I wanted to start a discussion to explore where the bible says that once you join a church and take their vows you will be held accountable by God. I've noticed a few churches that say this. And I'm sure it causes Godly fear for the members not to leave:
Catholic
Mormon
Are there any others? Please let me know.
But please quote scriptural evidence to support these ideas as this is the bible study forum.
It's pretty much the HALLMARK of CULTS in general.
"WE'RE THE ONLY ONES WITH THE TRUTH!!! WE are God's "ONE TRUE CHURCH ON EARTH". If you don't do it OUR WAY, You'll be DAMNED!!!! The Book of Galatians (the only church group that Paul DOESN'T thank God for) had allowed the Judaisers to come in and load the church with their "Legal requirements" - and Paul openly wonders if they're even a "Christian Church body" any more.
The CHURCH is the PEOPLE who are Born Again of the Holy Spirit - not the "organizations of man". All visible "Churches" are a mixture of Born Again Christians, and religious"Tares" who don't have a clue. Any "Organization of Man" needs to have certain "Ground rules" so that anarchy doesn't reign.
I'm a member in good standing, and a material supporter of the "Assemblies of God" denomination. Before you join an AG church, there's typically a "New Members orientation", but no "vows".
The Assemblies of God "16 fundamental truths". And their "4 Core Doctrines" are all well and good, but while I'm generally in agreement to some degree with them, they don't "Define me", my personal beliefs, or my personal theology (which is non-denominational, Non systematic, Charismatic, eclectic). But we get along just fine, and I can support their Corporate agenda (as a missionary society).