Although their members are usually unaware of it, most all denominations are governed in doctrine and practice by a church or manual written by a group of men of their own religious beliefs. Yet, what saith the Scriptures: are creed books accepted or condemned by God?
(1) “[6] I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: [7] Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. [8] 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. [9] As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:6-9). To say that there is “another gospel” (v:6) is to say that there was only one being taught, or that there were two? There were two. Who produced the “other gospel”? Men (V:9). What effect was this other gospel producing? It was removing these people from God (v:6); it was a perversion of God’s gospel (v:7); it was causing its proclaimers to be accursed of God (v:8). Was this additional, man-made, religious creed book accepted of God? No.
(2) “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city” (Rev. 22:18-19). Is “this book” the Bible? Yes. Are church creed books exactly the same in contents as the Bible? No. Since no creed book is exactly the same as the Bible, why is there the difference? Creed books either leave out some of the Bible, or/and add other doctrines. What does God do to those who “take away” or “add unto” the Bible? He will take away their part out of the book of life and the holy city (loss of salvation), and add unto them horrible plagues (eternal punishment). Are creed books accepted of God? No.
(3) “But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Mat. 15:9). Are church creed books authored by men? Yes. Do church creed books set forth the denomination’s doctrines? Yes. Are these man-made doctrinal books vain? Yes.
(4) “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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Do the Scriptures provide us with everything we need so that we may be perfect? Yes. Do the Scriptures provide us with everything we need that we may be completely furnished unto all good works? Yes. Is not the use of creed books saying: (a) “I do not have faith in what you are saying, God; I do not believe it. The Scriptures do not supply us with everything we need;” (b) “You are fallible, God, because You did not give us everything we need to function;” (c) “We’re smarter than You, God, because we had to improve upon Your work;” (d) “We are God, because we are making religious laws by which man is to live”? Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Is this blasphemy? Yes. Does God accept blasphemy? No.
Tell us plainly, are creed books accepted or condemned by God? They are condemned by God.
Gary Henson
Series on: “Tell Us Plainly” (John 10:24)