by R. L. Morrison

In the letter the Lord directed John to write to the church at Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11), he described some of that church as the synagogue of Satan. He said he knew the blasphemy of those who said they were Jews (Christians) but were not. In the letter to the church at Philadelphia, he made about the same statement. "I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews (Christians) and are not but do lie" (Rev. 3:9).

According to the Bible dictionary, a Jewish synagogue was a Jewish institution for the reading and exposition of the Holy Scripture, which originated perhaps as early as the Babylonian exile. The chief purpose of the synagogue was not public worship, but instruction in the Holy Scriptures. On his travels in preaching the gospel, Paul began his work in the Jewish synagogue when one was available. Since the synagogue was a place for teaching the law of God, Jesus evidently used the term "synagogue of Satan" to indicate a place where error, or that which is contrary to truth, was or is taught. We do not know exactly what those of Smyrna or Philadelphia taught, but John wrote that they were liars and blasphemers.

If the Lord should write a letter to the churches of today (of course he will not do so, for ALL things that pertain to life and godliness have already been revealed) it should not be surprising to learn that the same charges would be made against many of them. If you doubt this, please read on. Consider the condition that exists in the world today in which we live.

As one drives down the streets of any city, town or village in this country, one sees many buildings and other facilities owned by religious organizations or churches. The buildings are meeting places for people affiliated with that particular group. These buildings are used for teaching, for worship, and other activities in which these people involve themselves. But, by far, the majority of these "churches" do not wear a scriptural name, do not abide in the teaching of the New Testament, nor do they worship according to the requirements of the Lord as set forth in his word. They all claim to be "Christian" but have added and use some name to describe themselves that sets them apart from all others. They substitute the wisdom of men and their own desires for God's law. Were those of Smyrna and Philadelphia guilty of more than this?

There are hundreds of denominations and sects whose meeting places line the streets. If pressed, most will claim to be Christian, but they wear another name by which they are known and that name separates them from others. They all claim to be followers of Christ and doers of his will, but they teach contrary, conflicting doctrines. Most of them, not all, will say that they believe their religious neighbors are serving God acceptably and will be saved. But they continue to preach and practice their own particular doctrine and will not receive their neighbors into their fellowship even though they say they believe their neighbors are children of God. However, that particular and peculiar doctrine which makes them what they are religiously, is without exception false.

Let us notice just here, a statement in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. "Now, I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1:10). Or: "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. 1:8). Paul and all the other apostles, preached the same thing: the gospel of Christ. When it was accepted and obeyed, it made ONE of those who did obey. They held to one belief and practice. This was and is yet, the purpose of the gospel, what God intends for it to do. The same result will follow the same kind of preaching the apostles did, even in the world in which we live today. There is no other way for anyone to be justified before God.

Since the practice of the majority of "modern churches" is contrary to what the New Testament" teaches, their doctrines conflict with each other, they practice different things and teach different "works" or obligations for their members, yet all claim to be followers of Christ, it is not out of place to examine some of their doctrines and practices, which we now do.

In many places one can see a large imposing structure and a sign which reveals it as a Catholic church. Almost all, if indeed not everyone knows the headquarters of this organization is the "Vatican". In this, the Pope is supreme. He claims to be the vicar of God and speaks infallibly for God. And every priest in Roman Catholicism is authorized to forgive sin. The New Testament teaches that Jesus Christ is the head of the church (Eph. 1:22-23). It also teaches that God speaks to men today through Christ (Heb. 1:1-4). Roman Catholicism contradicts the scriptures, blasphemes and speaks evil of God and His revelation. Every Roman Catholic church is a synagogue of Satan because of the doctrine taught there and the things practiced there. Much more could be said, but this should be apparent to those who will consider the TRUTH in the New Testament.

Next, we are confronted with a commodious building that is identified as a "Baptist church". Its members call themselves Baptists, although they profess to be Christians. There is absolutely no mention of such an organization in the scriptures. John, the forerunner of Christ, was called the Baptist or the Baptizer, because he taught the Jews of his day to repent and be baptized. John was THE BAPTIST or BAPTIZER, not A BAPTIST. The Baptist church did not come into existence until about 1607 A.D. This is about 1600 years too late to be the church revealed in the New Testament. In addition to the Bible, Baptist churches use a Manual for Baptist churches, written by men. In this manual is found authority for what they teach and practice, which are referred to as "articles of faith". These articles not only contradict the scriptures, they contradict each other. For example: "We believe the scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is "wholly" of grace, Article 4. In article 5, we find it said that "justification ... is solely through faith in Christ." It is not possible for salvation to be "wholly by grace" and "solely through faith in Christ." Grace is one thing and faith is something else. In Mark 16:16, Jesus said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Baptist doctrine denies what the Lord said. They neither believe, teach or practice what the apostles preached. Theirs is another gospel against which we are warned by Paul. They speak evil against the words of the Lord and blaspheme. Therefore, every Baptist church falls under the same condemnation as did those at Smyrna and Philadelphia, synagogues of Satan.

Then we find a building that is called "The church of the Latter-Day Saints." These people are better known as Mormons. The headquarters of the larger and better known of these people is at Salt Lake City, Utah. This organization is less than 200 years old. Its founder was Joseph Smith, who claimed an angel instructed him and he found some "golden plates" which were inscribed in an old forgotten language, which when translated into English, became the book of Mormon. This eventually lead to the establishment of the Mormon church. Other books were also written and were and are used by that organization. This, however, is sufficient to prove that the Mormon church is NOT of God. Paul wrote in Gal. 1:8: "But though we or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto than that which we have reached unto you, let him be accursed." Paul said that even an angel from heaven could not change that which he had preached without falling into condemnation. But Paul did not preach Mormon doctrine. Therefore the angel that Mr. Smith said revealed the plates to him was not from God. So they who preach it or teach it are anathema, accursed, wholly cut off from God. Can there be any doubt that every temple or tabernacle in which this false doctrine is taught is a synagogue of Satan?

The next church building we see is called a Methodist church. This organization is also widely spread and in some areas, quite popular. Let us examine some of the things they teach. I quote from a book entitled "Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church." It was written by "The ministers and laymen of the Methodist Episcopal church". In it they set forth the "fundamental law or constitution of the Methodist Episcopal church, the articles of religion, the general rules, and the articles of organization and government." This is blasphemy. They thrust aside God's rule, His law and His organization to make their own. The laws they wrote contradict the laws of God. For example: Article 1V reads in part: "Wherefore, that we are justified by faith only is a most wholesome doctrine and very full of comfort." Although they say in Article 5, "The scriptures contain all things necessary to salvation" they deny it, for the scriptures DO NOT teach that man is saved by faith only, or any other thing ONLY! Faith is essential to man's pleasing God, but James teaches plainly that "faith without works is dead" (James 2:26). In verse 24, he says, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified and not by faith only". There are other things included in the "articles of religion", which are contrary to that which the apostles delivered. But this should be sufficient to show that the Methodist church preaches another gospel, not that which the Holy Spirit revealed through the apostles. They reject the word of God, blaspheme by speaking and teaching contrary to it. By their own man-made doctrines they cut themselves off from God, teach error as though it were truth and deceive as many people as they can. If the Lord wrote another letter, do you think he would call them a synagogue of Satan?

There is also the "Presbyterian church". In a statement of belief adopted by the group, we look at the opening sentence of article 9, entitled The Christian Life. The Holy Spirit imparts spiritual life by the direct operation of His power, so that, being born from above, we are the children of God. But according to article 7, "these are those whom God the Father chose unto himself in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world. Comparing these statements to the scriptures, we find Paul writing in Rom. 1:16, For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Paul said God's saving power is in the word, the gospel, but Presbyterianism teaches that God's saving power is in a direct operation of the Holy Spirit. This doctrine denies what Paul taught. They push this aside to preach the predestination of Calvinism. Yet, they surely must know of the gracious invitation the Lord extended to all men. "Come unto me ALL ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). ALL means ALL. Any one laden with sin may accept that invitation, if they desire to do so and come to Christ for forgiveness. He gave commandment that his gospel be preached to all men of all nations, not just a few select people. What they need to find is the scripture that teaches a direct operation on the heart of a sinner to save him. Do not search for it, for it cannot be found. God's saving power is in HIS WORD. But this group of people, reject what has been revealed from heaven. They teach error, the doctrines of men. Since they preach another gospel, they are under the anathema of God. Does the Presbyterian church also become a synagogue of Satan? If not, why not? What more would Smyrna and Philadelphia have done?

The Church of the Nazarene will also be found in most cities and towns across the country. They also have a "manual" which was written by the ministers and lay men of the Church of the Nazarene. They have assembled fifteen articles of faith, followed by part 2: the church, with five points; which is followed by part 3: articles of organization and government; and part 4: amendments. All this suggests that they do not believe the Bible to be a sufficient guide. To the Word, they add the doctrines and commandments of men. They may say, many do, "What we have in our manual is just the Bible, nothing more." If that be true, then why have the manual? The truth is, there are a number of things in the manual which contradict the scriptures. Some have been mentioned in the discussion of other manuals. But here we look at part 9 of the articles of faith. "We believe that justification is that gracious and judicial act of God by which he grants full pardon of all guilt and complete release from all sins committed and acceptance as righteous, to all who believingly receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior." In effect, this says one's sins are forgiven at the point of faith or when a sinner believes. As stated above many others believe the same thing. Now let's look at some scripture. "He came unto his own and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (John 1:11-12). John denied what these people teach. He said the believer was given the power to become a son of God. The believer has the power to become a child of God but does not become a son of God until he exercises that power. You ask, perhaps, how does a believer exercise that power? Let Peter answer the question. In Acts 2, the apostles, Peter being one of them, began the proclamation of the new covenant God was revealing to mankind. As these men preached Christ, some who heard were pricked in their hearts and asked, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Peter replied: "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:37-38). Here is a Spirit inspired answer to the question, "How does a sinner exercise his faith?" Ananias, whom the Lord sent to Saul of Tarsus, said to him, "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized and wash away thy sin, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). Men say, this forgiveness of sins is an act of God alone and the sinner is completely inactive, except for faith. But the Bible does not so teach! The Bible teaches one thing, men teach the opposite. Men deny the revealed truth of God and choose to teach error. Are they then teaching the gospel Paul preached? What is the penalty for a failure to preach the gospel Paul preached? Are they who preach another gospel a citadel of truth or a synagogue of Satan?

Then there is the Christian church. Possibly some will think this group should not be considered in such a study. But consider the evidence. First, consider the name. It is a Bible name, isn't it? Yes, it is. The word is found three times in the New Testament: Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16. Each time it refers to a believer, one who has been baptized into Christ. The disciples were called Christians. It seems that many like that name and they attach it to many things, schools, colleges, athletic teams, churches, etc. But some one has said, If you can't baptize it, don't call it Christian. That is a good idea. Only people who believed and were baptized were called Christians in the scriptures. Baptized people make up the church, or it consists of people who have been baptized. Some object, saying, "Every member is a Christian. Why can't it be called a Christian church? Were those who compose the church baptized as a group, a church? Of course not! They were baptized as individuals. The church does not belong to people, but to Christ. He purchased it with his blood. It should not be called by a name that indicates that it belongs to men. But some say the only difference in the Christian church and the church of Christ is the use of mechanical instruments of music. That MAY have been true at one time in the distant past, but it is not true today. Many "Christian churches" fellowship denominational error. Some condone it by taking part in their services, their preachers exchanging pulpits, or at times worshipping together. Some look at the denominations as a part of the "overall" church. Some of Christian churches will accept into their fellowship a member of almost any denomination and never question their faith or baptism.

Mechanical instruments of music, used by all the religious groups mentioned previously, are also used by the Christian church. They are not authorized by scripture, for the New Testament teaches VOCAL music only in the worship of a congregation of Christians. For more than one hundred years these people have been trying to prove that the use of instrumental music is acceptable to God and not sinful. They have utterly failed in their efforts. They have not, nor can they prove by the scriptures that the use of the instruments are acceptable to God. Therefore, they too, reject the word of God, cast it aside, and do what THEY want to do. Now what did Symrna do more than this? What more did they of Philadelphia do, to be called a synagogue of Satan? Error, taught and practiced, brings on those who do so the anathema of God, for he is no respecter of persons!

There are many, many more religious groups that could be mentioned. Each one has a doctrine or a belief, that is peculiar to its self, if nothing more than the name it wears. Without exception that peculiar thing is false, or error. That doctrine, believed and practiced will result in eternal loss. Jesus said, "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32).

The New Testament is truth, it is the word of God. It and it alone, when believed and obeyed will cleanse one from the guilt and stain of sin. If you desire that freedom, study your New Testament. Learn what it teaches, learn to divide it aright, believe it and obey its commands. Continue this obedience as long as life in the flesh shall last, and be numbered with the redeemed in the ceaseless ages of eternity.

Are you a member of Christ's church?