Page 164 - Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible Christianity. Based on the King James Bible

CUMBERED - CUP

a number of groups commonly labeled as cults: “another gospel,” and it is therefore cursed of God as
Christian Science, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, were the Galatian heretics of old (Galatians 1).
Theosophy, Armstrongism, Spiritualism, and Another example. I do not believe that the
Christadelphianism. We believe the authors erred in Assemblies of God is a cult or that those who are
limiting their doctrinal tests to “that which all the involved with the AG are necessarily unsaved, but I do
churches, Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant, including believe the AG teaches many false doctrines which are
the denominational churches, have always regarded as contrary to the Word of God and I therefore cannot
the truth about the being of God as drawn from fellowship together with them. For me to contend
Scripture.” Denominations are not the standard for earnestly for the whole counsel of God creates a barrier
truth; the Bible is! And Scriptural authority is not between me and the AG. These are only two examples
limited to part of the Bible or to certain teachings of the of countless which could be given.
Bible, but extends to the whole Bible. God nowhere Thus the term “cult” is not necessarily a helpful one.
instructs us to base our judgments upon or to establish In fact, it can be dangerous. [See Apostasy, Churches of
doctrinal unity by finding common ground between the Christ, False Teaching, Mormons, Roman Catholic
major denominations. Church, Seventh-day Adventism.]
We do not dispute the fact that some teachings of the CUMBERED. (1) Hindered and made useless (Lk.
Bible are more important than others, particularly in 13:7). (2) Distressed; distracted; burdened; troubled
regard to salvation. The doctrine of the Gospel is more (Lk. 10:40).
important than the doctrine of fasting, for example. Yet
the Bible enjoins Gods people to exalt all Bible doctrine. CUMI. An Aramaic word signifying “arise” (Mk.
We are to preach all Bible doctrine--the whole counsel 5:41).
of God (Acts 20:27; 2 Ti. 4:1-6). We are to earnestly CUMMIN. A seed cultivated and used for seasoning
contend for all Bible doctrine--the faith which was (Is. 28:25; Mt. 23:23).
delivered to us (Jude 3). We are to forbid others to CUNNING. Skillful; knowledgeable; clever (Ge.
teach ANY doctrine which is contrary to Bible doctrine 25:27; Ex. 35:33; 1 Ki. 7:14; 2 Ch. 2:7; Is. 3:3; Da. 1:4).
(1 Timothy 1:3). We are to observe Bible doctrine in The Bible speaks of cunning hunters (Ge. 25:27),
every detail--without spot (1 Ti. 6:14), as a solemn trust cunning workmen (Ex. 26:1; 31:4; 35:33, 35; 36:8, 35;
which has been committed to us (1 Ti. 6:20). The 38:23; 39:3; 1 Ki. 7:14; 1 Ch. 22:15; 2 Ch. 2:13-14),
doctrine of baptism is important. The doctrine of the cunning musicians (1 Sa. 16:16; 1 Ch. 25:7), cunning
Holy Spirit is important. The doctrine of sanctification is military men (2 Ch. 26:15), cunning women (Je. 9:17),
important. The doctrine of the church is important. cunning wise men (Da. 1:4). [See Cunning Craftiness.]
Eternity security is important. Pastoral standards are CUNNING CRAFTINESS. Skillful in subtlety; crafty
important. The woman's role in Christian service is in deceit (Ep. 4:14). This description of false teachers
important. Doctrine related to Prophecy is important. warns of their great cleverness to deceive. It is an ability
Doctrine related to separation is important. Doctrine that comes from their father, the devil (Jn. 8:44; 2 Co.
related to evangelism and world missions is important. 11:1-4, 13-15; 1 Ti. 4:1). The Bible repeatedly warns of
The passages of Scripture previously cited (Acts the deceitful character of error. [See False Teaching.]
20:27; Jude 3; 1 Ti. 1:3; 6:14, 20; 2 Ti. 4:1-6) do not [See also Beguile, Deceit, Dissemble, Dissimulation,
allow me to pick a few Bible doctrines--such as the Doubletongued, Entice, Feign, Flattery, Hypocrisy, Satan,
virgin birth, deity, and resurrection of Christ and Sleight, Subtil, Wind of Doctrine.]
salvation by grace alone--and exalt these as the sole CUP. (1) A small vessel for drinking or pouring or
basis for fellowship. We must stand on the whole measuring (Ge. 40:11; 2 Sa. 12:3; Mt. 10:42; 26:27).
counsel of God, and that tends to limit fellowship (2) A symbolic reference to partaking of something, such
significantly! as judgment or suffering or salvation or comfort (Ps.
Let me give a practical example of what I am talking 11:6; 116:13; Je. 16:7; 1 Co. 10:21). God’s judgment is
about. Many refuse to label the Roman Catholic Church frequently spoken of as a “cup”: (Ps. 11:6; 75:8; Is.
as a cult, because the Roman Catholic Church believes 51:17, 22; Je. 25:15, 17, 28; 49:12; 51:7; Eze.
in the deity of Jesus Christ and certain other “cardinal” 23:31-33; Ze. 12:2; Re. 14:10; 16:19). (3) A symbolic
Bible doctrines. In our estimation, this is a useless reference to one’s portion in life and one’s inheritance
debate. Whether or not the Roman Catholic Church is from God (Ps. 16:5; 23:5). The Lord Jesus Christ
defined as a cult is not very important. The fact is that referred to the Cross as a “cup” (Mt. 20:22; 26:39, 42;
the RCC teaches a false gospel which mixes grace and Mk. 14:36; Lk. 22:42; Jn. 18:11). The following is by
sacraments, faith and works together; it teaches Evangelist Al Lacy: We do not believe this refers to a cup
of suffering. We do not believe the Lord Jesus Christ

164 Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity