What Shall I Do To Be Saved?

By Rev. Dr. Curian Kaniyamparambil

Question 132. Prostrating in prayer, praying on ones death anniversary, offering sacrifices on that day, and the use of gold among church members are all against God. Aren't they all copied from the gentiles?

Prostrating (kneeling):

There are many instances in which people prostrated and showed their respect for God. (2 Chronicles 6:13, Heb 9:5, Dan. 6:10, Acts 7:60, 9:40, 2:15). It is written The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve (Mat 4:10). 'The Magis (Wise men) prostrated themselves and did him homage. (Mat 2:11).

Tertullian in the 2nd century wrote that We regard it unlawful to fast or worship on our knees on the Lord's Day and..., from Good Friday to the day of Pentecost. We Syrian Orthodox Christians practice this the same way, till this day.

Celebration of death anniversary:

This was a practice that existed in the church from its beginning, though not in that name.

Tertullian: We offer sacrifices for the dead on their birthday anniversaries We should remember that Tertullian lived 50 years after the apostolic times!

Use of gold ornaments by members:

The church members use gold. The church does not encourage any one to use gold. Nor do I believe that, using too much gold ornaments is something that should be appreciated. For a Christian, simplicity should be the motto. But using gold ornaments is not against God.

The Bible says that God is not against gold or its use (Exodus 28, 5:6, 8, 13, 14:15, 22-24, 26-27, 33-34).

I recently heard from one Protestant pastor that ladies in their community couldn't wear gold ornaments as it is against God. Abraham, the father of all nations, gave his daughter-in-law Rebecca, ornaments. ('Then he brought out objects of silver and gold and articles of clothing and presented them to Rebecca.'). Since Abraham did this, and God expressed no displeasure, why should we ban woman from wearing it?

Again St. Paul says, 'Similarly [too] woman should adorn themselves with proper conduct, modesty, and self control, not with braided hair styles and gold ornaments or pearls or expensive clothes but rather as befits women who profess reverence for God with good deeds.' This is the sentence quoted by some who teach that, gold should not be used. But what this sentence says is, it is not ornaments or dress that matters to God, but good deeds.

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