Seeing the difference between truth and error can be challenging sometimes, so perhaps a selection of contrasts will help bring the truth to light. Peter commanded the content of the communication God expects concerning his truth: “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (I Peter 4:11).
Since some say it makes no difference what name we wear in religion, then why should it make a difference whether we wear any name in religion? Yet, there is no salvation outside the name of Christ. Acts 4:12 reads, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” And, Philippians 2:9-11 urges everyone to respectfully submit to the name of Christ: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” From antiquity the prophets made clear the importance of being united in this one name: “And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one” (Zechariah 14:9).
Since some say it makes no difference what we believe, then why should it make any difference whether we believe? Yet, unbelief will condemn the soul. The Lord said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). The writer of Hebrews also said, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12).
Since some say it makes no difference what church we are members of, then why should it make a difference whether we are members of any church? Yet, the church of Christ is the fullness of Christ: “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all” (Ephesians 1:22-23).
The prophets said God would place salvation in Zion: “I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory” (Isaiah 46:13).
Ezekiel wrote, “And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all” (Ezekiel 37:22).
- For part 2 of this epistle, check out Can You See the Difference? (Part 2).
- For part 3 of this epistle, check out Can You See the Difference? (Part 3).