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Looking for a Biblical Church

First of all, you have to go to a church that has an extremely high view of the Scriptures. In other words, you want to go to a church that believes that the Bible is the Word of God, and what they mean by that is word by word the word of God. There are no mistakes in it. This view is called verbal plenary inspiration. Inerrancy. Infallibility. They believe that the Bible is the authority. They teach from it word by word on Sunday so that you might learn what the Bible has to say and use that as a standard for your daily life.

The church in question must also hold to the so-called "five pillars" of the Reformation. Every believer should know the foundation issues on which Martin Luthur and the others stood when they rose up to denounce the pope as the antichrist.

The Reformation was one of the greatest events in world history. Essentially, it was a work of God concerned with the truth of biblical doctrine. Roman Catholicism was rejected, because it was seen that it was not the religion of Jesus Christ.

Today, we witness high-level attempts to undo the glorious work of the Reformation, either by churches that compromise to teaching of false doctrine. This is a betrayal of our Christian faith and a contemptuous rejection of our Reformation heritage. So what are the five pillars?

Sola Scriptura--Scripture Alone

The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as inspired by God, are the sole and sufficient authority in all matters of faith and practice. The written Word stands gloriously alone in its majesty. It testifies in God's name. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16 & 17.

Sola Gratia--Grace Alone

Grace is the unmerited favor of God, or His free love. People have done nothing to deserve it. By grace, God chooses them and redeems them through Jesus Christ, calls them by the Holy Spirit, justifies them by faith, adopts them into His family, and preserves them unto eternal life. "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work." Romans 11:6

Solo Christo--By Christ Alone

Christ is set forth in Scripture as a mediator. Only through Christ can we have acceptance with God. He is the only way of access into God's presence and the only channel by which blessings are bestowed. "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." 1 Timothy 2:5-6

Sola Fide--Faith Alone

Faith is simply the sinner's personal reliance on Christ as Saviour. God only justifies us when, in our desperation, we flee to Christ and place our entire confidence in His substitutionary life and death. Even faith is a gift of grace from God. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:" Romans 5:1 "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." Galations 2:16

Soli Deo Gloria--Glory To God Alone

The true doctrine magnifies God's grace in salvation and causes us to lift high the voice of adoring praise and thanksgiving, so that all the glory is given to God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

A Community

Christ taught that the Church should have a special love between each and every member of the congregation. Churches that have inner friction, open outbursts of anger, and a lack of a forgiving spirit to others are to be avoided. Christ's disciples are commanded to love each other, and to give up things in their lives in order to meet each other's needs, both spiritual and physical.

However, it should be noted that one should also avoid a church that stresses unity over truth. If there is something wrong in the church (i.e. false teaching), then it must be addressed and corrected. In this day and age, people often confuse the terms love and unity. People want unity at all costs, even if it means compromising the truth. Unity must yield to truth, not the other way around. Unity without truth is whoredom.

I wish you well in your search for the right church. Other Christians in your new church home should be wonderful supporters in your new life. The positive support gained in being part of a church can be very helpful in your new walk with God and the changes you are making in your life.

Soli Deo Gloria. --Wai Szeto

[Last edited March 28, 2002]