Bible Questions and Answers
with
Malcolm L. Hill, President
Tennessee Bible College

Question

“What is the difference in denominationalism and Christianity?”

Answer

There is much difference in denominationalism and Christianity. Denominations teach that there are many gospels and that one is just as good as another. The Bible teaches there is one and only one gospel of Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:6-9). Denominations teach that are many different faiths and that one is just as good as another. The Bible teaches there is but one and only one faith (Eph. 4:4-6).

Denominations teach that religious division is wonderful and that God is well pleased with religious division. But the Bible teaches that religious division is sinful (I Cor. 1:10-13). Jesus Christ prayed for unity in the very shadow of the cross (Jn. 17:20-21). All the apostles were united in the faith and belonged to the same church. The inspired preachers of the Bible taught the same gospel (Gal. 2:5, 7).

Denominationalism teaches that there are many kinds of Christians. The Bible teaches there are Christians and only Christians (Acts 11:26; I Pet. 4:16). Denominations teach many plans to save but the Bible teaches only one plan to save (Jn. 14:6; Acts 16:17; Matt. 7:14). Denominationalism teaches one may add to the Bible or take from the Bible and still be pleasing in the sight of God. The Bible teaches that God will not save those who add to His Word (Prov. 30:6; Rev. 22:18-19). Denominations teach that men may do what pleases them in religion. The Bible teaches that we may do only those things which are authorized in the Holy Scriptures (Col. 3:17).

Denominations teach that we should let our conscience be our guide in religion. The Bible teaches that we are to follow the Bible and it alone. The Bible is to be the guide for the conscience (II Tim. 3:16-17; II Pet. 1:3). Denominations teach that men are saved by faith only. The Bible teaches we are not saved by faith only (Js. 2:24-26). Denominations teach the eternal security of the believer or that one cannot fall from grace. The Bible teaches that we can fall from grace and be lost (I Cor. 10:12). The Bible teaches that our names can be blotted out of the Book of Life (Rev. 3:5; Ex. 32:33).

Denominations teach that water has nothing to do with God's plan to save. The Bible teaches that Jesus said we must be baptized to be saved (Mk. 16:16). The Bible says that baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). The Bible teaches that in baptism our sins are washed away by the blood of Christ (Acts 22:16). Denominations teach that we do not have to take the Lord's supper on the first day of the week. The Bible teaches that we are to take the Lord's Supper on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).

Denominations teach that mechanical instruments of music may be used in worship to God. The Bible teaches that we are to sing and make melody in our heart to the Lord (Col. 3:16-17; Eph. 5:19). Denominations teach that all men are predestined to be saved or lost before they are born and that they have nothing personal to do with their salvation. The Bible teaches that all men may be saved (Matt. 11:28-29). The Bible teaches that "whosoever will" can come to God (Rev. 22:17). The Bible teaches that man can be saved by submitting to Christ (Acts 2:40). The Bible teaches that some men will not come to Christ and be saved (Jn. 5:40).

There is much difference in what the Bible teaches and what denominationalism teaches. Who will you listen to? Who will you obey? Who is your Saviour? Will you follow Jesus and His teaching?

Question

“What is modest apparel? Does it change with the times?”

Answer

Let me answer the last part of this question first. People should always clothe themselves in modest apparel. That which is modest should be followed at all times.

Clothing styles may and do change from time to time. But those who would follow God's will know when to stop and how far to go. When styles are not in keeping with Bible principles, those who love God will follow the Bible rather than styles and fashions.

Let us find out what modest apparel is according to the Bible. In I Timothy 2:9-10 the Bible says, "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."

The word "modest" in this passage means "decent." In other words, Christians are to clothe themselves decently at all times when in the presence of others. If what we sometimes see on some is decent, then to remove one piece of clothing would leave them virtually without anything on! What about the bathing suits of our time? What about short shorts and a halter? Preachers used to speak out for God on this type of scanty clothing, but few do so anymore. I wonder why?

Let us look at the word "shamefacedness" in I Timothy 2:9. This word means "to have a sense of shame." How much clothing would some have to take off in order to be ashamed? The bikini bathing suits, for all practical purposes, are as near nude as one can get and still have a few threads on one's body. How can some women and men say they are Christians and be found in such on beaches and at public swimming pools? Where is the sense of shame in such people?

One can be immodest by putting on too much silver, gold, lipstick and rouge. Some look like they are headed for a Halloween party every time we see them. I Timothy 2:9-10 condemns such gaudiness.

Sometimes some are immodest by wearing clothing too tight. I have seen some that looked like they had been poured into their jeans or pantsuits. A dress or a skirt can be too tight. Decent women need to remember this. Right-thinking women will remember this.

Immodesty should not be taken lightly. I am afraid it is, by most people of our time. Remember, God's Judgment Day is ahead and we will all give an account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:12). Let us all take heed as to the way we dress.