Eden’s coolness spawned the first Sect. The twisted propositions proceeding from the twisted serpent produced a predictable procedure employed ever after. They are most effective.
1-Question, 2-Contradict, and 3-Replace are the threefold steps to establish any Sect. 1-Question: “Indeed, has God said?” -Genesis 3:1 introduces the shift from what the Scriptures actually say to entertain an alternative perspective: an open-mindedness to see things from a not-so-narrow viewpoint. Once questioning, doubt, and confusion arise, the stage is then set for part two of the process.
2- Contradict: “You surely will not die” –Genesis 3:4 ushers in the contradiction. It is not resisted, but entertained while reasoning along with the devilish representative. Quickly following, however, is the tantalizing allurement of part three. 3-Replace: “God knows…your eyes will be opened” – Genesis 3:5. Here is a novel prospect to a breakthrough to hidden sweets known only to the initiate biting its bait.
A Sect, following this original serpentine protocol, proffers exclusive insight, a lightened path, and fulfilling benefits unknown elsewhere. A man or a movement subtly shifts from the sufficiency of Christ Himself and His Word, to proffer a view of Christ and slant on His Word obtainable only therein.
The Lord Jesus becomes less and less the practical Head of His church while the group’s emphasis predominates. Alongside the Scriptures, certain views and writings arise and are counted as necessary to spiritual health. Questioning of its stance, leaders, and literature is discouraged or not tolerated at all.
Searching “the Scriptures daily to see if these things are so” –Acts 17:11 is feared by its hierarchy. Invasive directives about members’ finances dominate in a Sect. Suspicion of other persuasions prevails. Isolation from others creeps in. Pride of superiority infects each heart. Denominational tribalism reigns.
And as Adam and wife discovered in an instant, the promised goods were not delivered; only bondage, shame, and remorse were their portion when they joined that Sect. Death overtook them.
Welcome to our Sect! We’re so glad you joined us. Here’s what you can expect as our new member:
[1] Tithing Sect: “You have been alienated, estranged, and severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by Law; you have fallen from grace” –Galatians 5:4. “You were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ” -1 Peter 1:18,19. “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money” –Acts 8:20.
[2] Prosperity Sect: “You who want to get rich have fallen into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in ruin and destruction; by longing for it you have wandered away from the faith and stabbed yourselves with many sorrows” -1 Timothy 6:9,10.
[3] Warfare Sect: “‘Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’ But Jesus turned and rebuked them: ‘You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them’” –Luke 9:54,55.
[4] Traditions Sect: “Hypocrites: In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men. Forsaking the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men. You reject, make void, and nullify the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition” –Mark 7:6-9.
[5] Signs & Wonders Sect: “A sinful and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah. And He left them and went away” –Matthew 16:4.
[6] Deliverance Sect: “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your Name and in your Name cast out demons?’ ‘I never knew you; depart from Me’” –Matthew 7:22,23.
[7] Home Church Sect: “God, I thank you I am not like other men. I am of Christ! You are still carnal: fleshly: are you not walking like mere men?” –Luke 18:11; 1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:3.
How long will it take us to realize that by the Divine power of Christ, everything necessary for life and godliness is granted through Him and His precious and magnificent promises [2 Peter 1:3,4]?
“There is one body and one Spirit, one hope, on Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all” –Ephesians 4:4-6. Get out of your Sect: Get into Christ.