It has come to my attention (since I became a Christian in the summer of 1999, that is.) that there are fake Christians who teach works based salvation or teach that it is okay for others to believe in works based salvation.
We are not saved by baptism, communion, confession to a priest, etc. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9
Some notable occults that teach works based salvation:
Roman Catholicism
Calvinism (John Calvin taught baptismal regeneration. See Infant Baptism—Is It Christian? . Also predestination presents a distorted view of salvation.)
Methodism (John Wesley also taught baptismal regeneration.)
Seventh Day Adventist (While not all adventists believe in works-based salvation, it is the churches official doctrine.)
Lutheranism (Martin Luther was not a Christian. He taught baptismal regeneration, Mary worship, and antinomianism)
Church of Christ (Teaches baptismal regeneration.)
Oneness Pentecostal (Teaches salvation by baptism, good works, and being baptized in the Holy Ghost (which is not a work) )
Worldwide Church of God
United Church of God
Salvation Army (supports and respects Roman Catholicism! http://www.cuttingedge.org/news/n1527.cfm )
March 28, 2008 at 9:53 am
Adventists? Works-based?
You’ve got to be joking. These people have THE biggest celebrations around!
http://adventistsnotcult.blogspot.com/2008/01/cadillac-jack-movies-and-fiction.html
March 29, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Rashad,
I would be interested in your source that indicates salvation by works as the official doctrine of the Seventh Day Adventist church. Thanks.
March 29, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Look at the Seventh Day Adventist website. Their official doctrine is listed there.
March 30, 2008 at 1:56 am
I did. I don’t see what you’re seeing. Number 10 come across as grace not works to me.
March 30, 2008 at 3:52 am
http://www.adventist.org/beliefs
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Seventh-Day%20Adventist/deception.htm
Research the issue further yourself if you have more questions.
March 31, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Unfortunately, these cult accusations are all false, as proven here:
http://adventistsnotcult.blogspot.com/
April 1, 2008 at 4:52 am
“Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit.” http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/fundamental/
Yes, Seventh Day Adventist is an occult.
May 7, 2008 at 7:10 am
What Christian denominations do you consider as not occult?
May 7, 2008 at 12:38 pm
George,
I consider any denomination that teaches the true gospel (no two-house theology, no works based salvation, no mysticism, etc.) as not occult. However, this is not an endorsement for the concept of denominations. Rather, I am tired of people being hurt by lying pastors who preach another Christ.
May 8, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Yes, we need to prayerfully study our Bibles. We were warned by God about “wolves in sheeps clothing”.
May 11, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Rashad,
If anything, I think this post highlights how deceived we can become when enamored with denominational thinking. Those who argue in favor of the 7th Day Adventists overlook the fact that they believe one is not truly a Christian if one does not worship on the 7th day of the week, our Saturday.
Most of the various denominations we have today were offshoots from the Roman Catholic Church and the majority of them did not break off completely from the cult. That’s why we see ecumenism in churches today, because ultimately the Roman Catholic Church wants them all back under their apostate system and have infiltrated churches, seminaries, and political offices to get it done. The so-called Reformation did not make enough reforms.
May 31, 2008 at 12:47 pm
I’m grateful I was able to escape denominational thinking, finally, a few years ago. I would say any assembly that pushes membership, “tithing,” baptizing in water or anything that you must “do” other than to show up interested in learning about your KJ bible is on the wrong track. I meet several times a week with a group of likeminded believers in a rented union hall a few times a week. On a
“good” Sunday we have as many as 40 people show up. We don’t “do” entertainment (no talking in tongues, no “special” singing, no special programs for the kiddies), we’re there to study to show ourselves approved, and any saved man prepared with a doctrinally correct lesson is welcome to teach. And no, we are not a cult. We sing congregational hymns that have correct doctrine. Sorry, no choir, no celebration of xmass or other pagan holidays, either. We do a carry-in dinner once per month. We know we’re unique, and none of us would return to what was before. I’m a saved former roman catholic, then spent 20 years in independent baptist churches. Baptists claim you’re saved by faith alone, but you WILL be pressured to be baptized and “join” so you can “tithe,” so I now question that most baptists truly understand salvation by grace, frankly. Websites worthy to check out:
http://www.midactsdispensationalism.com and http://www.discerningthetimespublishing.com