How the Two-By-Twos Differ From Orthodox Christian Beliefs in What they DO believe . . .
REGARDING THEIR FELLOWSHIP:
They believe that their fellowship is a direct historical continuation of the New Testament church.
They believe that their fellowship is "from the beginning."
They believe that their fellowship is God's ONLY true way; therefore, all other church members, preachers, churches and religions are "false."
REGARDING SALVATION:
They believe that salvation comes by grace AND works (self-effort).
They believe that salvation is earned or merited through faithfulness and righteousness.
They believe that salvation is determined at death.
They believe that salvation is not possible WITHOUT BEING IN THEIR FELLOWSHIP.
They believe that salvation is conditional upon works and that it is not secure.
They believe that sanctification comes BEFORE justification.
REGARDING JESUS:
They believe that Jesus came to be a perfect example; a pattern minister or the way-shower.
They believe that Jesus' life is equal or more important than His death.
They believe that Jesus created a way to Heaven through His death.
They believe that Jesus created a way on earth by his life; which is one and the same as their fellowship.
REGARDING THEIR MINISTERS:
They believe that their ministers (workers) are God's only TRUE ministers.
They believe that one must go through their ministers (mediators) to be saved.
They believe that their ministers are the supreme authorities in Biblical interpretation.
They believe that their ministers have authority and rule over the members.
They believe that their ministers' viewpoints are considered as authoritative as the written Word.
They believe that their ministers' traditions are equal in importance with God's commands.
Ex Members of the sect have said:
Yes, my mother (still in the 2x2's) KNOWS her Bible. But does she REALLY know it? My poor mother would have to completely re-learn the bible to realize what all those verses, that the workers have always taken out of context, really mean. She could leave the 2x2's tomorrow and go into a good bible-teaching church and STILL would misinterpret those verses, simply because the wrong interpretation is all she has ever known.
Basically, she would have to re-learn (or learn for the first time!) the basic definitions of things like Salvation, the Trinity, The Blood of Christ...etc.
"I truly believed that the Two-By-Two way was the only truth. I was terrified I would perish so I stayed and believed everthing without question. Then things began to happen that I could no longer ingnore. I felt God leading me out of the darkness and into His marvelous light. How precious our Lord is to me now. I realize that it's not about a religion but rather a relationship. Praise God."
"I'm so enjoying the freedom of letting the Bible speak to me without having to bow to a man's interpretation. He says what He means! I can trust Him!"