“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.”
2 Thessalonians 2:15
What exactly were the traditions spoken of?
Teach Sound Doctrine
“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. 15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”
Titus 2
The traditions do not prescribe bowing to idols and revering representations like what the pope is doing. On the contrary, God condemns it (Isaiah 44:6-20). Jesus did not remain an infant when He died for your sins on the cross. Celebrating His infancy is extra-biblical and does not get one any closer to the Father. Though appearing reverent, it is plain ignorance and a complete disregard of what God commands (Exodus 20:4). Obeying His command in steering away from idol worship is what pleases Him.
“…If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32
[Image Credit: ibtimes.com]
Excellent explanation of what is meant by the word “Tradition.” I would like to add a passage that was on my reading plan a couple of days ago.
1 Kings 14:9 (HCSB)
9 You behaved more wickedly than all who were before you. In order to provoke Me, you have proceeded to make for yourself other gods and cast images, but you have flung Me behind your back.
Every time you see a person who has incorporated an idol for worshipping the Lord, they have abandoned God and slung Him behind their backs. No one can serve God with an idol at the same time or using the idol to get closer to God because the person’s heart has been divided.
Exactly!!!!
That is why catholicism is NOT Christianity! I am blessed to have been brought out of this “practice” that celebrates a MASS that sacrifices their “Jesus” on their altar as their priest says magic words over their man made bread and man made wine and turns it into his his body that they eat and the wine into blood that they drink. Then their is their “mary” intervention for them-their mediatrix because their “Jesus” says there is more than one way ~Different “jesus” different gospel :'( It is sad that so many supposed Christians are defending the practice-making t seem like God is over looking their idolotry :'( If it were Christianity and God is “winking” at their idolotry WHY would He have coaxed me out through His Holy Spirit? <3 Great post!
“And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.” -Revelation 18:4 (NKJV)
I am convinced this is referring to true believers who are mired in Roman Catholicism. Only God can remove someone from there as He did you, me and everyone who has come out of that deep-seated false system. I do believe there are true believers who have not yet taken the step to leave the only church they’ve ever known.
Thank you Elizabeth and continue to labor in exposing this false church with their vicar of Christ leading millions to their destruction.
“I do believe there are true believers who have not yet taken the step to leave the only church they’ve ever known.” I do, too! <3