshipping false gods

The Bible describes the worship of false gods with such terms as “delusion,” “futility,” and “useless.” (see Jeremiah 10:3–5; 16:19–20) The Lord commanded the ancient nation of Israel: “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” Exodus 20:3; 23:24. When the Israelites worshipped other gods, the anger of the LORD was kindled against them.” (Read Numbers 25:3; Leviticus 25:3; Leviticus 20:2; Judges 2:13–14)

God still has the same attitude toward the worship of such “so-called gods.” (1 Corinthians 8:5–6; Galatians 4:8). He commands those who want to worship Him to stop associating with those who practice false religion, saying: “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate.” 2 Corinthians 6: 14–17. If all religions are the same and lead people to God, then why would God give such a command?

Also, we should not worship images. Exodus 20:4–5. Since God requires “exclusive devotion,” He is not pleased if we praise or worship images, pictures, idols, icons, statues, or symbols. “I will not let statues take the praise that should be mine.” Isaiah 42:8, Easy-to-Read Version.  “I am the LORD: that is My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images.” Isaiah 42:8, KJV. God rejects worship given to Him through images. When some Israelites tried to worship Him using the statue of a calf, God said that they had committed a terrible sin (Exodus 32:7–9).

“We ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.” Acts 17:29. In contrast to pagan worship, which often uses images “sculptured by the art and contrivance of man,” Christians should be “walking by faith, not by sight,” as the Bible says. 2 Corinthians 5:7

“Keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” 1 John 5:21. In commands given both to the nation of Israel and to Christians, the Bible consistently exposes as a myth the teaching that God approves of the use of images and icons in worship.

2: Worshipping the true God but in a way He does not approve

At times, the Israelites worshipped God using beliefs and practices borrowed from the worship of false gods, but the Lord rejected this attempt to mix true religion with false. (Read Exodus 32: 8; Deuteronomy 12:2–4). Jesus condemned the religious leaders of His day because of the way they worshipped God; they made an outward show of being religious, yet they hypocritically disregarded the weightier matters of the law, namely, justice and mercy and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23).

Likewise today, even today, only religion that is based on truth leads people to God. This truth is found in the Bible (John 4:24; 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16–17). Religions whose teachings conflict with the Bible actually steer people away from God. Many teachings that people think come from the Bible—including Sunday observance, the immortality of the soul, and eternal torment, Christmas, secret rapture—were borrowed from those who worshipped false gods. Worship that promotes such teachings is “in vain,” or useless, because it replaces God’s requirements with religious traditions (See Mark 7:7–8).

God detests religious hypocrisy (Titus 1:16). To help people draw closer to God, a religion must affect their everyday lives and not just consist of rituals or formalities which have no relation with salvation. For example, the Bible says: “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” James 1:26–27. The expression, “pure religion” means clean and unhypocritical worship.

Why Are There So Many Christian Denominations?

People have used the teachings of Jesus Christ to form a variety of “Christian” denominations. However, the Bible indicates that there is only one true form of Christianity. Consider just three reasons for reaching this conclusion.

  1. Our Saviour Jesus Christ said that He taught “the truth,” and early Christians referred to their religion as “the truth.” John 8:32; 2 Peter 2:2; 3 John 1:3. These verses show that those who promote doctrines that conflict with Jesus’ teachings are not practicing a true form of Christianity.
    1. The Bible teaches that Christians should all speak the same thing—speak in agreement (1 Corinthians 1:10). However, many Christian denominations disagree on teachings as basic as what it means to be a Christian. Such denominations cannot all be right (1 Peter 2:21).
    2. Jesus prophesied that many would claim to be Christians yet fail to obey His commandments and that He would reject such ones (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6: 46). Some people would be misled by religious leaders who corrupt true worship to further their own interests (Matthew 7:15). However, other people would actually prefer an imitation Christianity because it would tell them what they want to hear rather than the truth from the Bible (2 Timothy 4: 3–4).

    In His illustration Jesus foretold a great rebellion (apostasy) against true Christianity (Matthew 13:24, 30, 36–43). For a long period of time, true Christians and false Christians would be indistinguishable. Just as Jesus foretold; the apostasy flourished after the apostles died (Acts 20:29–30). While apostate teachings may vary, the various forms of imitation Christianity have all deviated from the truth (2 Timothy 2:18). Jesus also predicted that the distinction between true and false Christianity would eventually become clear. This has happened in our time.

    How Can I Find the True Religion?

    Illustrating how to tell the difference between those who practice true religion and those who do not, the Bible says: “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:16. Just as you can distinguish a grapevine from a thorn bush by what it produces, you can distinguish true religion from false religion by its fruits, or by the following identifying features.

    There are three clear and unmistakable signs, two of which must agree with each other exactly. Which are they?

    1. The Doctrine: It has to coincide 100% with the teachings of the Word of God. “To the law and the testimony: If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20), because the church is “the pillar and ground of the truth.” 1Timothy 3:15. The church cannot leave aside any one of the commandments, but it must defend all of them. Its teachings cannot contradict anything of what the prophets of old times wrote.
    2. The Prophecy: It appears in the prophetic annals. Its characteristics are foretold. Everything takes place in its due time.
    3. Its Origin: It cannot be the result of human quarrels, administrative or personal disagreements. It should not be founded on financial interests, but it must be a genuine movement, with the characteristics of the great reformers of old times. It cannot have the appearance of a rebellion.
    4. True religion teaches the truth that is based on the Bible, not on human philosophies (John 4:24, 17:17). This includes religious truths about the origin of the mankind, the plan of redemption, Christ our righteousness, God’s Ten Commandments, Spirit of prophecy, three angel’s message and the hope of everlasting life on the new earth (Revelation 14:6–13). It also does not hold back from exposing religious falsehood (Matthew 15:9; 23:27–28).
    5. True religion highlights Jesus Christ as the one through whom God grants salvation (Acts 4: 10, 12). Its members obey God’s commandments and strive to follow Christ’s example (John 13:15, 15:14; 1 John 2:3–4).
    6. True religion focuses on God’s kingdom as mankind’s only hope. Its members actively tell others about that Kingdom and the end of the world (Matthew 10:7; 24:14; 28: 19–20; Acts 1:11).
    7. True religion promotes unselfish love (John 13:35). It teaches respect for all ethnic groups and welcomes people from all races, cultures, languages, and backgrounds (Acts 10:34–35). Moved by love, its members do not go to war (Micah 4: 3; Isaiah 2:2–4; 1 John 3:11–12).
    8. True religion does not give high-sounding religious titles to any of its members (Matthew 23:8–12, 1 Peter 5:2–3).
    9. True religion is completely neutral in political affairs and military services (John 17:16; 18:36). However, its members respect and obey the government where they live, in harmony with the Bible’s command: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s [representing the civil authority], and to God the things that are God’s.” Mark 12:17 (Roman 13:1–2).
    10. True religion is a way of life, not just a ritual or a formality. Its members adhere to the Bible’s high moral standards in all aspects of life (Ephesians 5:3–5; 1 John 3:18). Rather than being grim, though, they find joy in worshipping “the happy God.” (1 Timothy 1:11).
    11. True religion is in harmony with the Bible teaching about health reform—temperance principles in eating, drinking, and dressing and in all (1 Corinthians 10:31)—and its members respect the four pillars which God gave to humans in Eden: Proper marriage, Sabbath, Tithe, Health reform (Gen 1:29–31; 2:1–3; 1:28; 2:17).
    12. Those who practice true religion will be in the minority (Matthew 7:13–14). Members of the true religion are often looked down on, ridiculed, and persecuted for doing God’s will (Matthew 5: 10–12).
    13. The true church helps people to know God and prepare to meet the Lord at His soon coming in the clouds.

    God has only one church

    The following verse shows that there is only one true church and the remaining constitutes the great Babylon, the harlots or concubines who abandoned their husband, Jesus: “There are threescore queens and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number. My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her. Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?” Song of Solomon 6:8–10

    The Birth of Two Religions

    “Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam, differed widely in character. Abel had a spirit of loyalty to God. . . . But Cain cherished feelings of rebellion, and murmured against God. . .

    “The two brothers erected their altars alike, and each brought an offering. Abel presented a sacrifice from the flock, in accordance with the Lord’s directions. ‘And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering.’ Fire flashed from heaven and consumed the sacrifice. But Cain, disregarding the Lord’s direct and explicit command, presented only an offering of fruit. There was no token from heaven to show that it was accepted. . . .

    “So far as birth and religious instruction were concerned, these brothers were equal. Both were sinners, and both acknowledged the claims of God to reverence and worship. To outward appearance their religion was the same up to a certain point, but beyond this the difference between the two was great. . . .

    “Cain and Abel represent two classes that will exist in the world till the close of time. One class avail themselves of the appointed sacrifice for sin; the other venture to depend upon their own merits. . . .

    “True faith, which relies wholly upon Christ, will be manifested by obedience to all the requirements of God. From Adam’s day to the present time, the great controversy has been concerning obedience to God’s law. In all ages there have been those who claimed a right to the favor of God even while they were disregarding some of His commands. But the Scriptures declare that by works is ‘faith made perfect;’ and that, without the works of obedience, faith ‘is dead.’ James 2:22, 17. He that professes to know God, ‘and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.’ 1 John 2:4

    “Cain. . . angry with his brother for choosing to obey God instead of joining in rebellion against Him. . . . And wherever there are any who will stand in vindication of the righteousness of the law of God, the same spirit will be manifested against them.” –Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 71–77

    “Abel was determined to worship God according to the directions God had given. This displeased Cain. He thought that his own plans were best, and that the Lord would come to his terms.” –Testimonies to Ministers, p.  77

    Since that time there are two kinds of worshipers and two kinds of religions: Abel’s’ and Cain’s; both of them are believers, since they both built similar altars. Some people obey, others disobey God’s orders. Some try to live as God commanded while others live as it is more convenient for them, they prefer the wider way.

    How can we recognize Cain’s religion today?

    1. a) It does not sacrifice a lamb but fruits. It does not emphasize the imputed and imparted justice of Christ that by faith in our Saviour saves us and leads us to obedience.
    2. b) For Cain it was easier to sacrifice fruits since he was a tiller of the ground. The religion of Cain tends to do whatever is easier, not exactly what God commands. This may be in eating, dressing, etc. It seems that for them it is not important what God orders but what is suitable for the majority.
    3. c) Cain persecuted his brother because he did not join him in his rebellion. Cain’s followers despise and persecute, in some way, those who want to be faithful to God.
    4. d) Cain killed Abel. The religion of Cain has to do with war, the transgression of the sixth commandment. He was the first murderer.
    5. e) Cain argued, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Genesis 4:9. With the excuse of a false liberty of conscience, his followers permit their members to go to the battle field saying that they are not other people’s conscience.

    Which kind of followers do you want to identify yourself with?

    The Word of God advises us: “Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain.” Jude 1:11

    Most churches fail the biblical test

    True religion is not just ‘the right religion for you.’ There is danger in choosing a religion based solely on how it makes us feel. The Bible foretold a time when people would “heap to themselves [religious] teachers, having itching ears.” 2 Timothy 4:3. In contrast, the Bible encourages us to follow the religion that is pure and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father, even if that religion is unpopular (James 1:27, footnote;  John 15: 18–19).

    God’s church of the last days—the remnant church

    According to the prophecy of Revelation 12, the remnant church would rise after the persecution of the 1260 years (538–1798 AD). They are characterized as those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 12; 19:10). Also, God’s church in these last days is to warn the world of the judgment and prepare the people for the translation. Its members are to proclaim the last warning message of the three angels.

    This church is the International Missionary Society of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Reform Movement.

    From the above descriptions we can see that the Bible identifies the true church. No one can challenge their application to the Church of Jesus Christ in the end of time. That remnant church will be identified as possessing all four of these biblical descriptions:

    1. Arise after 1798
    2. Keep all the Ten commandments
    3. Have the spirit of prophecy
    4. Preaches the message of the three angels (Revelation 14) on a world-wide scale.

    Does any church meet these four tests?

    Fulfilling the prophetic description of Christ’s church in the last days, the Seventh-day Adventist Movement started in 1844, after the 1260 years of persecution. As the message of the third angel is proclaimed with a loud cry the Laodicean period is a time of  shaking; a large number of believers were shaken out and apostatized in 1914 during World War I. The International Missionary Society stood faithful, making them the prophesized reformation.

    Throughout the years there have been many shakings in God’s church and the number of members has lessened. Why? “The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out and left by the way. The careless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, and their places were immediately filled by others taking hold of the truth and coming into the ranks. Evil angels still pressed around them, but could have no power over them.”  –Early Writings p. 271

    The International Missionary Society of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Reform Movement is the only one fulfilling the description of the remnant church; a visible  church proclaiming the last message of mercy to the fallen world. This movement began by restoring the pillars of truth including the seventh-day Sabbath, judgement, fallen Babylon, the mark of the beast, etc.

    “I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power.” –Early Writings, p. 271

    “Let all be careful not to make an outcry against the only people who are fulfilling the description given of the remnant people, who keep the commandments of God and have faith in Jesus. . . . God has a distinct people, a church on earth, second to none, but superior to all in their facilities to teach the truth, to vindicate the law of God.” –Testimonies to Ministers, p. 57. Amen.

    Victor Shumbusho, DR Congo