ANOTHER JESUS

by Charles N. Spence, Jr.

I am sure you have heard the phrase said, "We are all following the same Jesus" to justify the religious division that exists in the world. But, are all the different churches really following the same Jesus. The Jesus that we read about in the Bible is the one who prayed that “They may all be one” (John 17:21). Those who believe that all churches, no matter how different in doctrine, are all following the same Jesus, need to realize that they are following a Jesus who is different from the one revealed in Scripture. There are those in the religious community that believe that all one needs to do to be saved is believe. Yet, the Jesus of Scripture teaches, “He who believes AND is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Some in the religious community embrace the teaching that once a person is saved he is always saved. However, the Jesus of the Bible teaches in John 15:2 & 6, “Every branch IN ME that does not bear fruit He takes away . . . If anyone does not abide (Continue, endure, remain) IN ME, he is, CAST OUT as a branch and withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.” The Jesus of Scripture said, “I will build MY CHURCH" (Mat. 16:18). Yet, he did not build a Denominational (Divided) Church. Those type of churches must have been built by another Jesus.

Until people come to grip with the Jesus of the Bible, there will never be unity in the religious community. For, to be religious does not mean one is right with God. Jesus said, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:8-9). Please, let us all be content to hear and follow the Jesus of Scripture. Then and only then will we be one flock and one shepherd (John 10:17).