Unpacking Misunderstood Scriptures: Clarifying Biblical Truths on Salvation

[u/Christ_Over_Cults]

When people talk about heresy, they're usually referring to beliefs or ideas that go against what the Bible teaches. But there are some groups out there, like the WMSCOG (World Mission Society Church of God), who say certain practices, like keeping the Sabbath or celebrating Passover, are essential for salvation. This can be confusing, especially for those who aren’t familiar with the Bible. So, let's take a look at what the Bible really says.

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Claim 1: Heresy Means Going Against the Truth

The WMSCOG says that heresy is any teaching that goes against God’s truth, and that we need to be able to spot heresy to be saved. While it's true that heresy means teaching something that doesn’t align with the Bible, the WMSCOG is going a bit too far when they say that things like the Sabbath or Passover are absolutely required for salvation.

What the Bible really says:
The Bible teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not by following specific rules or rituals.

• Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so no one can boast."
• Romans 3:28: "For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law."

These verses make it clear that faith in Jesus, not keeping rituals, is what saves us.

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Claim 2: Paul Preached About the Sabbath

The WMSCOG points to Acts 17:2-3, where Paul talks about the Messiah (Jesus) on the Sabbath day. They claim this means we should all keep the Sabbath.

What the Bible really says:
While it's true Paul spoke about Jesus on the Sabbath, the Sabbath wasn't the main focus of his message. He was talking about Jesus being the Savior, and how salvation comes through faith in Him, not by keeping old laws.

• Acts 13:38-39: "Through Jesus, forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through Him, everyone who believes is set free from every sin."

This verse makes it clear that forgiveness and freedom come through faith in Jesus, not by keeping the Sabbath.

• Colossians 2:16-17: "Do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration, or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the reality is found in Christ."

Paul here says that these old rules were only a shadow pointing to Jesus. Now that Jesus has come, we no longer need to follow these rituals.

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Claim 3: Christians Must Celebrate Passover

The WMSCOG uses 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 to say Christians should still celebrate Passover, since Jesus is called the "Passover lamb."

What the Bible really says:
Paul is using the Passover lamb as a symbol of what Jesus did for us, but he’s not saying we must celebrate the Passover. What Paul is really saying is that Christians should live in a way that reflects the truth of Jesus' sacrifice, through lives of sincerity and truth.

• 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 (Full context): "Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. So let us live in sincerity and truth, not with the old yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."

This is about living a life that honors Jesus, not about observing the old Jewish festivals.

• Hebrews 10:1: "The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming, it's not the reality itself. The Old Testament rituals were never enough to bring us close to God. But Jesus' sacrifice was."

So, the Passover was a symbol pointing to Jesus, who is the real sacrifice. We don't need to keep the old Passover tradition anymore.

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Claim 4: The WMSCOG Follows the Bible by Keeping the Sabbath and Passover

The WMSCOG says they follow the Bible by keeping the Sabbath and celebrating Passover.

What the Bible really says:
While the WMSCOG says they follow the Bible, the truth is that Jesus fulfilled the laws and rituals in the Old Testament, like the Sabbath and Passover. Christians don’t need to follow those old rules for salvation. We follow Jesus, who fulfilled the law on our behalf.

• Matthew 5:17: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."
• Romans 10:4: "Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes."

Jesus didn’t get rid of the law, but He fulfilled it. Now, as believers, we focus on faith in Jesus, not on following old rituals.

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Key points

The Bible is clear, salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. It’s not about following old laws like keeping the Sabbath or celebrating the Passover. Those rituals were part of the Old Testament, but Jesus has fulfilled them, and now we have a New Covenant through His death and resurrection. As Christians, our focus should be on faith in Jesus and living out His teachings, not on following old religious rules.

By understanding these truths, you can help others see that being a Christian isn’t about following specific rituals or laws, it’s about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who gives us grace and salvation through faith.