PROTESTANTISM

Protestantism is the general name for all denominations outside the Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox churches. It resulted from a great religious and political movement, the Reformation, which began in Europe in the 1500s.

The predominant figure in this movement was Martin Luther, who concluded that the Bible, not the pope, was infallible (free from error). Luther's outrage at the way indulgences, or spiritual pardons, were sold in Saxony led him to speak out against the Catholic church.

On October 31, 1517, Luther nailed his "Ninety-five thesis" to the door of the All Saints church in Wittenberg. While never intending to start a movement, after he was declared a heretic and excommunicated by the Catholic church, he organized his conservative Lutheran church in 1522.

The reformation spread to Switzerland, France, England and other countries. More and more man-made churches were begun. Since that time (and even now) more sects are beginning.

The Roman Catholic church and the denominational churches are religious sects and not authorized churches, for the Lord said "upon this rock I will build my church" (Mt. 16:18). He did not say, "churches" but church.

The Lord promised to build only one church. The church was built upon Christ. Christ is the only foundation (1 Cor. 3:11), and chief corner stone (Eph. 2:20). That church was established on the day of Pentecost 33 AD (Acts 2), and we can read about it throughout the book of Acts and the letters written by the apostles.

Martin Luther was right when he declared that the Bible is the only infallible guide for us today. This is the standard by which the true church can be identified. If an organization is not willing (or able) to provide book, chapter, and verse for their every practice, they cannot be using the Bible for their authority.

It is essential that Roman Catholics and Protestants recognize that their religious organizations are not consistent with the clear teachings of God's word. It clearly teaches us that God does not want His church divided in any way (1 Cor. 1:10), and that the assignment of names to designate (denominate) these groups is condemned (1 Cor 1:12-13).

The responsibility to communicate this lies with those who know the truth in this regard. Motivated by love, let us face our responsibility to teach all people about Christ and His church.

[Summarized from an article by Ray F. Dively; Guardian of Truth; June 16, 1994.]