The question for this writer, and for each one who reads this article, is: Am I concerned with the answer to Jesus’ question, “Whence was it, from heaven, or of man?”? It is a question on which our eternal salvation depends. Most religious people in the area appear not to be concerned with Jesus’ question. This can be determined as one examines the teachings and practices of the many denominations. A study of God’s Word alongside a study of the history of denominations makes clear that man’s doctrines are the foundation of denominationalism. Listen to Jesus’ reply to the scribes and Pharisees, as they questioned why Jesus’ disciples transgressed the traditions of the elders: “Why do ye also transgress the commandments of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, Let him die the death. But ye say (emphasis added) whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; and honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandments of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; But their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, Teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:3-9).
From
the time Satan deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:16,17;
3:6), man has been tempted to disobey God’s commandments. A brief look
at two of Adam and Eve’s children show the problem: Cain and Abel both
offered sacrifices to God, but one was acceptable and one was not
(Genesis 4:3-5). What made the difference? Hebrews 11:4 sets out clearly
the difference: Abel offered “by faith” - he believed God, and his faith caused him to obey.
The fatal flaw of denominationalism is this: these religious
groups assume God will accept man’s changes in God’s law and man’s
omission of parts of God’s law. Yet a study of God’s Word will teach
us that God never permitted man to choose how to worship and to serve
Him. God has not changed. He still does not permit man to choose
in these areas. “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased;
hear ye him” (Matt. 17:5). With this statement, God excludes every
thought or decision of man in the matter of obeying God. The teachings
of His Son are to be heard and obeyed. What about the teachings and
practices of the religious group with which you
have affiliated yourself? Are they “from heaven or of men?”
God has a
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