Comment on How can we be sure the New Testament hasn't been heavily tampered with? by crimsonmvestro

Parent Post: How can we be sure the New Testament hasn't been heavily tampered with? · In Reply To

crimsonmvestro · 3/13/2025, 10:12:28 PM · permalink

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j.k.harwood2 · 3/16/2025, 7:10:54 AM · permalink

I hear what you're saying, but let's break this down.

The claim that Christianity has over 1,000 denominations is often used as an argument against its validity. But let’s be real—denominational differences do not change the core message of Christianity: Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who died and rose again for the salvation of mankind.

1\. Different Denominations, Same Gospel

✔ Christianity is not divided on essential truths

Despite differences in secondary matters (like church governance or worship style), nearly all Christian denominations agree on the fundamentals:

Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9)

He died for our sins and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)

God’s Word is the final authority (2 Timothy 3:16)

There are no "versions" of Jesus. The divisions you refer to are mostly organizational and cultural—they don’t change the core Truth.

✔ Islam also has divisions

If denominational diversity invalidates a faith, then Islam would have the same issue. Sunni, Shia, Ahmadiyya, Sufi, Wahabi—these groups disagree on major theological points, including the role of the Caliphate, interpretation of the Quran, and even the nature of divine revelation. Some Islamic sects even declare others as heretics.

✔ Division is a human problem, not a God problem

Jesus never told His followers to split into denominations. In fact, He prayed for unity (John 17:20-21). But humans have free will, and people naturally develop different interpretations based on tradition, culture, and understanding.

But does that change the truth of who Jesus is? No.

2\. "Leaning on the Understanding of Man"

✔ The Bible Commands Us to Use Wisdom

You claim I’m leaning on human understanding, but that’s not the case. The Bible itself commands us to test everything:

"Test all things; hold fast to what is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15)

God gave us logic, reason, and discernment. Using evidence and reason does not mean we abandon faith—it strengthens it. Jesus Himself reasoned with people (Matthew 22:37, Luke 24:27).

✔ God’s Word, Not Human Opinion, Defines Christianity

Christianity is not built on "human understanding"—it is built on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The historical evidence and manuscript record only confirm what was already true.

3\. So What Now?

Instead of focusing on denominations, the real question is: Who is Jesus to you?

The Bible says:

"Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15)

If Jesus was just a man, then this debate doesn’t matter. But if Jesus is God in the flesh, the Savior of the world, then His words hold eternal weight.

I challenge you to seek Jesus for yourself, not just arguments about denominations. Read the Gospel of John with an open heart. If He is the Truth, He will reveal Himself to you.

Praying for you, my friend. 🙏🏼

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crimsonmvestro · 3/16/2025, 1:31:08 PM · permalink

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