by R. L. Morrison

That religious differences exist in the world in which we live today cannot be successfully denied. All one needs to do is look about, observe the buildings belonging to different groups and make inquiry concerning their beliefs and practices. It is true that a number of things are believed by most of them. But it is also true that each denomination believes and teaches one or more doctrines that no other will accept. These doctrines are the things that set them apart from all others, and makes them what they are. Almost always that particular doctrine is not in harmony with the gospel of Christ.

There is however, one thing that many seem to agree on, that is in word, but not necessarily in practice. Most will agree in word, that there are Christians in all denominations, but few are they who so say, that practice everything those whom they say are Christians practice. For example, some say that baptism requires an immersion in water. Others say the sprinkling of a few drops of water is baptism. They differ, will not accept the teaching of each other on this subject, but agree that all are Christians nonetheless. This they say is "unity in diversity." Through Amos, the prophet, God asked Israel, "Can two walk together except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3), Israel had turned from God to idolatry, and He simply tells them, they must agree with Him to walk with Him.

Unity is defined as the state of being one; oneness, the quality of being one in spirit, sentiment and purpose. This is what Paul required of the Corinthians. "That ye all speak the same things, and that there be no division among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (1 Cor. 1:10). About the only unity that exists in the denominational world today, is UNITY IN ERROR. But Jesus said, "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32). Since only truth can make men free from sin, and justify them before God, the unity in diversity that men claim to have today is of no value. Regardless of how many may claim to have that unity, it is not at all difficult to see that it does not exist.

One of the ideas that is widely used in an effort to justify unity in diversity is "It does not make any difference what one believes. God knows his heart and if he is honest and sincere, that person is acceptable to God". This apparently sounds good to many people, as men keep repeating it. However, it should be examined closely before it is accepted. A question to consider with it, should not be considered out of place.

"If it does not make any difference what a man believes, does it make any difference IF he believes? If one man can believe anything he wants to believe and be acceptable to God; why cannot another man believe nothing and be acceptable to God? You may say, "Faith is required." True, but faith in what? Just anything that may seem good to man? Or is man required to believe what God has revealed? The answer to this last question should not be difficult, for man does not tell God, He tells man!

Imagine, if you can, a man who has an image of something. This man sincerely believes this image is God. Is his faith in that image pleasing to God? Is his worship of that image acceptable to God as worship to God? Any Bible student knows the answer. Of course not.

We have in our country some people who worship Satan. It is reported that in their worship, they offer animals in sacrifice, a blood sacrifice. It is also reported that they promote adultery and fornication. Who can believe, that EVEN IF they are sincere, that kind of worship is acceptable to God? Grant that they are sincere, does God accept it? Anyone with knowledge of what the New Testament teaches knows that such things are wrong and they who engage in them are in sin. Yet many say it really doesn't make any difference what one believes.

Another idea which is as wide spread as the first is, "There is nothing in a name." People who say this apparently do not think of the consequences. If you are a woman would you call yourself by the name of a man who is not your husband? Some might, but it reveals something of her character which most people do not consider upright and honest. Do you want the title of the car you bought and paid for to be made out in name of "just anyone"? Is your bank account in your own name or did you use just any old name when you opened it? If there is nothing in a name, why not?

I read once, a story about a woman who attended a revival meeting. Several times in the course of the sermon, the preacher said, "There is nothing in a name." Later in the service, some in the assembly began to shout "Glory to God. Glory to God." This woman raised her arms and began to shout, "Glory to Beelzebub. Glory to Beelzebub". Everyone became very quiet immediately. She was asked why she shouted such blasphemy in their service. She replied, "Why didn't you hear the preacher say time after time there is nothing in a name? Glory to Beelzebub! The writer didn't say what happened after that. But I have often wondered HOW the preacher explained his position to that woman. I also wonder how some today who believe there is nothing in a name would explain it.

In Acts 11:26, Luke wrote: "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." In Isaiah 62:2, the prophet wrote, "And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory, and thou shalt be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord shall name." Isaiah said when the Gentiles shall see righteousness, this new name shall be given to the people of God. Antioch was a Gentile congregation. The gospel had been preached to the Gentile people. The name "Christian" is a God given name, regardless of who may say otherwise. Most religious people today like the name Christian, but most call themselves by another name, which signifies the denomination of which they are a part. But you will notice that God did not give the hyphenated name ... man did that. Disciples of Christ were called "Christians". It was name enough for followers of Christ in the first century, and it should be sufficient for all today who seek to please God.

In John 4:24, Jesus said, "God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and truth." To worship in spirit means to worship from the heart, sincerely. In truth means to worship as the New Testament directs or commands. This should be easily understood. God tells us HOW to worship, or that which is involved in acceptable worship. We learn what is required by studying the New Testament and following the example of the early churches as they were taught by the apostles. This worship consisted of the following practices. They assembled for worship on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). They "broke bread" or ate the Lord's Supper. Also, Paul preached or taught them. They "laid by in store" or gave as they had been prospered (1 Cor. 16: 1-2). They sang psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in their hearts, in the midst of the church (congregation) Heb 2:12; Col. 3:16, Eph 5:19. They prayed to God. (Eph. 5:20). These things the New Testament teaches Christians to "do" in worship. It does not say one thing about the adoration of images, the lighting of candles, mechanical instruments of music, testimonials honoring a man or men, or any man made organization. Yet the majority of "churches" today engage in one or more of them, and call it worship. Does it make any difference? Can man improve upon what God has ordained? Are such things acceptable to Him? Not at all, for to go beyond that which is written is a transgression of the law, IT IS SIN! (1 John 3:4). Such things are NOT acceptable to God. It does make a difference HOW men worship.

So we ask again the question: "Does it make any difference what one believes? Does it make any difference whom one worships? Does it make any difference what name one wears religiously? The Bible teaches it does make a difference! The difference? Pleasing God or pleasing self!

But now another question. Does it make any difference to YOU? IF it doesn't, it should! Study the Bible. Learn the TRUTH. Then obey it, live as God directs man to live, and receive the end or result of your faith: life eternal.

What do YOU believe?