I think this thread was meant for the church I grew up in. Not only were THEY the only 'denomination' that would be in heaven, their individual church body were the ONLY PEOPLE who were true "Christians" and would be saved. If you left that church location, you risked losing your salvation because another church using the same name may not teach the same doctrine and thus were considered heretical and a false church. Your confession and baptism were considered only 'valid' at that particular location. At least, that is what I was taught. If you moved and joined another church of the same name, you had to be sure they taught the same thing....
I didn't 'leave' them, I escaped and ran. Rebellion and escaping the hypocracy I observed and what was heresy they taught, even as a teen I saw through it since it just didn't line up with what MY Bible said....
Now, many years later, the old 'hard-liners' have passed on and younger generations have toned down the twisted doctrine they taught.... I would bet that when those old timers arrive at the pearly gates they will be shocked to see others there besides their own church members! Maybe even some of their Baptist neighbors! They might even discover a Methodist or two! Ha! :laugh:
I won't name them because I am sure there are those all across the country who are true to the word but, without stronger accountability between churches, it was easy for one to really get of the 'straight and narrow' or lapse into exclusivism. I feel sorry for those who fall for that rhetoric since they miss out on so much of the Christian liberty we have that they severely stifle their own spiritual growth and development. Funny, some send their preachers to preaching school but, they didn't believe in Bible schools or seminary education.
While I go to a Baptist church, I don't like to wear any demoninational label as I'd rather be known simply as a 'Jesus person' - that's MY denomination. :thumbs:
Who told you???