TBC Doctrinal Class - Separation (Part 18b)

S TAT E M E N T 1 8 THE DOCTRINE OF SEPARATION S TAT E M E N T 1 8 We believe in the separation of the local church from groups which are guilty of apostasy or heresy. e.g., We have no part with the following movements: a. The World Council of Churches and affiliates. b. Roman Catholicism (Galatians 1:8) c. The modern day Charismatic Movement (Titus 3:10-11) d. Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, Herbert W. Armstrong, and other cults (2 John 9-11). Statement 18 connects to Statement 17 and our being an independent church. Statement Statement 17 We believe in the independence of the local church from any other church, denomination, or the State (Acts 15:25-29). WHY DO PEOPLE PUT UP FENCES? F E N C E S A R E A L W AY S _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ B U T N O T A L W AY S _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ? F E N C E S A R E A L W AY S R E S T R I C T I V E B U T N O T A L W AY S U N L O V I N G . What is Statement 18 about? We believe in the separation of the local church from groups which are guilty of apostasy or heresy. e.g., We have no part with the following movements: a. The World Council of Churches and affiliates. b. Roman Catholicism (Galatians 1:8) c. The modern day Charismatic Movement (Titus 3:10-11) d. Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, Herbert W. Armstrong, and other cults (2 John 9-11). What statement 18 is not teaching toward persons in the following groups: a. The World Council of Churches and affiliates b. Roman Catholicism c. The modern day Charismatic Movement d. Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, Herbert W. Armstrong, and other cults • extreme s _ _ _ _ _ _ g • a _ _ _ _ _ _ language • v__________n • v______ What statement 18 is not teaching toward persons in the following groups: a. The World Council of Churches and affiliates b. Roman Catholicism c. The modern day Charismatic Movement fi d. Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, Herbert W. Armstrong, and other cults • extreme shunning • abusive language • vili cation • violence Why do we separate? 1. Separation arises from God’s h _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . 2. Separation arises from God’s _ _ _ _ /Fatherly c_ _ _ _ _ n for His children. Why do we separate? 1. Separation arises from God’s holiness. 2. Separation arises from God’s love/Fatherly concern for His children. What about these speci c groups? We believe in the separation of the local church from groups which are guilty of apostasy or heresy. e.g., We have no part with the following movements: a. The World Council of Churches and affiliates. b. Roman Catholicism (Galatians 1:8) c. The modern day Charismatic Movement (Titus 3:10-11) fi d. Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, Herbert W. Armstrong, and other cults (2 John 9-11). Why do . . . e.g., We have no part with the following movements: a. The World Council of Churches and affiliates. What is the World Council of Churches? A fellowship of 356 churches from more than 120 countries, representing over 580 million Christians worldwide. https://www.oikoumene.org/about-the-wcc What is the purpose of the World Council of Churches? The World Council of Churches is a worldwide fellowship of churches in search of Christian unity, common witness, and service to all people. As a global expression of the modern ecumenical movement, the WCC’s member churches all “confess the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour according to the scriptures,” and therefore seek to fulfil together their common calling, "so that the world may believe" (John 17:21). https://www.oikoumene.org/about-the-wcc/faq Inspiring the worldwide fellowship of churches to work together for unity, justice and peace. Unity Discover what we do for: EDUCATION ECUMENICAL RELATIONS YOUTH ENGAGEMENT MISSION SPIRITUALITY Inspiring the worldwide fellowship of churches to work together for unity, justice and peace. Justice Discover what we do for: GENDER JUSTICE CARE FOR CREATION HEALTH SOCIAL JUSTICE ECONOMIC JUSTICE Inspiring the worldwide fellowship of churches to work together for unity, justice and peace. Peace Discover what we do for: DISARMAMENT MIGRATION INTERFAITH DIALOGUE PEACEBUILDING INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS Who is in the World Council of Churches? WCC member churches can be found in all regions of the world and include most of the world's Orthodox churches (Eastern and Oriental), as well as African Instituted, Anglican, Assyrian, Baptist, Evangelical, Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Moravian, OldCatholic, Pentecostal, Reformed, United/Uniting and Free/ Independent churches, Disciples of Christ and Friends (Quakers). https://www.oikoumene.org/member-churches What’s the problem with these churches? WCC member churches can be found in all regions of the world and include most of the world's Orthodox churches (Eastern and Oriental), as well as African Instituted, Anglican, Assyrian, Baptist, Evangelical, Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Moravian, OldCatholic, Pentecostal, Reformed, United/Uniting and Free/ Independent churches, Disciples of Christ and Friends (Quakers). https://www.oikoumene.org/member-churches Not all of these churches and denominations a rm proclaim the same gospel. WCC member churches can be found in all regions of the world and include most of the world's Orthodox churches (Eastern and Oriental), as well as African Instituted, Anglican, Assyrian, Baptist, Evangelical, Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Moravian, OldCatholic, Pentecostal, Reformed, United/Uniting and Free/ Independent churches, Disciples of Christ and Friends (Quakers). ffi https://www.oikoumene.org/member-churches Not all of these churches and denominations a rm and defend key doctrines. WCC member churches can be found in all regions of the world and include most of the world's Orthodox churches (Eastern and Oriental), as well as African Instituted, Anglican, Assyrian, Baptist, Evangelical, Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Moravian, OldCatholic, Pentecostal, Reformed, United/Uniting and Free/ Independent churches, Disciples of Christ and Friends (Quakers). ffi https://www.oikoumene.org/member-churches ffi Not all of these churches and denominations a rm and defend key doctrines. Example: ff How will sitting under Pastor Katie at First Church, a Uniting Methodist Church that is part of the World Council of Churches, a ect your faith? What is the connection between believing God’s words and salvation? Romans 10:16–17 (ESV) But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed 17 what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Not all of these churches and denominations a rm and defend key doctrines. Baptist Pastor CONDEMNS King Josiah For Destroying Idols and Asherah Poles Staff Writer August 27, 2026 ffi • “ Our primary Baptist a liations are with the Alliance of Baptists and the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America/Bautistas por la Paz. We maintain a relationship with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, too, though it is increasingly di cult as that organization has failed to welcome and a rm LGBTQIA+ members fully. At this time, we continue to hope that our presence calls the CBF to repent of its exclusionary policies and embrace its LGBTQIA+ members without reservation.” ffi ffi ffi ffi bolding mine; https://www.glendalebaptist.org/baptist-a liationsdc9493a4 ffi Not all of these churches and denominations a rm and defend key doctrines. How will sitting under Pastor Helton at Glendale Baptist Church a ect your faith? Will you believe in the God that the Bible describes or the god that Pastor Helton imagines? ff Will you come away condoning idol-worship and condemning idol-repenters? What is the proper response to churches that do not believe the Bible? 2 Corinthians 6:14–16a (ESV) Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. What is the proper response to churches that do not believe the Bible? 2 Corinthians 6:14–16a (ESV) Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? Separation is practiced on a continuum. • private questions (pre-separation) • private confrontation (pre-separation) • public confrontation (pre-separation) • cessation of fellowship/worship • public statement of differences • public rebuke • public denunciation of apostasy or heresy Separation is practiced on a continuum. • not every denomination/group in the World Council of Churches is apostate (departed from the Gospel) • not every branch within a denomination supports the WCC agenda (e.g., the United Methodist Church in Africa) • not every congregation within a denomination in the WCC supports the WCC’s agenda (e.g. American Baptist Convention, Uniting Church Australia) Why do . . . We have no part with the following movements: b. Roman Catholicism (Galatians 1:8) Galatians 1:8 (ESV) But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. What was the context of Galatians 1:8? Galatians 1:6–9 (ESV) I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. How does Galatians 1:8 connect to the Roman Catholic Church? Justification = the key issue between Baptists (& other Protestants) and Roman Catholics Mary as Mediator or Co-Redemptrix = 2nd key issue Scripture as the final authority (rather than Church tradition) = 3rd issue What does the Roman Catholic Church say about justi cation? “Justification has been merited for us by the Passion of Christ who offered himself on the cross as a living victim, holy and pleasing to God, and whose blood has become the instrument of atonement for the sins of all men. Justification is conferred in Baptism, the sacrament of faith. It conforms us to the righteousness of God, who makes us inwardly just by the power of his mercy. Its purpose is the glory of God and of Christ, and the gift of eternal life: " fi 40 Is it true? “Justification has been merited for us by the Passion of Christ who offered himself on the cross as a living victim, holy and pleasing to God, and whose blood has become the instrument of atonement for the sins of all men.” https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_three/section_one/ chapter_three/article_2/grace_and_justification.html Is it true? Justification is conferred in Baptism, the sacrament of faith. No! Is it true? Justification is conferred in Baptism, the sacrament of faith. Galatians 2:16 (ESV) yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Is it true? It [justification] conforms us to the righteousness of God, who makes us inwardly just by the power of his mercy. No! Is it true? It [justification] conforms us to the righteousness of God, who makes us inwardly just by the power of his mercy. Justification is a declaration of righteousness. Justification is not a “conforming to righteousness” or a “making righteous.” Justi cation is courtroom language. • a verdict on the past I.e., The judge declares whether a past action meets the standard of the law or not. The accused is declared innocent [justified] or declared guilty [condemned]. fi • not a re-shaping or a re-imagining of the past Is it true? Its [justification’s] purpose is the glory of God and of Christ, and the gift of eternal life: 40 Yes & Amen! Romans 3:24 (ESV) and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, Is it true? The Holy Spirit is the master of the interior life. By giving birth to the "inner man," justification entails the sanctification of his whole being: 44 No! Justification and sanctification are distinct but both necessary. Is it true? “This disposition, or preparation, is followed by Justification itself, which is not remission of sins merely, but also the sanctification and renewal of the inward man,” General Council of Trent: Sixth Session No! Is it true? “This disposition, or preparation, is followed by Justification itself, which is not remission of sins merely, but also the sanctification and renewal of the inward man,” General Council of Trent: Sixth Session Romans 4:5 (ESV) And to the one who does not work but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, Is it true? Justification = Christ’s righteousness + no human effort Sanctification = Christ’s grace + human effort Philippians 2:12–13 (ESV) Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation 13 with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Why does the Roman Catholic Church say this? “This disposition, or preparation, is followed by Justification itself, which is not remission of sins merely, but also the sanctification and renewal of the inward man,” General Council of Trent: Sixth Session The Council of Trent “At the seminal Council of Trent (1545–1563), the Roman Catholic authorities declared that faith affords three things: the initium, the fundamentum, and the radix. That is, faith is the beginning of justification, the foundation for justification, and the root of justification. But Rome held that a person can have true faith and still not be justified, because there was much more to the Roman system.” — R.C. Sproul bolding mine; “What Does the Roman Catholic Church Believe About Justification?” https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/what-does-roman-catholic-church-believe-about-justification Losing your justi cation “In reality, the Roman view of the gospel, as expressed at Trent, was that justification is accomplished through the sacraments. Initially, the recipient must accept and cooperate in baptism, by which he receives justifying grace. He retains that grace until he commits a mortal sin. Mortal sin is called “mortal” because it kills the grace of justi cation.” — R.C. Sproul bolding mine; “What Does the Roman Catholic Church Believe About Justification?” fi fi https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/what-does-roman-catholic-church-believe-about-justification Multiple justi cations “The sinner then must be justified a second time. That happens through the sacrament of penance, which the Council of Trent defined as “a second plank” of justification for those who have made shipwreck of their souls.The fundamental difference was this. Trent said that God does not justify anyone until real righteousness inheres within the person. In other words, God does not declare a person righteous unless he or she is righteous. So, according to Roman Catholic doctrine, justification depends on a person’s sanctification.” — R.C. Sproul bolding mine; “What Does the Roman Catholic Church Believe About Justification?” fi https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/what-does-roman-catholic-church-believe-about-justification Does the Bible teach multiple justi cations or the loss of justi cation? fi fi NO!!! What is scripture’s teaching about the permanence of justi cation? fi Romans 8:1 (ESV) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. What do we lose if we can lose our justi cation? fi Assurance Does God intend for His children to be secure in their relationship to Him? 1 John 5:13 (ESV) I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. How should we respond to the Roman Catholic Church which rede nes justi cation into faith + my keeping the sacraments? fi fi Romans 16:17–18 (ESV) I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been 18 taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. Who else rede nes justi cation contrary to the NT? fi fi The Eastern Orthodox Church How do the EO (Eastern Orthodox de ne justi cation? “We believe that no one can be saved without faith. By faith we mean the right notion that is in us concerning God and divine things, which, working by love, that is to say, by [keeping] the Divine commandments, justifies us with Christ; and without this [faith] it is impossible to please God.” fi fi (bolding mine; https://crivoice.org/creeddositheus.html, Decree 9) How do the EO (Eastern Orthodox de ne justi cation? “We believe a man to be not simply justified through faith alone, but through faith which works through love, that is to say, through faith and works.” fi fi (bolding mine; https://crivoice.org/creeddositheus.html, Decree 13) How do the EO (Eastern Orthodox de ne justi cation? “Our justification is to be effected by good works also; which consist in the fulfilment of the law of God.” (Platon, Metropolitan of Moscow, The Great Catechism of the Holy Catholic, Apostolic, and Orthodox Church (Kindle Locations 482-483). Simpkin, Marshall, & Company. Kindle Edition.) fi fi See https://carm.org/what-does-the-eastern-orthodox-church-sayabout-justification. How do the EO (Eastern Orthodox de ne justi cation? “Justification is accomplished at baptism and maintained through a life of obedience to God and confession of sins.” bolding mine; https://orthodoxbridge.com/2015/02/09/what-doorthodox-christians-believe-about-justification/ fi fi See https://carm.org/what-does-the-eastern-orthodox-church-sayabout-justification.