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Denominationalists claim denominations are a division of the whole. In their minds, the
"Church of Christ" or Christendom is made up of the various denominations of the world,
each going to heaven by their various means and ways. As they would say, they are taking
different routes to the same place. On the surface, this may seem to be appealing to many
folks. But Jesus said, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad
is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because
strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that
find it" (Matt. 7:13-14). The way of denominationalism is wide and broad. Their varying,
sometimes contradicting, and usually permissive doctrines cannot be conceived by any clear
thinking person as being a narrow way. Therefore, the broad way of denominations cannot be
the narrow way of salvation.
The diversity of denominational doctrines is very confusing. The topic of baptism illustrates this well. Some denominations teach baptism is a sprinkling or pouring of water not for the remission of sins. Others teach baptism is a burial in water not for the remission of sins. Still others teach baptism is a burial in water for the remission of sins. Yet, even others teach it has nothing to do with water for it is of the Holy Spirit. To the Corinthian church who was engulfed in diversity, Paul wrote, "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints" (1 Cor. 14:33). If men will put away their denominational creeds and pick up God's word — the Bible — God will answer such questions. The Bible clearly teaches baptism is a burial in water (Rom. 6:3-4; Acts 8:36; 10:47) "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Though there is nothing wrong with some types of diversity, diversity of doctrines such as denominations have is clearly without divine approval. Being a Jew or Gentile, bond or free, or male or female makes little or no difference (Gal. 3:28) in the Lord's church. Whatever we are, we all have a work to do (1 Cor. 12:13-25). But Paul exhorts Christians to "stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel" (Phil. 1:27). Again Paul exhorts, "Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" (Phil. 2:2). Unity is emphasized four times and in four ways. Though we can have diversity in some ways, we must have unity of faith and doctrine. There are not many "faiths" as denominations teach. God teaches there is "one faith" (Eph. 4:5). How can sectarians think they are "likeminded" and of "one accord" when there is so much diversity in faith and doctrine? With such diversity of doctrine, many denominationalists comment that they agree to disagree. Such things are in sharp contrast to what the Bible teaches. Paul wrote, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them" (Rom. 16:17). John wrote, "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed" (2 John 9-10). Once we understand the very concept of denoninationalism is wrong, we are amazed at some of the declarations made by denominationalists. The fact is some denominationalists have made some interesting statements. Martin Luther, a leader in the reformation movement said: "I ask that men make no reference to my name, and call themselves not Lutherans, but Christians. What is Luther? My doctrine, I am sure, is not mine, nor have I been crucified for any one. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 3, would not allow Christians to call themselves Pauline, or Petrine, but Christian. How then should I, poor, foul carcass that I am, come to have men give to the children of Christ a name derived from my worthless name? No, no, my dear friends; let us abolish all party names, and call ourselves Christians after Him Whose doctrine we have." (Hugh Thomason Kerr, A Compend of Luther's Theology, The Westminster Press, Philadelphia, 1943, p. 135.) John Wesley, another great reformer, whose followers are known as Methodists and Wesleyans, said, "Would to God that all party names, and unscriptural phrases and forms which have divided the Christian world, were forgot and that the very name [Methodist] might never be mentioned more, but be buried in eternal oblivion." (John Wesley, Universal Knowledge, A Dictionary and Encyclopedia of Arts, Science, History, Biography, Law Literature, Religion, Nations, Races, Customs, and Institutions, Vol. 9, Edward A. Pace, editor, Universal Knowledge Foundation, New York, 1927, p. 540.) |