I want you to understand from the very beginning that this is not the only question that needs to be asked or the only test of fellowship or acceptance. But it is a place to start, for it does not get any more fundamental than salvation and one’s eternal destiny.
Sometimes the question is asked by Christians today, “Is it ok for me to go and visit ‘other churches’ (they mean denominations) with my friends?” Other Christians sometimes begin questioning their own faith or start looking at denominational groups, thinking that they might like one of them better or feel more comfortable there or find something that they think is more appealing. There are other occasions when Christians might be intrigued or asked to financially contribute to a “religious organization” (not necessarily calling itself a “church”) or attend events like “religious revivals.” If times like these arise in your life, how should you respond? What answer should you give?
As with all questions and considerations that involve our Christian life and our responsibilities toward God, the Bible must be consulted as our one and only guide. God instructed us clearly, “And whatever you do,” which would include these matters introduced above, “in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17). As children of God, we are obligated to “not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1; cf. 1 Thess. 5:21).
The first (and perhaps easiest) “test” to administer is asking the question, “What do they teach that someone must do in order to be saved?” The question of salvation is, after all, the most important of all matters, as it deals with the eternal destiny of souls. The Bible teaches, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). God requires both! The Bible teaches, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). God requires both!
Highly unfortunate and greatly puzzling is the fact that a large number of denominational groups and organizations teach that salvation is secured when one has faith and “accepts Jesus.” This doctrine is not only foreign to the teachings of the Bible, it is in absolute opposition to God’s plan of salvation for man.
What does God say my response should be to attending, supporting or indicating any approval of those who teach or advocate doctrinal error? “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him” (2 John 10). “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness…” (Eph. 5:11). These are serious matters!