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- printable version VOLUME 24, NUMBER 52
December 29, 2002
A CHRISTIAN FIRST, THEN, A METHODIST
Walter W. Pigg – edited for space
Some time ago an individual made a
most interesting comment concerning her religion when I introduced myself to her as a
preacher of the church of Christ. Her comment was that she was, “A Christian first,
then, a Methodist.” To hear someone say that he or she is a member of the Methodist
Church is quite common, especially in the South where I grew up. But for one to make such
a clear distinction between being a Christian and being a Methodist was most unusual to
me.
Reasoning from the above, one can rightly conclude that being a Christian and being
“a Methodist” are two entirely different things. It would follow, then, that one
can be “a Christian” and not be “a Methodist” or, one could be “a
Methodist” and not be “a Christian.” Interestingly enough, that is exactly
what the Bible teaches! It is our intention to show that to be the case in the following
remarks. We begin by considering this important matter:
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CHRISTIAN
Acts 11:26 informs us that “the disciples were called Christians first at
Antioch.” The term Christian is also found in Acts 26:28 and I Pet. 4:16. The term
means an adherent or follower of Christ. It carries a meaning of honor and respect when
correctly applied to Christ's true followers. To better understand the meaning of the term
Christian we need to look at how people became Christians in the first century.
When studying the conversions recorded in Acts, a distinct pattern of how people became
Christians is noted. It will be observed that in every single case the convert first heard
God's word. It was from the hearing of God's word that faith came, as Paul points out in
Rom. 10:17 when he said, “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of
God.” God's word called upon people to repent. Christ said it is repent or perish
(Luke 13:3), and Paul said that God, “now commandeth all men everywhere to
repent” (Acts 17:30). Paul also speaks of confession when he said, “with the
mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Rom. 10:10). The Ethiopian was asked by
Philip to confess his faith in Christ before he was baptized (Acts 8:37). In every
conversion, baptism of the individual took place. In Acts 2:38, the inquiring listeners
were told to “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ
for the remission of sins...” In the Great Commission, as recorded in Mark 16:15_16,
salvation was promised to those who believed the gospel and were baptized.
When people today follow this same pattern that we have noted above, they, too,
become Christians. At that point the Lord adds them to the church (Acts 2:47), of which
Christ is the head and savior (Eph. 5:23). The Bible reveals no other way by which people
became Christians. Now, that we have seen what it means to become a Christian, let us
consider:
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A METHODIST
As we have noted already, when people follow the Bible pattern they become Christians.
That is what God wants and what Christ died on Calvary to make possible. But being “a
Methodist” is something entirely different. The Bible knows nothing of people
becoming Methodists, and history knows of none before the 1700s. The Bible does say,
however, that people would “teach(ing) for doctrines the commandments of men”
(Matt. 15:9). Our Lord goes on to say that “Every plant, which my heavenly Father
hath not planted, shall be rooted up” (Matt. 15:13). In the great “Sermon on the
mount,” Christ says, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter
into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in
heaven” (Matt. 7:21). This tells us that there will be religious people who will not
be acceptable to the Lord.
To be a Methodist is to be a member of the Methodist Church, which had its beginning in
1739 A.D. as a result of the teaching of John Wesley. One can be a Methodist and never be
a Christian. To be a Christian one must follow God's instructions; to be a Methodist one
need only follow the teachings of men. In fact, one cannot be a true Christian and a
Methodist at the same time! It is a fact, however, that some Christians have departed from
the faith and became Methodist, but not with God's approval. Such people will not find
salvation in the Methodist Church. It can be found only in the blood-bought institution,
the church or body of Christ (Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18).
To see further how that being a Methodist is entirely different from being a Christian,
note the following:
1. The Methodist Church was established 17 centuries this side of the establishment of the
church which Christ built (Matt. 16:18).
2. Methodists generally sprinkle water on individuals instead of “burying”
(immersing) them in water. This act is called baptism.
3. Methodists sprinkle (call it baptism) infants and small children who are incapable of
believing in Christ and the Gospel, which is God's power to save people (Rom. 1:16).
4. The Methodist church is governed by their Discipline, which contains various manmade
doctrines. One example is that of the “faith only” doctrine, found in Article
IX. It states, þWherefore, that we are justified by faith only, is a most wholesome
doctrine, and very full of comfort.” This is a direct contradiction of what James
says on the subject: “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by
faith only” (James 2:24). Another manmade doctrine is that of original sin. Also, the
form of government of the Methodist Church is completely foreign to the New Testament.
Conclusion
Indeed, people ought to be Christians! And, this should be first and last. This is the
only way God can be pleased and salvation enjoyed. There never has been nor will there
ever be a God-given reason for being a Methodist. A faithful Christian is all anyone will
ever need to be, and what an exalted privilege that is! Why would anyone ever opt for a
manmade religion rather than the blood purchased one?
Family Bulletin Board
Remember those who have chronic
illnesses with prayer, visits, phone calls, and cards. Jamie Farmer, Delsie Bishop, Lola
Mae Hamlett, Fern Boynton, Ella Brumitt, Louise Hunt, Reva Brewer, Savannah Green, and
Elizabeth Fowler.
DAVID VILLANUEVA was baptized on December 20th. We welcome him and rejoice in his
salvation from sin.
ELDERS & DEACONS – meet today at 5:00.
POTLUCK next Sunday. In charge of the kitchen:
Mariann Stillwell
Betty Beatty
ELEMENTARY YOUTH GROUP MEETING – January 14th – 6:45
PANTRY ITEMS needed: Soup & all canned vegetables except green beans and corn.
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