Leaving a church, especially one you’ve grown up in, is never an easy decision. This article explores the reasons behind one man’s departure from the Church of the Nazarene, focusing on doctrinal differences that led him to embrace the teachings of the Church of Christ. He shares his personal experience and biblical reasoning for leaving behind the familiar and embarking on a new spiritual path.
The Nazarene Church: Early Experiences and Growing Doubts
My journey with the Nazarene Church began at the age of six. My brother and I were invited to Sunday school by the pastor, and soon, my entire family, except for my father, became members. I cherish the memories and impressions from those formative years. However, as I grew older, I began grappling with certain doctrines that seemed irreconcilable with my understanding of scripture. This internal conflict eventually led me to leave the church at sixteen, spending a year away from any organized religion. It was during this time of spiritual searching that I was invited to attend a service at the Church of Christ.
Discovering a Different Approach to Faith
My initial impressions of the Church of Christ were shaped by negative stereotypes. I had heard disparaging remarks about “Campbellites” and held preconceived notions about their beliefs. However, my first experience attending a service challenged those assumptions. The simplicity of the worship and the sermon’s reliance on scripture captivated me. The preacher meticulously supported every point with biblical references, a stark contrast to what I had been accustomed to. This commitment to scriptural authority ignited a curiosity within me.
Core Doctrinal Differences: A Biblical Examination
Several key doctrinal differences contributed to my decision to leave the Nazarene Church. These discrepancies centered on fundamental beliefs regarding sin, salvation, and the role of the Holy Spirit.
Hereditary Total Depravity
The Nazarene doctrine of hereditary total depravity, the belief that humans are born inherently sinful due to Adam’s fall, was a major point of contention. This doctrine, rooted in the teachings of John Wesley, asserts that individuals are born with a corrupted nature, estranged from God. This belief necessitates the concept of a “second blessing” or sanctification to eradicate this inherent sinfulness.
However, this view contradicted my understanding of scripture. Ezekiel 18:20 explicitly states, “The son shall not bear the guilt of the father.” Furthermore, Romans 5:12 explains that death spread to all men “because all sinned,” indicating personal responsibility for sin, not inherited guilt.
Sanctification as a Second Blessing
The Nazarene Church teaches that sanctification, a state of being set apart for God, is a distinct second experience subsequent to salvation. This “second blessing” is believed to eradicate the inherent sinfulness inherited from Adam. However, I found this concept to be unbiblical. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 describes believers as being washed, sanctified, and justified simultaneously in the name of Jesus Christ. This suggests that sanctification occurs at conversion, not as a separate experience.
The Mourner’s Bench
The practice of the mourner’s bench, a central element in Nazarene revival services, also troubled me. While I acknowledge the sincerity of those who participate, I questioned its scriptural basis. The emphasis on emotional displays and prolonged prayer seemed to contradict the clear commands of the New Testament regarding salvation: belief, repentance, and baptism (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38). The mourner’s bench often creates a scenario where salvation appears dependent on an emotional breakthrough rather than obedience to God’s word.
Embracing a New Path: Finding Truth in Scripture
My departure from the Nazarene Church was not a rejection of the people but a response to doctrinal differences. I hold many Nazarenes in high esteem and appreciate their zeal and sincerity. However, my commitment to following biblical truth led me to a different path. My journey led me to the Church of Christ, where I found a community that shared my conviction in the authority of scripture. This commitment to biblical principles continues to shape my faith journey. My hope is that this personal reflection will encourage others to seek truth and to base their faith on the solid foundation of God’s word.
