Question: What is the danger of Baptism, and how does it contradict the Bible?
ANSWER: I was recently asked this question via email... How much more correct it would be to ask questions to the Lord... And to receive answers - from the Lord. Then faith would be - from the Word of God, sent personally to everyone. So I warned you to learn to ask God questions and accept His answers. But what the Lord instructed - I will share.
I used to think that Baptists were not dangerous delusion. Well... somewhere they play it safe, they are afraid to make a mistake in the Gifts of the Spirit, especially - other languages, healings...
But it turned out to be much more serious. And every time I am more and more convinced: the man of sin, the son of perdition, has taken the place of God in God's temple, which we are - those who believe in Christ. And if those who believed followed these sons of perdition, then they too, rejecting the Living Lord and God, went to perdition.
This is the danger, not only of Baptism, but also of other confessions, where a person stood up to teach, instead of the Teacher - the Lord.
But right there there is a counter-argument prepared for these facts: the Lord appointed some TEACHERs… But did the Lord set these teachers to teach what HE DID NOT TEACH?.. Do these “teachers” teach what the apostles taught? flock, so that they do not depart from Christ, so that the predator does not destroy?.. Or do they just speculate on the teachings of the New Testament, using it for their own selfish purposes?.. Instead of teaching people to be DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST?..
REMEMBER: Behind every false teaching is a spirit of lies!
How is Baptism contrary to the Bible?.
If you look with human eyes, it will seem: nothing!.. But if you look HOW the Lord sees, and look through the prism of the Teachings of the New Testament, then ... you can’t count how many discrepancies there are not just with the Bible, but in general - with the will of God .. That is, these people are NOT FOR GOD, but AGAINST Him! Simply, these people, posing as pious servants of God, already have experience in manipulating people and their minds. They have experience in influencing the subconscious and blinding the minds with cunning and skillful lies so that those caught do not see the truth.
What is the danger - we have already said above. And not just Baptists. And any false doctrine, where a person strives to be the last resort for the rest. As supposedly having from God, it has special powers.
Here are some VERY SIMPLE facts of gross contradiction to the most important truths of what the Gospel teaches (what God commanded in the New Testament). If you have a question, then you yourself did not see it. The rest of the facts - I recommend looking for yourself, so that you can also learn to distinguish who is who.
1. "Who DOES NOT DENY himself and take up his cross (the death of the flesh) CANNOT BE my student ".Mat. 16:24, "So any one of you who does not renounce everything that he has, cannot be my student " Luke 14:33, This means that he will not be able to learn the Gospel, so as not only to believe (like demons), but to HAVE GOD'S FAITH, which is from the Word of God. THIS is when GOD HIMSELF teaches you (as He promised to teach and instruct all the truth of all those who have accepted HIS CONDITIONS of discipleship).
2. Be ONE, just as we are ONE with the Father. "Holy Father! save them in Your name, those whom You have given Me, so that they were united, How And We"(John 17:11). "I am the vine, and you are the branches..." (John 15:5).
Questions for reflection: Have you been taught HOW to be ONE with Christ and God?.. And you WALK in this UNITY?.. You understand that neither your hand, nor your leg, nor your eyes - without the command of your head, DO NOTHING.! And you - UNDER THE COMMAND OF THE HEAD - CHRIST? DO YOU DO NOTHING WITHOUT IT?
3. Do we know what "water baptism" is?.. It is immersion in water. which is a type of immersion in the death of Christ, in His burial. And the rise from the water - as a symbol of the resurrection with Christ. That joins us to His death according to the flesh. And to the resurrection. And denominations are baptized into their own, confessional, beliefs.
4. And yet - there is the Baptism with the Holy Spirit (immersion in the Holy Spirit, which brings us to God - to eternal Life). He (Jesus) will baptize with the HOLY SPIRIT AND FIRE. "I baptize you in water for repentance, but He who comes after me is stronger than I; I am not worthy to bear His shoes; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire; His shovel is in His hand, and He will cleanse His threshing floor." Matt. 3:11-12.
Baptists teach that the baptism with the Holy Spirit takes place at the moment of water baptism... And that the signs of speaking in other tongues are NOT AND CANNOT BE!.. - IS IT?..
The city of Samaria... Philip, who was not an apostle, and CONTRARY TO THE TEACHING OF THE BAPTISTS that only the apostles had the Gifts, has the Gifts of the Holy Spirit according to the Word of the Lord about all those who truly believed in Him. And as an evangelist. He preached the gospel, people repented, were baptized with water baptism, God performed many miracles with his hands: people were healed, demons came out, etc. But the Holy Spirit DID NOT DOWN ON ANYONE OF THEM! HOW IS IT?.. HOW DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU DID NOT DESCENT?.. You say - THERE IS NO sign of tongues?.. THEN HOW DID YOU KNOW?.. How did Simon the sorcerer see that the Gift of the Spirit is given through the apostles?..
Philip also baptized an Ethiopian. But the Holy Spirit DOWNED on him after immersion in water (into the death of Christ) - and the Life of Christ entered into him!
The Baptists say: "And so when the last apostle died, all gifts Spirit saint, given through apostlesalso died."
Extract from a Baptist source: Sword & Trowel 2011, no. 2: "The doctrine of the cessation of certain gifts of the Holy Spirit (Eng. Cessationism) comes from the creeds of the 17th century, in particular from the Westminster and Baptist Confessions. Both of these Catechism, speaking of how God reveals His will through Scripture, states: "These former ways of revealing God's will to His people are now closed. The first evidence that the gifts of revelation and signs have ceased to work is the fact that healings and miracles performed exclusively by the apostles and were special gifts confirming their ministry."
It's a lie.
And Philip?.. Was he an apostle?.. And Stefan?.. BUT THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT WORKED THROUGH THEM! AND Paul taught that the Gifts are given by the Spirit to the BODY - to each one individually, AS HE WANTS.. And he did not say that only to the apostles. Termination of the Gifts is a lie. invented by those who apostatized from God, why God does not act through them...
DID Jesus and the apostles teach this, that the Gifts will cease?.. that they are only for the apostles?.. There is no such thing in the Teachings of the New Testament. But when divisions appeared, contrary to the teachings of Christ, and false teachers took the place of God to teach, then the Gifts could not manifest themselves there either. And, to justify their false doctrine, the Baptists adopted such a symbol of their faith.
Well, the Baptists latched onto the words, "It's better to prophesy." Where are the Baptists who prophesy? These are those who read a sermon according to a cheat sheet?.. The one who prophesies has the Living Word from the Holy Spirit: the disciples of the Holy Spirit were filled - and they spoke. And when someone else had a revelation, the one who prophesied had to be silent. And I have already said - having received a revelation. DID YOU SEE THAT IN THE BAPTISTS?.. It is written: YOU CAN ALL PROPHECT. EVERYONE prophesies there? ..
More... Baptists are afraid of God's Gift of healing. But to go to a worldly doctor, and, perhaps, even to a Satanist, to chop off something for them, stomach there, or something else, poison it with medicines - it's easy with them! .. It's - they have "God" heals hands of doctors. And Jesus said that God heals with our hands - as through the Body of Christ. And who is right?
I have already named more than three facts and this is not the whole list. You can also refute the false teachings of other faiths. They also skillfully forge under the teachings of Christ - THEIR FALSE DOCTRINES. In the Church of Christ, which was under the apostles, there were no luxurious houses of prayer, they gathered at home, but they had everything in common. And they distributed it equally to everyone, so that there were no rich and poor among them. Is that the case in today's congregations?
Faith is tested. And faith must be GOD'S, not demonic (under various names that are known to everyone, but about which there is nothing either in the teachings of Christ or His disciples). Or maybe someone heard that the disciples baptized and those who were baptized were given the name "Baptists"? .. or - with a different name? - he is a false teacher.
Likewise, spirits SHOULD BE TESTED - ARE THEY FROM GOD?.. Because many false prophets have appeared in the world.
My husband and I in the Baptist community, which he used to attend, asked us not to be treated with prejudice and prejudice .. And for this we asked to test the spirit in us. But, no one did anything, only insults were inflicted on me. Then my husband and I, each separately, confessed that "Jesus, God the Word, who came in the flesh and died for me, is my Lord and Savior." And after that, the same question was asked to the leader-servant from the "brotherly council" ... He - did NOT confess Jesus - as His Lord! ..
Worst of all, in such communities, behind their false teachings, there is an unclean, lying spirit. Therefore, IT IS IMPORTANT TO PERSONALLY LEARN FROM THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. AS HE COMMANDED.
Read carefully - About Spiritual Gifts:
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Often we hear about religious movements, but not at all. understand their essence and meaning. For example, almost everyone, for sure, heard about the Baptists in their lives, but they cannot say their exact description, what their faith is and what their activities are.
Some condemn the Baptists, others follow their teachings. But in order to understand the situation, one should not show anger towards them, not knowing what the basis of their faith is. And it is necessary to objectively consider all the information about this movement, to find out for yourself all the advantages and disadvantages in staying in this faith, and only then draw your own conclusions, which will determine your personal attitude towards the Baptists.
Baptism is considered one of the currents of Protestantism. The first references to the Baptists in Europe were noticed as early as the seventeenth century, and then their influence expanded to America. According to some sources, by the year 2000, there were more than a hundred million adherents of Baptism around the world.
It is known that in the first years of Soviet power, Baptists allowed freedom of choice of religion on the territory of the union. But then, when Stalin came to the leading post, the Baptist religion was banned, and everyone who identified himself as a Baptist was persecuted. Now the situation has improved again, because all democratic countries give their citizens complete freedom in choosing a religion. At the same time, the right to completely refuse it is respected.
According to the Baptists, a person cannot be classified as a member of any faith until he himself consciously chooses it. Freedom of action in self-knowledge and independent choice is a key concept of the Baptists. They value and respect the acceptance or, conversely, the renunciation of a person from what is alien to him. So Baptists are completely peaceful about the recognition of their faith and do not condemn for its rejection. They are extremely religiously tolerant and respected.
But this is only one of the moral values of the Baptists. To fully know a faith, you need to learn about the worldview of its adherents and understand whether you share the same views on life. First of all, important information is that in Baptism not intimate relationships are welcome before marriage, divorces, infidelity of spouses and abortions.
People who call themselves Baptists, according to their beliefs, refuse to drink alcohol, they do not smoke or use obscene language. Those who have betrayed these principles of Baptism are first tried to be restored to order. But with further violations, they are expelled from the church and renounce their religion. Family values, which are inherent in Baptists, should be highly valued.
Marriages, in general, they enter into with those who share their faith. Then in such an alliance they lead sober healthy lifestyle lives, are often not limited to raising only one child, attend services together and also perform other rituals.
They give their children both religious and secular education. Baptist parents instill in their children the values and moral principles of religion, but at the same time try not to limit the circle of communication of children with non-Baptist peers.
A distinctive fact is that, unlike representatives of other faiths, each of the Baptists belongs to a particular church, or, in other words, to a community. Each of these communities is a single team that attends worship services together and, under equal conditions, responsible for the life of the team.
Baptists pay special attention to prayer. They read the Christian prayer "Our Father" at the beginning and at the end of the day, before meals, and also at will during the day. Sunday worship can also be called an integral part of the Baptist denomination. For them, it also constitutes a separate ritual, which must be adhered to.
Holidays for Baptists are all the same that are common to all Christians. Baptists also consider marriages that they enter into in their churches as sacraments. In infancy, they perform rituals of blessing children. This is significantly different from traditional baptism, since it is believed that they have no right to decide for another person what faith to accept. Therefore, the rite of baptism takes place already at a more adult, conscious age, independently choosing this faith.
Baptists are not isolated, and the doors of their temples are always open to new parishioners. They are tolerant of both the followers of their faith and adherents of another religion, being tolerant and showing respect for the environment.
Appearance in our time a large number sects and heretical teachings urges us to give the Orthodox Christian the opportunity to get acquainted with the teachings of the Holy Orthodox Church regarding some of these errors.
We bring to the attention of pious Christians this small pamphlet, published at one time by the Optina elders. We hope that it will help to establish oneself in the Holy Orthodox Faith and arm oneself against false teachers, who are especially intensifying their activities now - during the period of the spiritual transformation of society.
May our Lord strengthen us all in all piety and purity.
Their origin
Their original name was Anabaptists, that is, re-baptists, since the baptism received in childhood was considered invalid by the sect and baptized again. This sect, one of the violent ones, is the offspring of the Western Reformation of the sixteenth century. Pastor Thomas Müntzer (1523) considered Catholicism and Protestantism not only useless, but even dangerous, because they distorted the commandments of God. Therefore, he called a new generation, enlightened by His Spirit. Müntzer's sermons flattered human passions, the people strove to listen to them, and Müntzer's followers were all rebaptized. Soon the farmers in Franconia, numbering more than forty thousand, rebelled against the owners, but the rebels were defeated. Müntzer is captured and executed. In 1533, the Anabaptists caused a new turmoil in Westphalia in the city of Münster, where, having overthrown the city government and seized the city, they proclaimed the apprentice tailor John of Leiden king of the new Zion. The army of the Bishop of Münster laid siege to the city, John of Leiden and his companions were taken prisoner and put to a painful death. Among the remarkable false prophets among the Anabaptists in the middle of the 16th century was Melchior Hoffmann, who gave his name to a particular sect; he spread many ravings about the millennium and died in Strasbourg, where he was imprisoned for his teachings. But the strongest and most lasting influence on his co-religionists was Simonides Mennon, a Friesian Catholic priest who accepted the teachings of Luther; he united the Anabaptists into a community and replaced their shaky beliefs with a positive doctrine.
In addition to the Dutch and German Anabaptist sects, there is a Baptist sect in England, Scotland and North America. From the beginning of the 17th century, they could already unite in communities; their main imaginary ones: baptism only for adults and faith in Christ the Redeemer without deeds. Then they reject the Apostolic Council, the Sacraments, the Hierarchy, Holy Tradition, fasting, monasticism, and the whole church system in general; also veneration Holy Mother of God, invocation of saints, veneration of relics, icons and prayers for the dead.
The teaching of the Baptists originated from the Western Reformation, the era of the struggle of human passions. They appeared on the world stage as self-proclaimed preachers and teachers, thereby violating the divine order laid down by the Founder of Christianity, the Lord Jesus Christ; for he said to the apostles, and in the person of their successors: As the Father sent me, so I send you(), and as the apostle Paul says: No one accepts this honor on his own, but he who is called by God, like Aaron ().
So, the Baptist sect is a phenomenon of the near future; they appeared with their sermon by themselves, without divine witness, which justified the words of the Savior: He who does not enter the sheepfold through the door, but crosses the other way, the same is a thief and a robber ().
Here is the groundlessness of their teaching:
About adult baptism only
Baptists, without baptizing babies, forget that circumcision was established by God in the Old Testament Church, on the eighth day after birth with the name (). It was a sign of entering into a covenant with God, uniting with Him in spirit and the inheritance of His vows. It, as a great, necessary thing, was protected by the threat: "The uncircumcised on the eighth day his soul will be cut off from his people"(). It served as a prototype of baptism, which is rebirth into spiritual, holy life, about the omission of which it is strictly said: "Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God"(). Therefore, a baby who died before the age, that is, not baptized, remains outside the promises. In Holy Scripture there is no prohibition to baptize infants, on the contrary, there are clear indications of examples of baptism of children: “Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of sins; and receive the gift of St. Spirit. For the promise belongs to you and to your children.”(). Sectarians say that children without baptism are pure from original sin, their sins are forgiven for the sake of the Name of Jesus (), they are holy (); but after all, the world was redeemed by the blood of Christ (), but can he be saved without baptism? No, as stated above ().
On Faith and Works
Faith is a person's heartfelt attraction to God: “Have the faith of God, therefore I say to you: whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you will receive and it will be for you” ().
Faith is also the knowledge of God: “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”(). Faith of the heart can also be among the Gentiles, such as, for example, the centurion () and the wife of the Canaanite (); good deeds can also be among the pagans, like the centurion Cornelius (). Therefore, whoever has faith of the heart and good deeds, but does not have true dogma, is like a good pagan, but is not a true Christian, and therefore sectarians who do not have true dogma cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven, for it is said: “that we should no longer be babies, tossed about by every wind of doctrine, by the craftiness of men, by the cunning art of deceit”(). And elsewhere the Apostle Paul clearly says: “If we, or an angel from heaven, announces to you more than a gospel, let him be anathema”(). And so, the Baptists self-confidently teach that the justification of man consists in faith alone without works, referring to the fact that Christ offered a sacrifice for the sins of people for all time, and thus pass over in silence the doctrine of the good works of the Savior and the Apostles. Christ in the Sermon on the Mount, instructing the people in good deeds, charged them with the duty to reach perfection in them: “Be therefore perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect”(), - and at the Last Judgment, according to the teachings of the Savior, only deeds will justify believers (). The Apostle James says: “Faith, if you don’t have deeds, is dead about yourself”(). The Apostle Paul, instructing the Corinthians about good deeds, shows them the Apostolic deeds as an example: “In everything we show ourselves as servants of God, in great patience, in calamities, in needs, in difficult circumstances. Under blows in dungeons, in exiles, in labors, in vigils, in fasts.. The Apostle counts the same similar cases in the epistle to the Hebrews (). But the Baptists, against such clear and obvious truths, set up a lie, in truth: "Lie to yourself"(), that is, according to St. Athanasius: "untruth was exhausted."
About the Church
"Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in their midst"(). With this saying, the Baptists cover up their unauthorized assembly, but the composition of the Church is completely different: "And he(Christ) appointed some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as shepherds and teachers. To the perfection of the saints, for the work of service, for the building up of the body of Christ"(). Eternity of the Church: “And I say to you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build mine, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” (); "I am with you all the days until the end of time"(). Unity of the Church: “And so you are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Being established on the basis of the Apostles and Prophets, having Jesus Christ Himself as the cornerstone" (). "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism"(). Holiness of the Church: Holy because she was sanctified by Jesus Christ through His teaching, prayer, suffering and through the sacraments: “Sanctify them with Thy truth; your word is truth. Just as You sent Me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And for them I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. I do not only pray for them, but also for those who believe in Me, according to their word; May they all be one: as You, the Father are in Me, and I in You, so may they also be one in Us.”(). But there can be sinners in the Church of Christ, as can be seen from the Apocalypse; for the Church of Ephesus is reproached for having left her former love (), - Pergamum for the fact that there are Nicolaitans (). Sacraments of the Church: John Chrysostom says: “As the Son of God is of our nature, so we are of His essence; and just as He has us in Himself, so we have Him in ourselves.” This is accomplished in Baptism and supported by repentance and communion. Blessed Theodoret also says: “As Eve was created from Adam, so we are from the Lord Christ. We are buried with Him and rise in baptism, eat His body and drink His blood: “Eat My flesh and drink My blood, have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” (). There is no salvation outside the Church, as Christ said: “If he does not listen to the Church, then let him be to you, like a pagan and a publican”(). After this, what about the Baptist meeting? These are those who say that they are true Christians, but they are not such, but lie; this is a satanic assembly ().
About Hierarchy
Sectarians call themselves saints, referring to themselves the saying: "And he made us kings and priests to his God and Father"(); but it says in Old Testament conditionally: "If you keep my covenant, you will be a kingdom of priests and a holy people"(). The hierarchy has a historical origin, its beginning was laid by God Himself, who called Aaron and his sons for priesthood in the Tabernacle (); her dignity is protected by a terrible punishment: "If any outsider approaches, he will be put to death"(). But the priesthood of the Old Testament, as imperfect, was replaced by the most perfect priesthood of Christ, which is irrevocable, eternal, for it is strengthened by the oath of God; "The Lord has sworn, and will not repent: You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek"(). Arranging the Hierarchy, Christ granted only the Apostles, and in the person of their successors, the right to teach people the faith, perform the sacraments for them, and rule them to salvation. Appearing to the disciples after the Resurrection, Christ said: “All power has been given to me in heaven and on earth; go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”(). In the Church of Christ, three degrees of priesthood have been established: episcopal (), presbyter (), deacon (). Self-appointed teachers are called by the Apostles false teachers, false apostles, crafty workers. Apostle Peter says: “There were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will introduce destructive heresies and, denying the Lord who redeemed them, will bring swift destruction upon themselves”(), also the Apostle Paul says: “False apostles, crafty workers, disguise themselves as the Apostles of Christ. And no wonder, because Satan himself takes the form of an angel of light.(). So, the Word of God deposes the teachers of the Baptists to the end, and the 6th canon of the Gangra Council also says: “If anyone, apart from the Church, makes up a special assembly and, despising, wants to create church, not having a presbyter with him at the behest of the Bishop, let him be under an oath.” Unfortunately, sectarians have ears and do not hear.
About Sacred Tradition
Moses fasted for forty days before receiving the law, did not eat bread and did not drink water ( ). Christ, teaching about the exorcism of evil spirits, said: “This kind is driven out only by prayer and fasting”(). The Savior showed the example of a great fasting and hermit as follows: "Truly, I tell you, of those born of women, John the Baptist did not rise again."(). The benefit of fasting is that it curbs carnality and promotes exercise in prayer, while the Baptists stand for the opposite, which only promotes bodily life. Monasticism is the highest spiritual life, likening the life of an angel; Jesus Christ showed her example, as it is said: And he was there in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan, and he was with the beasts, and angels ministered to him.(; ). So did monastic ascetics at all times of Christian history. “Those whom the whole world was not worthy wandered through the deserts and mountains and ravines of the earth”(). Truly these were men of high spirit; their deeds consisted in the glorification of God, in spiritual help and consolation of neighbors; besides this, they were seers and prayer books for the salvation of people, they were "light of the world, salt of the earth", their deeds are kept by history on their tablets.
Baptists say that one Holy Scripture is enough for salvation, which everyone has the right to understand and explain according to his conviction; but under such a condition, is general agreement and unity possible? Doesn't Scripture say: “Strive to keep the unity of spirit in the union of peace. One Lord, one faith, one baptism"(), that is, the path to unity is opened by faith, which is one for all, as if one-word. This concept follows from the words of the Savior: “May they all be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, so may they also be one in Us.”(). Can this be in a society where everyone has his own point of view, where the ability to understand is infinitely diverse? And such absurdity is called teaching! However, the whole teaching of the Baptists is a daring absurdity. “I am saved,” they say furiously, inspired by a flattering spirit, pleased with their blasphemy.
Their prayer meetings are limited to singing, reading and preaching; at the end of everything there is a rite of breaking bread: bread and wine in this rite are nothing but a sign of the Body and Blood of Christ: crumbled bread and wine poured into glasses are placed on the table, and the elder of the brethren invites everyone to eat. Thus, the sacrament of the Eucharist, established by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper and commanded to the Apostles and in the person of their successors, with these words: "Do this in remembrance of me"(), the Baptists blasphemously depict at their meeting and blasphemously assume the form of the builders of the Mysteries of God.
So, the Baptists are the natives of not distant times. They are not sent by God, but come by themselves, as self-appointed teachers. Their difference is clear: they did not enter through the door, that is, not by succession from the Apostles, but as thieves (thieves) and robbers () to kidnap and destroy the simple-minded and ignorant from the flock of Christ. The whole work of their false teaching consists in this. to deceive the listener that the path to heaven is close and calm: "You only believe that you have been redeemed by Christ, and you are saved." Silent what the Savior said: "Narrow is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life"(); but in their insolence, having a burnt conscience, the sectarians do not submit themselves to the Gospel, but the Gospel is subject to their own false interpretation and instead of true teaching they bring outrageous lies and crafty words, which they think to justify their evil thoughts. Comparing the Orthodox Church and the Baptist community, we see that the history of the Apostolic Church, at all times to the present day, has hosts of holy men and women who, like stars in heaven, shine with heavenly glory and miraculous power; while the past and present of the Baptists bear no divine witness; these are people living according to the elements of the world, calling themselves wise, went mad (); for by their pride they have fallen into an evil heresy and, apart from fanaticism, they can imagine nothing worthy of a life of a higher order. Therefore, brethren, know what a danger there is to listen to heretical teachings when the councils of the Holy Fathers forbid, even under the threat of an ecclesiastical ban, to pray with Jews in synagogues, or with heretics in their assemblies. . Sectarians cannot understand that the contradiction of a clear and proven truth, as well as the rejection of the Apostolic Church, that is, the Orthodox faith, is a blasphemy against the Holy Spirit - not forgivable in this and the next age. The Prophet David () prayed for deliverance from such people; but the Apostle Paul gave us a warning: “Even if we, or an angel from heaven, began to preach to you not what we preached to you, let him be anathema”(). Knowing that "The Apostolic Church is the pillar and ground of the truth"(), we run from people living and acting under an oath.
Servant of God Lyudmila was a member of the Baptist and Pentecostal Protestant sects for more than ten years. At first she did not want to talk about her difficult path to the truth of Orthodoxy, but the argument that this interview could save someone from sectarian networks convinced her to answer our questions.
- Lyudmila, please tell us about yourself. How was faith treated in your family, did you have any religious upbringing as a child?
- In my family, my father's father, my grandfather, was a deeply believing Orthodox Christian. He was born near Diveevo, then moved to Altai. They did not even join the collective farm with their grandmother due to religious beliefs, and they had icons at home ... But dad did not inherit the faith of his parents, he sometimes said: “I think God is the sun, it shines, everything grows,” etc. However, according to his calm nature and meek disposition always felt that he came from an Orthodox family. Mamy, on the other hand, was a Muslim woman and its complete opposite - a militant woman, fanatically devoted to Islam. Until the end of her days, she repented that she had married a non-believer, and she and her father did not live very peacefully. When I got into a sect and I got a Bible, my mother began to swear at me often. And later, when she found out that I had converted to Orthodoxy, she literally rushed at me with a knife: “You drove our entire family up to the fourteenth generation into hell!”
At the age of six, a memorable incident happened to me. The children and I played near the school, and a grandmother was sitting on a bench with a Bible in her hands. Of all of us, for some reason, she called me to her and told me about God. I ran home joyful and shared my “discovery” with my parents: “There is a God!” But dad said sternly: “If you talk about God again, I’ll kill you.” Probably, there was still fear of the communist authorities ...
- How did it happen that you got into a sect, what prompted you to do this?
– These were the dashing 90s: the “Iron Curtain” collapsed, many sectarian preachers poured into Russia from the West – believe it as you wish! And then there is “perestroika”: there are no jobs at the factories, salaries are not paid. They destroyed everything, all our life principles; how to live, for what - it is not clear. By the way, in those years, educated people, the intelligentsia, mostly got into sects: leaders, doctors, engineers, cultural workers ... Their social position, status, did not allow them to live badly, but at that time they could not live well, they did not fit in into a new life.
And at this time, Baptists began to come to the school where I worked with a sermon. And back then I had troubles in the family, my son got into a bad company ... All this burdened my soul, and, feeling the participation of these people, their attention, I burst into tears ... It's like a conversation with a psychologist: tell him about the problems and already easier. And then it was very hard for people. And we began to go to their meetings and call others: “Let's go, there are real believers!” It was amazing to us that they devoted themselves to preaching the gospel, leaving their families, jobs...
– Please tell us more about the Baptists. What is the hierarchical structure of this sect, what rites are performed there, what are their “worship services”, what are the sectarians doing, etc.
– I was not particularly interested in the hierarchical issue, but I know that in the regional center they had, as it were, a “church”-mother, where everyone gathered, and they came to us once a week with a sermon. Then they built a "church" in our town, appointed a "presbyter" and bought him an apartment. Later, the sect was divided into various sects due to disagreements in doctrinal issues and there were more "presbyters". We all communicated with each other, but each turned to his "pastor".
The “service” went like this: we sat, listened to the reading of the Bible and “sermons”, reasoned, expressed our opinions about the word of God. All this, of course, developed vanity and pride in us.
There are no sacraments as such in the Baptist sect, except for some semblances of Baptism and Communion. Confession was made in this way: when someone wanted to repent, he went to the middle of the meeting, aloud called his sins, and the “pastor” at that time sat and prayed. Moreover, everyone could “confess” at the same time, listing the sins, some to themselves, some aloud.
The doctrine of fasting in the sect is also perverted; multi-day fasting is not observed. When one of us had some problems and asked for help, the whole community established a one-day fast and everyone prayed intensely for the needy in their own words.
"Baptism" was performed in the lake, a single immersion. I remember that during my "baptism" the clouds parted, the sun shone brightly. It seemed to me then that this was a sign confirming the truth and grace of the Baptist faith. But it was a demonic charm.
The preachers first told us that the Baptists were not a sect. Then they began to hold conversations on theological topics: they criticized Orthodoxy, spoke against the veneration of the Cross, icons, saints, against the Church Slavonic language in the Orthodox Church - they say that they pray and do not understand what they are asking for.
Now our Church is discussing the possibility of translating the service into “understandable” Russian. But this is unacceptable - this is the influence of Protestantism, "that berry field." When I came to an Orthodox church and heard Church Slavonic singing, I immediately felt: here it is, mine, dear; and until I read the entire Psalter in Church Slavonic, I did not receive spiritual relief.
Against the Cross and icons, the Baptists cite the words of the Apostle Paul: “God does not need the deeds of human hands” (see: Acts 17, 24-25. - Here and further, note ed.). They say: “Why do Orthodox people make the sign of the cross, wear a cross? Here, they leave their temples and continue to drink, smoke, fornicate - because their faith is not real. And with such cunning arguments they convince the ignorant.
They do not recognize saints at all. The Mother of God is called "just a good woman", "one of the best." While still in the sect, I once spoke with one sister about the Mother of God: “Look, we read in the Gospel: God has no dead, everyone is alive (see: Mt. 22, 32). So the dead are alive! So the saints are alive! Why can't we ask them and pray to them? Why can't I ask the Mother of God to pray for me and my children? I can ask you, why isn't she here? She is alive, God said! But she answered me: “Lyuda, let’s not discuss this with you (I felt the justice of my words!) - we’ll ask the brothers what they will say on this issue.” The sect cultivates obedience "from" and "to", unquestioning.
What spiritual state were you in when you converted to Baptism? Did membership in a sect affect your family and social life, relationships with people around you?
- Once in the sect, at first I felt delight, euphoria. Sometimes the words of the preacher caused such excitement... I don't know if they knew any methods of influencing people, but their speech was really unusual, with lowering and higher voices, different intonations...
I practically did not appear at home, I kept running, talking with people: we helped the families of drug addicts, alcoholics. It is customary for Baptists to talk very affectionately: “Come on, my dear, sit down, I baked a cake. Well, how are you? .. ”The help was also material. For example, a dysfunctional family rented housing, so the Baptists repaired both their apartment and the entrance so that everything was in order ... And this, of course, captivates many.
– Did you notice anything else in the teaching of the Baptists, besides the disrespect for the saints, which seemed to you incomprehensible, erroneous?
– I think that someone from my deceased Orthodox ancestors prayed for me, and therefore I had a question: why is there one teaching in Orthodoxy, and another in Baptism, why are we, believers in Christ, divided? I began to cry out to God: “Lord, You died for us, and we were all divided. Which one of us is right? Or maybe we're all right? Why then do our faiths differ so much? It shouldn't be the same, so someone is wrong about something. Help me understand where the truth is!” I grieved so much because of these doubts, I cried that I even had to go on sick leave.
Soon, in Baptism, one more thing began to confuse me - the familiar attitude towards God: "You washed me with blood, redeemed me, I am already saved." We were often told in meetings, "Raise your hand: are you saints or not?" Almost everyone lifted, but I couldn't. After all, I understand that I live far from holy, how can I say that I am a saint? “Do you understand that you are washed in blood?! You are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and Own of God (Eph. 2:19)!” And again I did not understand: yes, God is holy, but I am with sins, and nothing unclean will enter the Kingdom of God (see: Rev. 21, 27). So I began to see the discrepancy between the teachings of the Baptists and the word of God.
– And then you decided to accept Orthodoxy?
– No, for a few more years I wandered around the sects. I began to have insurance: I was afraid to leave the house, go into it, be alone, especially at night, I already experienced this in childhood and adolescence. Then came a terrible despondency, apathy towards everything, indifference to people close to the sect. They will come up to me to find out how things are going, to try to help, and I say: “I have darkness, I can’t help myself, I feel that something is not right here.” They told me: "Well, talk to the presbyter." And our relationship with him became tense. But still, I turned to him with one question: “I am attacked by demons. I pray - long, hard, I don't sleep at night, but they leave only when I baptize them. Why is this happening?" The “presbyter” answered this: “You are infected with heresy – the Orthodox spirit, you are tormented by the Orthodox spirit!” But I have already learned by experience how the enemies fear the Cross. (Then, after the adoption of Orthodoxy, one day sectarians came to my house, and I just showed them my Cross, and they recoiled and ran away!).
I had an icon of the Mother of God - "Vladimir", in a tear-off Orthodox calendar. I talked to her, prayed as best I could. I think that it was the Mother of God who led me out of the sect. But when the sectarians found out about the icon, they forced the calendar to be burned. I also read a book about St. Seraphim of Sarov and once said to my “pastor”: “What a great saint St. Seraphim was!” And he advised me to destroy this book as well: “Here it is that prevents you from being a true believer. Therefore, doubts gnaw at you and you are tormented. But I didn't burn it. And burned Vladimirskaya. But then, sorting through the papers, I found another Vladimirskaya, already a magazine size, and thought: “But it is growing, and I can’t destroy it!” And when I came to an Orthodox church, the first thing I saw was this particular icon!
So the Lord led me to the true faith, gradually leading me out of the sectarian darkness. But the enemy did not want to let go of his nets either: somehow I met a friend who had gone to another sect - to the Pentecostals. They pray with "tongues" - this is such slurred speech, gibberish, but in fact - demonic possession. But the outward life of Pentecostals is generally very pious. I went over to this sect, but even there I had no doubts.
Once during a meeting, when the “preacher” spoke badly about someone, I inwardly resented: “Why are you judging? You are all saints, you can’t!” In Orthodoxy, we do not say that we are saints. We see that we are spiritually sick, and with the help of the Church, her Sacraments, we must gradually heal. And in sects they suggest that we are already saints, but at the same time they condemn our neighbors, develop in people pride and exaltation over our neighbors, the spirit of hypocrisy.
I also read in the Gospel of John: Unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink His Blood, you will not have life in you (John 6:53). But Baptists and Pentecostals do not have the Sacrament of Communion. They bake bread, bring it to the meeting, pour wine into the cup, the "presbyters" break the bread and say: "Let's eat this in remembrance of the Last Supper." In the Gospel in one place there is this word - "in remembrance", but in other places it is clearly indicated that these must be true Flesh and Blood. “John the Theologian, have they forgotten?!” I wondered. “No,” they say, “it is implied.” “But then we cannot be with the Lord. We are sitting and celebrating a commemoration for Him!”
And that's when I was in last time at a Pentecostal meeting, all these contradictions were in my head and I prayed: “Lord, show me the way of salvation!” I came home, took out the Bible, and as if by themselves the pages began to open, where the truth of the Orthodox faith was pointed out to me. The next morning I called one of my sectarian friends: "Let's go to an Orthodox church, we are in heresy."
It was a weekday, but we found the priest. They began to talk, then the second priest came. We talked for probably six hours in a row, until the very night. They told us about the Orthodox faith, and we agreed with everything: “Yes, that’s right,” “yes, it’s written about it here,” but we knew the word of God, but now this knowledge, as it were, was fully and correctly revealed.
– And you were baptized in the Orthodox Church?
- Yes. But I doubted: do I need to be baptized “for the second time”, maybe I just need to be anointed with myrrh? After all, we, it seems, were “baptized”, and the clouds parted, and the sun shone ... But the priest explained to me that we are baptized into the Body of Jesus Christ, and the Body is the Church, and there is only one true Church - Orthodox. And I received Holy Baptism. And my husband, also unbaptized, surprisingly himself wanted to be baptized in the Orthodox Church, although earlier I persuaded him to become a Baptist, but he did not agree. And he went to the Church himself, began to become a church member, and became an Orthodox Christian.
– What has changed in your life after you left the sects and accepted Orthodox faith?
- I had unspeakable joy, I reveled in Orthodoxy, the canons, akathists began to read, the Psalter ... But immediately spiritual warfare began - something that is not known to sectarians. The former zeal was gone, I could no longer, as before, easily help many people. Now every step is given with difficulty, but I understand: Orthodoxy is a narrow path commanded by the Lord.
– How many years did you spend in sects in total?
– We were baptized in 2002, and before that I lost 11–12 years there… I sobbed, realizing this, but, apparently, I had to dig through the whole field in order to find the pearl, as they say in the Gospel (see: Mt. 13 , 44–46). Happy is he who immediately came to Orthodox Church, the pearl is immediately given to them! Therefore, when I see that many Orthodox do not appreciate the treasures of the true faith, I am very upset.
A sect is a devil's trap, staying in it does not pass without a trace. The spirit of delusion, doubt, despondency, as a rule, struggles with the former sectarians for a long time. But there is also a positive point - one priest of a high spiritual life told me about this: sincerely repentant sectarians become more zealous Orthodox Christians. They try to strictly adhere to church rules, all decrees, traditions. Now there are many apostasies in the church life. A delusion is spreading among the Orthodox that all faiths are gracious and pleasing to God: “Surely, in other faiths, are they not saved?!” I can't bear to hear this. One woman, being a sectarian, said: “But we are also Christians, we also live according to the Gospel, it’s just that the paths are different.” “No,” I say, “the abyss! There is an abyss between us! As the teachings differ from heaven and earth, there is nothing in common there at all!” Then she agreed that indeed the differences are great. But one can still understand when sectarians, heretics say so, but when Orthodox...
Recently, I often make pilgrimages to monasteries, where church principles are observed more strictly. Now it became clear to me why monasticism, asceticism exists, that this is the most convenient way to God. I used to consider it a mockery of myself and others. But someone takes on such a cross, and also rejoices and mourns for a day lived without temptations ...
– How, in your opinion, can Orthodox believers resist the dominance of various sects in our country?
- First of all, my life. We must have the Gospel spirit in ourselves, be its bearers. But it seems to me that Orthodoxy is in the blood of our people, the soul itself is drawn to it ...
– The last question: what would you like to wish to the readers of our newspaper and to all Orthodox Christians?
- Do not fall into sects! Save yourself and be real Orthodox Christians. But it's easy to say and so hard to do...
From the newspaper "Orthodox Cross" No. 90
