Mark 7:8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.
Two groups in particular that claim to be Christian, former Christians, started these religions but are not added to the Scriptures to lead others astray and into their religion.
Mormonism (LDS Church): Additional Scriptures and Doctrines
Biblical Concern: Mormonism adds the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price as authoritative texts, despite Revelation 22:18-19 warning against adding to God’s Word.
Examples of Extra-Biblical Additions:
God was once a man & humans can become gods – This contradicts Isaiah 43:10 (“Before Me no god was formed, nor will there be one after Me”).
Baptism for the Dead – A practice commanded in Mormonism but not encouraged or commanded in Christian Scripture.
Multiple Gods & Eternal Progression – Mormons believe in many gods, while the Bible teaches that there is only one God (Isaiah 44:6).
Temple Works & Secret Rituals – Mormon temples require specific ordinances for salvation that Jesus never taught.
Bible Verses Against These Traditions.
Galatians 1:8 – “If we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!”
Deuteronomy 4:2 – “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it.”
Isaiah 8:20 – “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses: Doctrinal Changes & Organizational Control
Biblical Concern: Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW) deny key biblical doctrines and elevate their Governing Body as the sole interpreters of Scripture.
Examples of Extra-Biblical Additions:
Denying Christ’s Deity – JW doctrine teaches that Jesus is not God but rather Michael the Archangel, contradicting John 1:1 (“The Word was God”).
Changing the Bible (New World Translation) – The JW Bible alters key passages to fit their theology (e.g., John 1:1 changes “God” to “a god”).
The requirement to Be in Jehovah’s Organization for Salvation – The Watchtower teaches that salvation comes through belonging to their group. In contrast, Romans 10:13 says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Forbidding Blood Transfusions– Based on a misinterpretation of Leviticus 17:14, they refuse life-saving medical treatment.
Bible Verses Against These Traditions:
John 8:24 – “If you do not believe that I am He, you will indeed die in your sins.”
Titus 2:13– “Jesus Christ, our great God and Savior.”
Acts 20:28 – “The church of God, which He bought with His own blood.”
Conclusion: The Danger of Human Traditions Over God’s Word
Mark 7:8 applies because these groups add human traditions and false doctrines to God’s Word. Instead of relying on Scripture alone, they mix man-made ideas with biblical truth, leading people away from the gospel of grace.
True faith rests solely on God’s Word, not on human traditions or religious institutions. Jesus warned against this very thing in Mark 7, and Galatians 1:6-9 reminds us to reject any “other gospel” that is not based on the finished work of Christ.
Why bring this up? The know God coach is here to help you stay on the right team and play the right game so you can enter His eternal kingdom.
