Preamble:
This work set out to look at just one group associated with the wider Church, but I found this subject more widespread than I imagined. Heresies and cults are common within Christianity, well exampled within the Denominational Church System. And straight away we arrive at the question; what comprises a heresy, and what marks a cult. So to begin, we will let Webster’s lay our working definitions.
Cult\ˈkɘlt\ F & L\ F culte, fr\L. cultus, care adoration, fr. cultus pp. of colere – to cultivate: 1 formal religious veneration : Worship 2 : a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents 3 : a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also : its body of adherents 4 : a system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its promulgator 5 a : great devotion to a person idea or thing.
The problem we encounter with each denomination having a set opinion regarding the Holy Bible is the likelihood any Church can now be thought unorthodox by everyone outside it. For that reason, based on commonly agreed definitions, every denomination, which espouses a particular doctrine, can be looked upon as a cult, sect, or faction, which immediately brings us to contention. Therefore, it comes to bias; or the opinion of a group or assembly, as to what in their view comprises a heresy, or underpins a cult. In both the secular and non-secular world it is self-perception and self-interest, everyone to some degree is affected by it.
Yet, in J. O. Sanders’ book; Heresies and Cults, it seems the Anglican and Episcopalian Churches are free of such labels. It is a remarkable thing the author has managed to overlook the contamination within his own assembly while disparaging everyone else. As the foremost Protestant Church, it has not only lost its will to protest, it has surrendered to its own decay. It is they who ordain women priests, and concede homosexuality within their ranks. And while they are not alone, willingly marry a same sex couple. In terms of the rules laid down by the LORD through His Law and Commandments; these are deviations of great magnitude, as they plainly ignore His steadfast Word and instruction.
This now throws up an interesting dilemma for us all. If our Church by definition can be seen as a sect, cult or faction, how do we deal with it? Or do we deal with it; is it really that important how we are considered by others? The answer is clearly, no. It doesn’t matter how we are perceived by anyone outside our immediate congregation. What does matter is how we are seen by the LORD.
This lays the foundation for a right understanding of heresy or cult; for when we compare the abiding word of God against the doctrines of men, we see they are as different as night and day. Any measure can only ever be the Word of God by His Spirit, as testified by Christ Jesus; His Apostles, Peter, Paul and the Prophets.
As we examine this matter of what appears to be a manifest departure from the Gospel, our underlying and final authority can only be the place where no heresy exists, the LORD Jesus Christ. For if we stray from this path to seek another more convenient, we risk not only returning from whence we came, but continuing to cement a falsehood…
The Holy Word of God:
The word Bible is used today to convey the idea that a particular book, or series, is regarded as the preeminent work in its field. The basis of this reckoning is the Bible; the Sacred Scriptures comprising the Old and New Testaments, seen as a truthful book and a complete book. In other words, the standard by which all others are judged. The Holy Bible is the number one selling book of all time, and as a literary wonder, it stands alone.
More than simply a collection of sacred writings and contemplation, scholars are agreed that the impact of the Bible was seismic. With the King James for example, being the Church of England’s primary source of instruction and worship, it could hardly be otherwise. Lord Melvyn Bragg’s recent marking of its 400th anniversary, describes the rhythm and cadences of the King James Bible as bitten into our tongue and as part of the DNA of the English language. Like Luther’s German translation, it had a major impact on language and alphabet; laws and society. He is not alone in his praise. In his study, The Book: A History of the Bible; Cambridge Fellow and Manuscripts Scholar, Christopher de Hamel correctly states the Bible is… the biggest subject of all time. Used rightly or wrongly, there’s no escaping the undeniable fact of its impact on the world, and our lives.
Measured against other ancient texts the Bible has no peer. Of Caesar’s Gallic War (58-60BC) there are only nine or ten copies; Livy’s Roman History (59BC-17AD) less than twenty, the earliest copies dating from around 900AD. Of the fourteen books of the Histories of Tacitus (100AD) only twenty copies survive. The works of, Thucydides and Herodotus written more than 400 years before Christ, have come down to us with only eight surviving copies. Yet, no classical scholar doubts their authenticity despite the gap between original and copy and the small number of surviving manuscripts.
As regards the New Testament, there are complete manuscripts dating from 350AD; less than 300 years after the originals, written between 40 and 100AD. There are more than 5000 in Greek; 10,000 in Latin, plus another 9300 texts and a further 36,000 citings in the writings of the early Church. Textual critics, historians, and scholars agree its authenticity and integrity is established beyond doubt. But what does the Holy Bible say about itself?
It reveals God. In his letter to Timothy, Paul tells us, all Scripture is given by inspiration of God. (2 Tim 3:16) The term by inspiration of God is from the Greek, theopneustos: meaning – breathed by God. This tells us that both Testaments have come to us via the breath or Spirit of God, – for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:21)
Accordingly, the words of the Prophets; Moses and David, were not theirs, but the LORDS: God, Who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets. (Heb 1:1)
Samuel made this clear when he wrote; The Spirit of the LORD Spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. (2Sam 23:2)
And in Jeremiah 1:9 we find; … the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.
Luke confirmed this sacred connection between God and His Prophets when he wrote; as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began. (Luke 1:70) When referring to his own situation,
Paul wrote of this another way, and in doing so revealed a great truth about the Christ; but I certify you, brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Gal 1:11-12)
There is no debate to be had on the dependability of the Holy Bible; no quarrel regarding its content and message. There can be no division, or faction, or judgment. It is the faithful Word of God. It is the whole, untainted and sanctified truth… But it comes at a price.
If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Rev 22:18-19)
Now we come to a hard truth for some. Without exception, every Denomination with their own doctrine and their particular creed has added too, or taken away from the Holy Scriptures as inspired and given by the LORD and His Christ. In the Book of Deuteronomy we find this solemn warning.
I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. But the prophet, who shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. (Deut 18: 18-20)
We cannot and must not adjust, alter, manipulate, or tamper with God’s Word for our own convenience. We must not change the God of Scripture to a God of our own making. We must not modify the true nature of the LORD to another that pleases us. Jesus gave clear notice and warning. Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matt 7:21-23)
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True; and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he only. And he was clothed with vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called, the Word of God. (Rev 19: 11-13)
Jesus is the Word of God; He is the authority. The entirety of the Bible is the enduring testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. As stated, if you touch it in any way… you will die in your sin!
Bibles
The King James is the only edition of the Bible authorised by a reigning monarch. It carries the name James, (Iakôbos) one of the two Greek forms of the Hebrew name, Jacob. It was the King James Bible that not only united a nation, but took the Gospel to the English-speaking world.
The story is told of the eminent economic historian Jack Fisher, who when pestered by a student for a reading list on sixteenth and seventeenth century economic history, exasperatedly informed his student that if he really wanted to understand this period, to read the Bible. And that Bible was the King James. In his book; In the Beginning: the Story of the King James Bible, Prof. Alister McGrath wrote the following…
Without the King James Bible, there would have been no Paradise Lost, no Pilgrim’s Progress, no Handel’s Messiah, no Negro spirituals, and no Gettysburg Address. These, and innumerable other works were inspired by the language of this Bible. Without this Bible the culture of the English-speaking world would have been immeasurably impoverished. The King James Bible played no small part in shaping English literary nationalism, by asserting the supremacy of the English language as the means of conveying religious truths…
Since then, the Bible has undergone many and far-reaching changes, which have born versions so unlike their illustrious predecessor, to resemble a work of fiction. Most modern versions of the Bible, like the Churches that champion them, have trampled the Word of God and in doing so, have hidden the central message of the Kingdom, Salvation and the truth of Christ. The three worst examples are the Book of Mormon, the Jehovah’s Witness New Age Bible, and the New International Version. To these I will add one more, which while appearing righteous, is not; the Sacred Name Bible. Each is tied to a faction or cult, or in the case of the NIV, has beguiled the faithful across the denominations.
Apart from the King James, there are only a handful of Holy Bibles available worthy of the name. The Ferrar Fenton of 1901, Young’s Literal Translation, the original American Standard and its offshoot, the English RSV of 1952, all convey the truth as meant. There are good study Bibles, like the Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible compiled by Spiros Zodhiates; e-Sword is also a very useful resource.
Separation
It will be no surprise to learn the account of man is rife with division. From the dawn of history; familial, national, and religious factions and schisms have arisen continuously. Good purposed or otherwise, our nature seeks that which causes change. This is a worldwide phenomenon seen in every society and religion on Earth. Within Christianity, dissent has been apparent from the very beginning. In terms of the theology of Christ Jesus, men were of varying opinions from the moment He started His ministry.
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1John 4:3)
Like our history, the Holy Bible is also replete with divisions. The LORD divided the light from the dark and the night from the day. He divided the waters, and divided the sea. He divided the natures of man and woman when He divided Adam and Eve. But, another type of division was sewn in Eden when doubt and indifference entered the hearts of men. It is this struggle of principalities; of good and evil, the light and the dark, we battle in mind and spirit. Isaiah spoke of it often. Darkness is mentioned 18 times in his Book. Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. (Isa 5:20)
And, Paul made it clear when he wrote; for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Eph 6:12)
Also John; if we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. (1Jn 1:6)
Jesus declared: But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! (Matt 6:23) To which John later penned; and the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1:5) Therefore, is it any wonder we are mesmerized by the very same spirit, which separated Eve and Adam from the LORD?
So, how do we discern the light from the dark? And what is truth? Pontius Pilot asked the same of Jesus during his trial. Art thou a king then? Jesus answered; thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause I came into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. (Then) Pilate saith unto him; what is truth? (John 18:37-38)
Truth
1 a : archaic : FIDELITY, CONSTANCY b : sincerity in action, character, and utterance : 2 a (1) : the state of being the case : FACT (2) : the body of real things, events and facts : ACTUALITY (3) a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality b : a judgement, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true c : the body of true statements and propositions 3 a : the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact or reality b : TRUE c : fidelity to an original or to a standard : Webster’s Dict:-Thes:
In considering Pilot’s question, we find truth is defined as the body of real things, events and facts; the state of being the case; and a transcendent fundamental spiritual reality. Truth is also characterized as a judgement, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true; the body of true statements, of being in accord with fact or reality, in other words, in accordance with the actual state of affairs. Truth is fidelity, actuality, and fact.
Something deemed true must demonstrate; correctness, exactitude, infallibility, revelation, honesty, genuineness, faithfulness, perfection, and certainty. And, within these synonyms for true we find a curious thing. True is also defined as; the Gospel Truth. As the Gospel of Jesus Christ is given as an explanation of true and truth, we can believe the Holy Bible to be a body of true statements; an uplifting fundamental reality. Thus, without wavering, we can believe Jesus when He declared; I am the truth. (Jn 14:6) So, everything concerning Him and said by Him, as recorded in the Authorised Testaments is in agreement with the actual state of affairs; in other words… TRUE.
… And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. (Jn 1:14)
In view of this, we cannot mess with the Truth of the LORD in word or print. We cannot remove from, or add to the Scriptures. We have been commanded not to touch it. We have been commanded to speak the truth plainly; to uplift not tear down. We have been commanded to honour Him, and we dishonour Him when we alter His Word. We dishonour the LORD when we deny His truth. And, we dishonour Him when we raise ourselves above Him, which is what we have done. We have made ourselves greater than the LORD by adjusting His Gospel and the Prophets to our own ends. He is the Existing One; His Scripture is untouchable, as he is untouchable.
Heresy
The word, Heresy, meaning to choose has usually religious connotations though it has also passed into common usage. In classical Greek it may be used either in a good or a bad sense; first, simply for choice, then a chosen course of practice and of various schools, ideologies or leanings. The word was used not simply as in a teaching, or a course followed, but also of devotees of such pursuits; namely, a faction or assembly of those advocating a particular doctrine or manner of life as we see in the Book of Acts: sect of the Sadducees (5:17) sect of the Nazarenes (24:5) and sect of the Pharisees. (26:5)
Also, its application as a reprimand for example, Paul, in 1 Corinthians 11:9, and Galatians 5:20, where a heresy or sect is seen to interfere with the unity of belief and outlines a separation from the body of the faithful. There being but one standard of truth. Any arbitrary choice seen to be at variance with the teaching common to all believers, becomes contradictory and errant behaviour, to be warned against.
Galatians 5:20, as an example, show a more obstinate form as distinct from an inquiry or view, when it has developed into an organised faction, (the damnable heresies) which is seen as wholly destructive. Paul, also, wrote of how such adherents should be regarded.
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; (there is only one) but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 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. (Gal 1:6-8)
In the fixed ecclesiastical sense it eventually acquired, heresy indicated not merely any doctrinal error, but the open adoption of fundamental error; or the persistent stubborn maintenance of an error with respect to the central teachings of Christianity in the face of all better instruction. Again, Paul: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2Th 2:11-12) Persistent stubbornness born out of such estrangements, has lead to hostile attacks upon the common faith throughout history, even open conflict with its defenders, observed under the Papal Roman Church, and since the Reformation.
Yet, the term has taken on a new meaning, now applied more as a means of control, than descriptive of a view or leaning; being most customary within Roman Catholicism, but not exclusively. The period of the Reformation saw the term so misappropriated that it became a byword. Today, the words, Heretic and Sect are used as if they are dissimilar when they really mean the same. Heretic especially used, not as a measure of difference, rather to impose division and to apportion blame upon the accused.
Today, a charge of heresy can be laid either to attack a variant of belief, or when a member of a religious assembly, often governed by a charter, runs afoul of the agreed code of the Church. The measure of any wrongdoing is judged against the ruling of the majority in matters of religions principles, theology, and sundry items pertaining to the vision and perception of the congregation as a whole. But the underlying ethic is based in statutes; in other words Church Laws.
Is it not written in your law, I said, ye are gods? (Jn 10:34)
The Greek word for Law is νόμος (nomos) derived from νέμω (nemo). Its primary meaning is to divide, distribute or apportion. Generally meant as anything established, or anything received by custom or tradition, or usage. The purpose of Law is to establish a line, boundary or limit. Its function allows for one intelligent being to impose power over another, when one is required (obliged) to follow a prescribed course of conduct, which may incur censure if contravened. The Law is not fair-dealing or justice, which implies empathy, but imposition upon another, where ill will (malice) may result.
While the Church view of heresy follows (in the main) the idea of traditional doctrinal error, in terms of apostolic teaching, it has become lessened due to the measure of doctrine within each Congregation. In terms of the terminology, all Churches are Heresies. The offspring of heresy is denomination; factions and divisions within Christianity, which reduce the fullness of the Gospel.
A Heresy, being the departure from the Gospel through errant doctrine is highlighted in the Trinity Creed, not taught by the early Church. By departing from the standard of truth as originally declared in Christ’s time, this replacement Creed has sewn the greatest of heresies throughout all Christendom.
For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. None calleth for justice, nor does any plead for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. (Isa 59:3-4)
If, according to the definitions of heresy and sect, all denominational Churches are sects and heresies, by what manner are they separated from the full Gospel of Jesus Christ? And, how do we recognize errant doctrine as practised in Churches today?
Creeds and Sects
My doctrine shall drop as the rain; my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are, judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. (Deut 32:2-4)
And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (1Cor 10:4)
Truth is an absolute. It has no shade or colour, something is either true or it is not. We have briefly looked at sect and heresy, which brings us to the diverse doctrines found in many Churches today. Most believe the Church as we know it today, was founded by Jesus Christ. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Church Jesus established is His Kingdom; it lives within all, who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. (Rev 14:12)
So, it is in the Churches of men we must spend some time, for it is in the Cathedrals of brick and mortar we find the root of division and separation from God.
We will not spend time listing the various cults within Christianity for they are many. But there are a few we will look at; the first is the Roman Catholic Church. And while there is much history relating to the Church, and countless post-Reformation debates about it, it is irrelevant. It is not the tree that concerns us, but its fruit. In this way we uncover the genesis of change, the construction of deception, and the deconstruction of truth; mistaken creeds, which have come down the generations, resulting in centuries of errant doctrine and dogma.
The Church of Rome
The Roman Catholic Church was established by Imperial Decree and made the official Church of the Empire in the mid-fourth Century. Constantine laid the ground-work for the Church we know today through his forward-thinking policies towards the new Christian movement. The Emperor adjudged it a more sensible strategy than open harassment, setting him apart from his contemporaries. He ordered an end to persecution, the return of all confiscated property, and convened the first Council in 325AD.
Under his Edict of Toleration (313AD) Constantine legalized freedom of worship in Rome to Christians and all others. While his influence was pivotal, it was Theodosius (378-398AD) who assured its growth by making membership compulsory when he ruled it the official Church of Rome. This was a calamitous decision, resulting in the forceful and often bloody suppression of all other beliefs. It also added to the Church the mandatory inclusion of non-believers and delinquents. In the 6th Century, the Church began adopting Imperial Roman titles. Gratian (375-383AD) was the last Roman Emperor to officially use the title Pontifex Maximus before its transfer to the Church; the first Pope was Gregory the Great in 590AD. Latin became its official language soon spreading throughout Europe with its missionaries. It has, from its outset been worldly.
The Church of Rome is the source for the majority of errant doctrine we see today; the most appalling the ratification of the Creed of Trinity, which now dwells at the root of most Christian theology. When Jesus was here, He proclaimed His Kingdom and declared His Gospel to a people who believed as a matter of tradition and faith, the LORD is One as declared by Moses. (Deut 6:4) When asked what the most important Command was, the Christ confirmed their ‘standard of truth.’ And Jesus answered him, the first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. (Mark 12:29-30)
I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exo 20:2-3)
Another disgraceful labour is their re-ordering the Commandments given to Moses. This was done to allow for statues and idols in their Churches, a legacy of Simon Magus and Imperial Rome. When comparing the Catholic Ten with the Original Ten, the disparity is obvious. The Roman Church has deleted the Second Command, which speaks of graven or images of likeness: Exo 20:4; Lev 26:1 and Deuteronomy 4:16; 4:23; 5:8; 16:22, and 27:15 to name a few. To restore to ten they spit the tenth in two. The day of the Sabbath observance was changed by Constantine.
Yet another is the Veneration of the Lady. The Church has esteemed Mary to such a degree; she is now regarded by some theologians as equal in stature to the Godhead becoming an integral part. She is looked upon as the only conduit to Christ and revered as Holy. There are more Marian Feast Days than there are for the Lord Jesus Christ, our redeemer whom she honoured. Mary has become, like the Madonna and Child imagery of antiquity, greater than the son. This astonishing heresy has overtly supplanted Jesus as the only way to God. But the Scripture plainly tells us differently: I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (Jn 14:6)
Throughout history, those who have kept a clean faith have suffered under their creeds and dogma. The Roman Church has slaughtered in His Name, cast down His Name, and trampled His Gospel and Prophets. Their machinery has hidden the true Light of Jesus, by raising a replacement in His stead; the Pope, the Vicar of Christ. Of all the Denominational Church systems, the Papal Church is the greatest heresy of all.
Whosoever transgresses, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. (2Jn 1:9)
The Church of England
Like the Catholic Church, the Church of England was enacted by a law, and while its doctrine is nowhere near the abomination of Rome, it has its sins; the first of which is its maintenance of the Trinity Creed. It is now the leading Protestant Church ordaining women, though not the first; that dubious honour going to Clarissa Danforth of the Free Will Baptist Church of New England in 1815. The first Anglican ordination was in 1944 in Hong Kong, and the first Church of England woman priest was ordained in 1994. In 2015, the Church of England consecrated its first woman Bishop. The same year, an ordained woman sat in the House of Lords as, a Lord Spiritual.
It is not a Great Command, but a command nonetheless, now wholly ignored by the Church at large… For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. (1 Cor 14:33-34)
In the same way the Roman Church re-ordered the Ten Commands given to Moses; Protestant Churches have undone a law given by Christ’s Spirit through Paul.
But I certify you, brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Gal 1:11-12) The instruction given by Paul for women to keep silence in the Church (the legacy of Eve’s fall) was given to him by Jesus Christ himself. Ignore it at your peril…
Paul was faultless in saying God is not the author of confusion; it is we who are confused when we refuse the truth of Scripture but shape it to suit ourselves. We must not tamper with it; Peter makes the consequences abundantly clear: But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2Pe 2:1)
British Israelism
Rising in Britain, the British Israel World Federation, and its American and Commonwealth offshoots, is not a cult or heresy in the traditional sense, but it does hold errant notions in its use of Scripture. Their belief contends the people of the British Isles, Northern Ireland, the Western seaboard of Europe, and their colonies are the descendants of the ten lost tribes of Israel. While I have no problem with this, I have concerns how they tie it to Scripture. There are several errant features to this movement but we will look at three; humanizing the Kingdom, separateness, and the misuse of the word to uphold an idea.
British Israelism maintains its conviction the British Monarchy can trace its lineage to the Royal House of Ancient Israel; British Royalty being the continuation of the Kingdom of David in these times. They base this on the promise Israel would never want for a King. This is not only mistaken, it ignores much of Scripture by selecting only those parts that fit their case. Mind you, they are not alone in this. Their most wayward is; the scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from beneath his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be. (Gen 49:10) Shiloh is Christ; He has come, and the scepter is His. It does not belong to the Queen of England. Israel never wanted for a king; only they rejected Him when Saul was made King at Gilgal.
In their misguided belief the Kingdom of Israel now safely resides in Britain, they enable a great myth. David’s Kingdom ceased to exist when Nebuchadnezzar took Jerusalem, sacked the Temple, and then removed Zedekiah and the remnant of Judah and Benjamin to Babylon.
And the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes: he slew also all the princes of Judah in Riblah. Then he put out the eyes of Zedekiah; and the king of Babylon bound him in chains, and carried him to Babylon, and put him in prison till the day of his death. (Jer 52:10-11)
Except they get round this in two ways. (1) By assuming the descendants of Zerah and Pharez, two of the sons of Judah, later brought the royal house to Europe and Ireland; and (2) the notion that an unnamed daughter of Zedekiah could inherit the throne. This sparked the legend of Tea Tephi supposed daughter of the king who was taken to Egypt along with her sister(s), the Prophet Jeremiah, and Baruch his scribe. (Jer 43:6-7) They curiously turn up in Ireland, with new names and a block of sandstone, on which Jacob rested his head on his way to Haran. It now resides at Scone in Scotland, and under the throne in Westminster Abby during a Coronation. It is highly improbable, though I do concede the Tribes of Israel settled in the British Isles; Joseph of Arimathea brought the Gospel to Britain, and both Peter and Paul preached and baptised there.
The Kingdom of Israel is the Kingdom of Christ. As Jesus told Pontius Pilot, it is not of this world. The idea that His kingdom exists today in human form is nonsense. The current British Monarchy is in fact German; not British, and changed its name to the House of Windsor by Royal Proclamation in 1917. It was changed from the Royal House of Saxe-Coberg and Gotha, due to anti-German sentiment at the time. The name inherited from Hanoverian, Prince Albert, the Consort of Queen Victoria. Queen Elizabeth’s German ancestry is traced through the House of Wettin of Saxony, and further back to the House of Este. It is an earthly line of Kings born of status, wealth and power.
In their understanding the kingship arrived in Britain with the Israelite tribes, they contend God’s blessings upon the nation arrived also. In this they set themselves apart when Paul clearly states: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. (Col 3:11) Whenever we plant a tainted seed corruption will follow. However, there is something distinctive about the British people, but to believe for a moment they are separated and protected by God under an Israelite Monarchy is folly.
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Gal 6:8)
Another British-Israel confusion, is misinterpreting this prophesy given to David, by Samuel. Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them anymore, as beforetime, and as since the time that I commanded judges (to be) over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee a house. And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. (2Sam 7:10-12)
British Israelites believe this refers to the Sceptered Isles of Britain. They base this on the notion that from the time of the Normans in 1066; there has not been a successful invasion of the British mainland, citing the Spanish Armada, Napoleon, and two world wars. The truth of the matter is these verses from Samuel, like those in Genesis 49:10 speak of Christ. It was a declaration to David that his descendant, also from Bethlehem, was to establish His Kingdom in all who believe. The children of wickedness cannot afflict a kingdom they cannot see; the Kingdom of God that comes without observation. The rest from all thine enemies is our rest in Jesus Christ. They confuse the spiritual for the corporal. The genealogy issue we will let Paul answer with his usual candor:
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. (Paul’s letter to Titus 3:8-9)
But, putting the above aside for a moment, there is something to consider. It was the scattered of Israel who arrived in the Western Seaboard of Europe and Britain; the same places the Apostles carried the Gospel. And, it was the offspring of these settlers that carried the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Britain gave us Tyndale and the King James Bible, Shakespeare, Wesley, and Elgar. After becoming a British Subject, Handel lived in London and gave us the Messiah and Dixit Dominus: …the LORD said unto my Lord sit thou at my right hand… Britain pioneered social justice, the rights if the individual, free education, free healthcare and led the way in democracy. And until the great social upheaval of the 1960’s, its Churches were full every Sunday. But, it does not wear the Crown of David.
Mormonism
There has been much said and written about this religion, and no wonder. Of all western beliefs, it has the most imaginary foundation and doubtful theology. Mormonism truly amplifies the meaning of Cult. It is a remarkable thing that a church established by such inventive means has developed to the extent it has; it is one of the fastest growing and most wealthy. How Mormonism has beguiled so many into believing their fabrication it is the only true Christian Church, is beyond reason. It is currently being reviewed in Russia as an extremist movement and may soon be outlawed. While not as extreme as Scientology (the ultimate cult) it exhibits similar hallmarks, as in its creative origin.
The name most associated with Mormonism is Joseph Smith; an uneducated man, confirmed by his mother, as illiterate until adulthood. Others described him as the lewdest man they had ever met. But, it was not Smith alone to initiate this ruse. He was noticed by defrocked Baptist minister, Sidney Rigdon who saw in Smith a ready collaborator to help launch his idea of going beyond the Word of God, giving the world a totally new revelation. Rigdon’s idea was fully supported by Smith’s obsessive parents, who had prophesied their son would someday found a religion of his own.
Rigdon had earlier come across the fictional writing of Presbyterian preacher, Solomon Spaulding, who, in failing to find a publisher, had left his tale with a printer Rigdon, knew. Titled: the Manuscript Found, it was a fantasy/fictional history of a people who had earlier inhabited America. In it, Rigdon found what he had been seeking, and the way to wealth and fame. In league with Joseph Smith and Smith’s chum, Parley Pratt, they set about writing their great hoax, the Book of Mormon; given to Smith by an Angel no one had ever heard of, about a people that never existed.
Their story goes that in September 1823, Smith was visited by the angel, Moroni who revealed that in 420AD, several golden plates had been secreted in the hill Cumorah, near Palmyra, New York, on which was described the history of the Nephites who came to America from Jerusalem in 600BC. On arriving at the disclosed location, Smith found the plates and a pair of spectacles he called the Urim and Thummim, through which he was able to decipher and translate the mystical hieroglyphs into English; written in a style he maintained was Reformed Egyptian. There is no such language. His ignorance of the Holy Bible and ancient history, for which he was well known, is clearly evident. Any average Bible student, or amateur Egyptologist, can dismantle this fancy in just a few minutes.
The measure of naïveté shown by those who accept this account, defies belief. It bears no relationship to what actually happened; that the Book of Mormon was crafted by Smith, Pratt and Rigdon or the avarice behind it. It also greatly maligns the Urim and Thummim; the Light, Perfection, and the true will of God revealed. An explanation, which might explain how people can become so seduced, is found in Ezekiel: And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken. (Ezekiel 22:28)
Eventually their questionable lifestyle caught up with them. The immoral, Parley Pratt was shot dead by the outraged husband of a woman he had seduced and taken to Utah as one of his wives. Soon after, Joseph Smith was killed by an angry mob at Carthage, Illinois on June 27, 1844. This marked a turning point, which saw the future of their contrived religion assured when, Brigham Young assumed control and led the Mormons to Utah. Young died thirty years later leaving a sizable fortune. He also left behind nine surviving wives (he had seventeen in total) and fifty-six children. Of all the heresies, Mormonism is the most derisive and bizarre. It has nothing to do with the Saints, and it certainly has nothing to do with the Holy Bible. And even though they use His Name, it has nothing whatsoever to do with the Lord Jesus Christ, His Gospel or His Kingdom. In fact it is the opposite.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
This is the last of the cults we will look at, but I will comment later on those labeled by the Churches, as Unitarians. The Jehovah’s Witness name is born of confusion. It denies the truth and the wholeness of the Word of God. It is rooted in aspects of the Old Testament, yet it places Christ and His Grace to one side. If they actually knew the Gospel as they claim, they would know that Jesus is Jehovah. His Name means the LORD’S Salvation. They would know it was Christ Jesus who was announced by Isaiah, as the Everlasting Father and the Mighty God. (Isa 9:6; Matt 1:23) But, no: they refuse the Word of God and their heresy is great. Not on one level but many, as we can see from just these few:
- Jesus was created and not divine until His resurrection
- His was merely a human atonement
- There is no personal Holy Spirit
- There is no future punishment
- There is no Hell
- There is no physical resurrection in Christ
- There is no Satan; he does not exist
- The saints have already been raised up
- The Lord is now only a Spirit Being; and…
- The body of Jesus was not raised from the dead
Western civilization for the last two thousand years is predicated on the fact Jesus conquered death. Without it, nothing would have changed. But, He was raised, He was seen by hundreds; it was witnessed and written down. Because of the Resurrection everything changed. The Kingdom was opened to all that believe on His Name. That Name is the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the only Name by which we are saved. There is no other. It is not God. It is not the Lord. It is not Yah, Yashua, and it is not Jehovah.
The Jehovah’s Witness cult was founded by Charles Taze Russell, of Pittsburgh, USA who owned a chain of drapery stores. He could not find a religion to his liking, so he assumed the title of Pastor, and like the Mormons, founded one of his own. His early and instantly attractive teaching was the non-existence of Hell, which came from his fear of hell as a child. He once said his mind was put at rest by an Atheist, who convinced him Hell did not exist. Happy in the idea; he began to preach it and became a forthright critic denouncing both organized religion and its clergy. This seed was sewn by the severe indoctrination he received from his Church as a child, which underscores the importance of Paul’s teaching:
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (Eph 4:29)
One time under oath, Russell admitted he did not know Greek, Hebrew, or Latin, or that he had taken any course in Theology. Yet, he pronounced all Bible translations as unreliable, and all other religions as anti-Christian; if any religion is anti-Christ it is Russell’s. His domestic life and marriage was not much better. Upon his divorce, he was ordered to pay monthly alimony, which he avoided by transferring his property to himself under the name; The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. He was later found out and ordered to pay. His miracle wheat scandal, charging $60 a bushel, when at the time a barrel of flour only cost $7.10 again saw him in Court.
After Russell’s death in 1917, the leadership fell to another dubious character with the assumed title of, Judge. Mr. J. F. Rutherford was not a judge and had never been elected to office. It was Rutherford who confirmed the organization’s name, Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1931 and by tying them to the Old Testament was able to ignore the New Testament teaching to witness in the name of Jesus Christ. Their most well known periodical is the Watchtower peddled worldwide door to door. While their early publications carried the author’s name, most articles today are anonymous. But, the most errant publication under their name is the New World Translation of the Holy Bible. While it may be called a bible, it is certainly not holy. They have made their own Bible to cover their sin. If you have one, get rid of it. The above bullet points show the severity of error found within this religion. And, like all attempts to make one’s own religion, they are as William Shakespeare said so well, bound in shallows and in misery.
These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. (2Pet 2:17)
Jesus warned us of these times. But, we know better than the one who made all things. We instead turn our backs to the light to adopt the false teachings of this world. We have made a simple thing corrupt by our self-inflated importance…
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. (2Cor 11:3-4)
Paul speaks of the anti-Christ spirit that went out from Jerusalem. This is not a new thing; it has been in the world from the beginning when Satan, tempted Eve and Adam and they fell to his guile. Satan’s seed of disbelief has journeyed with the good seed of the Gospel, and will attempt to corrupt and pull it down whenever we let it. The Apostle Peter wrote of this: …be vigilant; because your adversary the devil … walketh about seeking whom he may devour: (1Pet 5:8)
Unitarians
I love and hate this word. I love it, because it describes those who know the LORD is One and hate it, because it’s a label imposed to belittle those who know this truth. It insinuates this knowledge is wrong.
Now, there is one word we never see from adherents to the Trinity Creed; omnipresence. The LORD is an omnipresent being. He exists on all planes; we cannot. He is all encompassing; we are not. God is a Spirit. (Jn 4:24) He is the Existing One. If this was part of the conversation, the notion of Trinity would stop dead in its tracks, as it would rightly place Jesus Christ in His Spiritual Realm.
The Nation of Israel was taught by God through His Prophets, one of the greatest was Moses. Moses led His people out of the bondage of Egypt to the Holy Mountain of God. Through Moses, the LORD gave the people His Law; the first of which states, thou shalt have no other God’s before me. Moses declared the LORD to all the Nations of Israel:
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart. (Deut 6:4-6)
From Moses to Jesus, Israel believed as a matter of faith there is only One LORD. Jesus was announced by Isaiah, and the sign of His birth was given by the Prophet to the people. Jesus was born of a virgin as foretold, into a Nation that believed their LORD was one. Jesus Himself affirmed this standard of truth. How then, by the revealing of the LORD in human form, does the Existing One become three?
Now, this is a hard thing. When we deny the Scripture and write our own, we separate ourselves from God. So, I ask; what have we done. We have divided ourselves from the standard of truth held faithful by Christ Jesus, and those who first preached the Gospel. By our own works we have called judgement upon ourselves.
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Rev 22:12)
The Only Name
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matt 28:18-20)
Now, Jesus instructed His Apostles to teach all nations baptizing them into the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. But, He did not tell them what that Name was. Father, Son and Holy Ghost are not names, but attributes, titles (or Seasons) of God. However, Simon Peter, who was given the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven was given the Name and revealed it at Pentecost…
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you into the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-38)
Amen. There is no heresy with baptism into the Name of Jesus Christ. There is no heresy in those who keep the Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. There is no heresy in those that keep their faith clean, away from the creeds of Church, and the doctrines of men. It is a simple thing. Just know the Kingdom of Jesus is within you, keep His two Great Commands (Mark 12:29) be baptized into His Name, and believe.
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. (Rev 18:4)
I pray the Lord Jesus Christ bless you, and open His truth in your heart.
James, A servant in Jesus’ Name: 2016