Letter to the Congregations: 28th June 2025

Our Dear Brethren,

The apostles Peter and Paul came to know each other well as they traveled to serve their brethren in various places. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul pointed out a sin of Peter’s (see Galatians 2:11-13). Later on, in his second letter Peter reminded the brethren to be cautious about false teachers, or those who twist Bible verses to fit their own agenda. Peter specifically mentioned Paul’s writings alongside the rest of the Bible. This means that Peter considered the writings of Paul to be inspired by God and worthy of being included in the pages of the Bible.

“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:14-16).

For centuries people have researched and questioned which books should or shouldn’t be included in the Bible. This is crucial for God’s people to understand and be cautious about. If we can’t agree about what constitutes the word of God then how can we be unified in our beliefs and the work God has called us to do? Furthermore, if we are easily swayed by confusion and inaccurate doctrines taught by unstable people, then we face instability in our faith. In the same letter, Peter also warns us of this danger and encourages us to remain steadfast in spiritual growth in the “grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” who is the chief cornerstone of our spiritual foundation (see Ephesians 2:20).

“You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:17-18).

We should be settled in our minds about what we believe and where those beliefs come from. I encourage you to continue to study and pray. It might be a good idea to begin with the statement of belief from UCG and continue with a few study resources on our website (see below). Here’s UCG’s statement of belief:

“We believe that Scripture, both the Old and New Testament, is God’s revelation and His complete expressed will to humanity. Scripture is inspired in thought and word, infallible in the original writings; is the supreme and final authority in faith and in life; and is the foundation of all truth (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; John 10:35; 17:17).”

Fundamental Belief Statement about the Word of God: https://www.ucg.org/learn/bible-study-aids/fundamental-beliefs-united-church-god/fundamental-beliefs-united-church-1

Teen Bible Study on the Canonization of the Bible: https://www.ucg.org/learn/teen-bible-study-guides/teen-bible-study-volume-1-religious-study/canonization-bible

Links to Sermons and Articles on the Canonization of the Bible: https://www.ucg.org/tags/canonization-bible

Our love is with you,

Lewis VanAusdle

Pastor, United Church of God

NYC, NJ, CT, Malawi, Zimbabwe