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August 2008  Vol. II Number 8

FOLLOWING JESUS WITHOUT DENOMINATIONALISM

The subject of Denominationalism seems to arise first in the Church at Corinth. Not so much as we know it today but in the sense of division within the body.

Paul addresses the problem in I Corinthians beginning in verse 1:10 immediately after his salutation.

1Co 1:10  Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1Co 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

So those that think that Denominationalism is a product of the Reformation take heed, for while the Reformation exacerbated the problem it did not establish it. In fact it was one of Luther’s greatest fears but he felt that it was worth the risk. 

When considering denominationalism the following questions arise:

   a. Why are there so many different denominations?

   b. Can't the followers of Jesus Christ learn to get along?

   c. What can be done about the religious division that exists today?

   d. Is it possible to be simply a Christian, following Jesus without being a member of any denomination?

Many would reply that the differences are not really that great or that religious division is good, for it enables people to find a church that suits them personally. Replies of this nature are, in my opinion, rationalizations and do a disservice to Christ and His church.

The question then becomes, “Why Is Denominationalism Wrong?” This missive will attempt to answer that question. First though let us begin with some definitions.

I. DEFINING "DENOMINATION" AND "DENOMINATIONALISM"

A. WHAT IS A "DENOMINATION"?

1. According to The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language

"A large group of religious congregations united under a common faith and name and organized under a single administrative and legal hierarchy.

2. From Webster's

"A religious organization uniting in a single legal and administrative body a number of local congregations."

In simple laymen terms, a denomination is a group of congregations that are joined together under some governing body. The number of congregations can be as few as two or many more. But by their tie to a governing body above the local congregation, by definition they are "denominated" from all congregations that do not submit to the same authority.

Some examples:

a. The Roman Catholic Church is a denomination made up of those churches that submit to the pope in Rome

b. The Eastern Orthodox Church is a denomination made up of those churches that submit to the patriarch of Constantinople

c. The Anglican Church of England is a denomination made up of those churches that submit to the archbishop of Canterbury

d. The Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod) is made up of those churches that submit to the synod in Missouri

e. The International Church of Christ is made up of those churches that submit to the Boston Church of Christ

These are just a few of the literally thousands of different denominations that now exist!

B. WHAT IS "DENOMINATIONALISM"?

1. According to The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, it is:

a. "The tendency to separate into religious                   denominations"

 b. "Advocacy of separation into religious denominations"

c. "Strict adherence to a denomination; sectarianism"

2. Again, Webster's dictionary defines it as:

a. "Devotion to denominational principles or   

 interests"

b. "Narrow emphasizing of denominational differences: SECTARIANISM"

3. For the purpose of this study, the term “SECTARIANISM” will be applied to any approval of denominational division which exists today. I concede that many people in denominations today are not all that devoted to their denominational principles or interests. Nevertheless, by membership in a denomination they are by implication advocating separation into religious denominations.

However, is denominationalism really all that bad?  Am I suggesting that one cannot serve Christ faithfully while participating in religious division?  The answer to both questions is "Yes!" To understand the reason for saying this, let us examine...

II. WHY DENOMINATIONALISM IS WRONG

   A. FIRST, DENOMINATIONALISM IS UN-SCRIPTURAL...

That is, it is without Scriptural support. There is no basis in the Bible for local churches being divided up into various denominational bodies. There is no denomination that can go to the Bible and say, "See that passage? There is our church (denomination)!"

In the New Testament Local congregations were independent and self-governing. Church organization was limited to within the local congregation, with elders (also known as pastors, bishops, overseers, presbyters) appointed to oversee only the congregation of which they were members:

Act 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

Act 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood

1Pe 5:1  The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

1Pe 5:2  Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

The only authority above the local church in the New Testament was Christ and His apostles. Once the church began, apostles were not replaced after they died, Roman Catholicism notwithstanding.

However, through the Word of God, the authority of Christ and the writing of His apostles the church continues. Individuals, synods, conferences, etc., that presume to usurp authority over local congregations today do so without Scriptural authority

   B. SECOND, DENOMINATIONALISM IS ANTI-SCRIPTURAL...

That means that it is not only without scriptural support, it is contrary to what the Bible teaches. It is contrary to the prayer of Jesus for unity among His believers:

Joh 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

Joh 17:21  That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

Joh 17:22  And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

Joh 17:23  I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

During his reign, Christ would delegate certain authority (e.g., to the apostles – cf. Mt. 19:27-28);

Mat 19:27  Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

Mat 19:28  And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

However, there is no biblical evidence whatever that he would appoint any earthly dignitary to function as “the visible head of the Church on earth,” as is claimed by Roman Catholic writers (Attwater, p. 388). Jesus is “the [exclusive] head” of that institution (Col. 1:18).

Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

As stated here at the beginning it is condemned by Paul in his epistle to the church at Corinth. There are to be no divisions among believers:

1Co 1:10  Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1Co 1:11  For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

Paul states that sectarianism is a sign of carnality:

1Co 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

1Co 3:4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

It opposes the efforts of Christ on the cross!

Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Eph 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Jesus died to break down the wall of division. Jesus died to reconcile man to God in ONE body. Just as sinning works against the efforts of Christ on the cross (for He also died to put away sin), so it is with denominational division!

   C. THIRD, DENOMINATIONALISM IS HARMFUL TO THE CAUSE OF CHRIST...

Jesus knew that unity among His disciples would be "the final apologetic" Cf. "that the world may believe":

Joh 17:21  That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

In view of Jesus' words, we should not be surprised when unbelievers are slow to accept the gospel coming from a divided church. Many people point to the divided condition of those professing to follow Christ. Atheists and agnostics often use religious division as an excuse not to believe in God. Adherents to non-Christian religions (such as Islam, Judaism, etc.) will often use denominationalism as a reason not to believe in Christ

Denominationalism has also given support and encouragement to the cults. Mormonism started in reaction to the denominationalism of Joseph Smith's day. Those who call themselves "Jehovah's Witnesses" use religious division to encourage people to follow their strictly-controlled organization

   D. UNDERSTANDING THAT DENOMINATIONALISM IS WRONG HAS LED TO THESE INTERESTING STATEMENTS...

From Martin Luther, the leader of the Reformation Movement:

         "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. St. Paul, in 1 Cor. 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 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 (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1943, p. 135)

From John Wesley, another great reformation leader, among whose followers are Methodists, Wesleyans, etc.:

         "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, Religions, Nations, Races, Customs, and Institutions, Vol. 9, Edward A. Pace, Editor (New York: Universal Knowledge Foundation, 1927, p. 540)

From Charles Spurgeon, one of the greatest Baptist preachers who ever lived:

         "I look forward with pleasure to the day when there will not be a Baptist living!  I hope that the Baptist name will soon perish, but let Christ's name last forever." - Spurgeon Memorial Library, Vol. I., p. 168

That day has not yet come, and denominationalism with its religious division seems to be as strong as ever! However, throughout the world, more and more people are throwing aside their denominational shackles. They are following Jesus Christ in the freedom of gospel liberty that comes from being simply a Christian!

Moreover, what may be a surprise to some, they are able to do so "being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" - cf.

Phi 2:2 Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Now that we have defined denominationalism, see some examples and shown why it is un-scriptural and anti-scriptural let us turn next to…

The Way Out Of Religious Division

Is it possible for people today to simply be Christians, without being a member of any man-made denomination? The answer is "Yes!"

Indeed, by following the example of Jesus Himself, we can be members of His body, the Lord's church, just as we read about in the scriptures!

To see how, let's start by noting Jesus' own example in the religious climate of His day.

I. THE EXAMPLE JESUS HAS SET FOR US

A. THE RELIGIOUS CLIMATE OF HIS DAY...

When Jesus came to this earth, the Israelites were living under the Law God gave them through Moses. In that law, God had not made any provision for the division of His people into religious sects.

Yet, by the time of Jesus, the Jews had formed several distinct religious parties:

         a. Pharisees (somewhat conservative)

         b. Sadducees (very liberal, the "modernists" of their day)

         c. Essenes (radical isolationists)

         d. Herodians, Zealots (political religionists)

It was assumed that all who were serious about religion would be associated with one of these groups

B. THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS...

Jesus was born a Jew so which sect did He belong?  He belonged to NONE of these groups!

He maintained a "non-sectarian" relationship with God to the very end. As an Israelite, living at a time when the Law of Moses was still in effect, He was simply an "Israelite."

In addition, He encouraged all to live by the Law while it was still in effect:

Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.

Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Mat 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

In other words, He encouraged all to simply be what the Law of Moses intended them to be, "Israelites"

       C. WHAT WOULD JESUS BE TODAY?

If He were on earth, would He be a Baptist, or Catholic, or Presbyterian, or Methodist, etc.?

If He was simply an Israelite then, would He not simply be a "Christian" today? That was certainly what His disciples came to be called!

Act 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

In any case, the example Jesus has set for us is clear:  just be what God originally intended under the Law which is in effect.  Since in the New Testament the Disciples of Christ were called "Christians", so we should be!

Not only should we be content with being "called" Christians, we should also be concerned with "just being Christians": Nothing more, nothing less.

Nevertheless, how can we be sure that we are simply Christians, members of the church we read about in the New Testament?  It helps to see what the Bible tells us about...

II. THE LORD'S CHURCH IN THE FIRST CENTURY A.D.

   A. PROMISED BY JESUS...

Jesus promised to build HIS church.

Mat 16:18  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it

The word "church" comes from the Greek word EKKLESIA, which means "a called-out group, an assembly, a congregation." Therefore, Jesus was promising to create His own group of people who have been "called."

   B. ESTABLISHED THROUGH THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL..

How does this "calling" take place? According to the apostle Paul, we are "called" by the gospel of Christ

2Th 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On the first Pentecost after the ascension of Christ, we see by preaching the gospel Peter "called out" those who were willing to express their faith in Jesus.

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Act 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Act 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Notice that those who gladly responded in faith, repentance and baptism were "added?" To what and by whom were they "added"? We find the answer in verse 47:

 "And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."

The day of Pentecost was the beginning of the Lord's church, His "ekklesia." This "called-out" assembly or group was created when the gospel was proclaimed and people responded to it.

   C. EXPANDED THROUGH THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL...

At first, the church existed only in Jerusalem. As the gospel spread, and people responded to it, groups of these saved people in various cities met together

each group became known as a church in a "local" sense (in contrast to the church "universal" which is made up of all those saved throughout the world)

For example, during Paul's first missionary journey, many such churches were established.

Act 14:21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

Act 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Act 14:23 and when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

By simply teaching the gospel of Christ, a local church was formed when those who obeyed the gospel joined together in their work and worship.

   D. EDIFIED THROUGH THE APOSTLES' DOCTRINE...

Though united in Christ, these local churches were independent of any human association or federation of churches. Christ directed them through His inspired apostles, as they taught them how to worship and work together.

Act 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Sometimes this teaching by the apostles was done directly, other times by appointed emissaries;

1Co 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.

Just as often, the teaching was done through the epistles or letters written by the apostles - cf. 1 Co 14:37; 1 Ti 3:14-15; 2 Th 2:14-15; 3:14

When we see what the Bible tells us about the Lord's church, we learn that by responding to the gospel and then paying close heed to the "apostles' doctrine" (cf. Ac 2:42), people in the first century were able to be Christians only, without all the confusion prevalent today.

However, is it possible for us to do this today?  YES!  And here is how...

III. THE WAY OUT OF RELIGIOUS DIVISION

   A. ACCEPT THE CALL OF THE GOSPEL...

Remember, Christ calls us into His ecclesia (church) through the gospel. Therefore, we can begin by obeying the same instructions that Peter gave on the Day of Pentecost:

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

By repenting of our sins, and being baptized for the remission of our sins, we would then receive the same blessings, as did the 3000 on that day:  SALVATION!

This adds us to HIS church just as He added them:

Act 2:47 praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

B. FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF THE EARLY CHRISTIANS...

The early Christians continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine. They joined no other religious organization, and neither should we! By being in Christ, we are automatically united with all others who are in Him! 

As members of the Lord's church, we should study carefully the New Testament description of the church that continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine.

This description is found in the Book of Acts and in the Epistles which follow it. It is here that we will find instruction from the Lord's apostles on HOW:  

1.    To worship the Lord acceptably

2.    To be scripturally organized as local congregations

3.    To live and work together as Christians, spreading the gospel of Christ through word and example

Since the apostles were guided by the Holy Spirit, we may be sure their instructions were exactly what Jesus wanted them to be!  If we duplicate the early churches by following the apostles' instructions, we will simply be "Christians", and we can be certain the Lord is pleased with us.

As Jesus said to His apostles about those who would receive or reject their instructions:

Lk 10:16 "He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me."                                           

Simply being a Christian, and duplicating a New Testament congregation is not as difficult as one might think. There are literally thousands of such congregations throughout the world.

Therefore, by following the example and teachings of Jesus, as revealed by His apostles, we can be led out of the religious confusion that dominates the religious world today!

Do you want to be simply a Christian, a member of the Lord's church we read about in the New Testament? If so, then first render obedience to the gospel of Christ as proclaimed by Peter and all the apostles:

Act 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Act 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

You have the assurance of God's Word that you will then be added by the Lord Himself to His church. - cf. Act 2:47

Then, you have the responsibility to learn and follow the apostles' doctrine as you serve the Lord Jesus in your life - cf. Act 2:42

If you have not yet responded to the commands of the gospel as put forth by Peter in Act 2:38, why not let the reaction of those who did on the Day of Pentecost describe your actions today:

Act 2:41 "Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them."

 


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